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Under The Radar

Money FM 89.3·Hosted by Chua Tian Tian·376 episodes

BusinessCEO interviewsBusiness trendsAsia-Pacific marketsInvestment insightsStartup ecosystemWeekly episodes

We speak with businesses, industry leaders, venture capitalists and startups on their assessment of the business environment they're in, and what the future holds for them.

Why listen

Get insider perspectives on Asia-Pacific businesses and market trends through interviews with CEOs, founders, and industry leaders. Under The Radar goes beyond headlines to explore what companies are doing, how they're positioning for growth, and what executives think the future holds, perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone tracking emerging opportunities in fast-moving sectors like tech, fintech, renewable energy, and real estate.

Series(2)

Episodes

34 min
May 25, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) From A&W franchise to world’s largest hotel chain operator and beyond – how will APAC ex-China region augment Marriott International’s growth story looking ahead? Its COO for the region explains.

Today we’re going to talk all about a leading hospitality player who began its business as not a property owner but an A&W Root Beer franchise!  Founded by J. Willard and Alice Sheets Marriott close to a century ago in 1927, our guest for today Marriott International got its start quenching people’s thirst during the hot muggy summers in Washington D.C.  The company then moved into serving food and becoming The Hot Shoppes, where it opened the first drive-in restaurant on the East Coast in 1928. The firm had also at one point dabbled in inflight catering as well as cafeteria management at government buildings and major institutions between the 1930s and the 1950s. But it was only thirty years after its founding in 1957 that the Hot Shoppes Inc. expanded into the lodging business with the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel in Alington, Virginia, and the rest was history.  The Hot Shoppes was renamed Marriott Corporation in 1967, before splitting into Host Marriott Corporation and Marriott International Inc in 1993 as it grew in the hotel business.  More recently in 2016, Marriott International bought over Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for US$13 billion, bringing in 11 new brands including St. Regis Hotels and Sheraton Hotels, making it the largest hotel chain operator in the world. In 2025, the region delivered its third straight year of record development performance with nearly 200 deals signed, adding over 28,000 rooms to its development pipeline. That’s a 32 per cent increase over the year, driven by growth markets including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan. But what are the key trends supporting the development activity and which is the most important market for the firm?  Meanwhile, the firm is also laser focused on doubling down room signings for its luxury segment brands including JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton and Luxury Collection. It is also looking at expanding beyond traditional gateway cities to emerging destinations with rich cultural heritage. But what should we know about the moves, and how will they augment the firm’s top and bottom line numbers? On this Special episode of Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Neeraj Govil, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), Marriott International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 min
May 22, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How is Temasek encouraging long term investors to put money into the green transition? Its Vice Chairman of Sustainability explains.

This time, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian got up bright and early to head down to global investor Temasek’s corporate headquarters located at The Atrium@Orchard to find out more about the key happenings at Ecosperity Week 2026. Organised by Temasek, Ecosperity is the firm’s key platform for sustainability and advocacy.  Themed ‘Asia’s Race Towards 2030: Powered by Innovation, Driven by Intent’, the event, which took place earlier this week, brought together leaders across government, business, finance and civil society to explore practical, scalable innovations, policies and partnerships that can help translate the region’s 2030 climate ambitions into real-world impact.  So where does Temasek see capital moving and how is it encouraging long term-investors to put money into the energy transition through a systems approach across renewables, infrastructure and other climate technologies?  How does Temasek see what makes a green project investable and how does it align the interests of innovators, policymakers and investors to get deals done?  And in terms of execution, how can policymakers and the business community come together to structure deals in such a way to de-risk projects while unlocking capital? Tian Tian posed these questions to Steve Howard, Vice Chairman, Sustainability, Temasek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 min
May 18, 2026
Under the Radar: What are the key opportunities for asset performance management solutions firm Evercomm as Southeast Asian economies walk the tightrope between industrial growth and net-zero ambitions?

Helping companies build resilience, unlock growth opportunities and navigate evolving regulations landscape across issues surrounding carbon, waste and energy – that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Founded in 2013, our guest Evercomm is a Singapore-based engineering and technology company that aims to assist enterprises in optimising resource efficiency, managing climate risk scenarios and meeting international compliance standards to ensure long-term operational and financial sustainability.  This is done through the use of the firm’s advanced planning and simulation tools that provide precision-driven carbon, energy and waste reduction strategies that are customised for different company’s needs and operations.  The company said its strategic partners include CTBC Bank, Mitsubishi Electric as well as Shell Energy. Its solutions are also used in projects involving the Punggol Digital District and the Jurong Port. But why are such asset performance management solutions provided by Evercomm Singapore critical to enterprises, particularly those in the energy intensive sector?  What are the key opportunities for the firm particularly in Southeast Asia where emerging economies walk the tightrope between industrial growth and net-zero ambitions? On Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Ted Chen, Co-founder, CEO and Chief Product Architect, Evercomm.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 min
Apr 27, 2026
Under the Radar: How is Elite UK Reit making itself more appealing to the investing community? Its CEO tells us more.

We’ll revisit the real estate sector today by looking at a REIT that is solely focused on the UK market.  Founded in 2020 and listed on the Singapore Exchange, Elite UK Reit aims to provide unitholders with what it calls a secure income stream from public sector tenants such as the UK Department for Work and Pensions.  The Reit’s portfolio spans across 148 properties which are mostly freehold or virtually freehold in places within town centres, near amenities or transportation nodes.  More notably, the Manager of the Reit said it is also tapping on sectors that exhibit strong growth potential in the UK, say purpose-built student accommodation and built-to-rent residential assets.  On the whole, the manager said the Reit has what it describes as a “long and diversified lease expiry profile and prudent capital management”, and is positioned for sustainable stability and growth from government-leased properties and the living sector.  All in, Elite UK Reit posted a distribution per unit of £0.0149 (1.49 British pence) for the second half of the 2025 financial year ended Dec 31. That’s around 1.4 per cent higher than the DPU seen in H2 2024. The figure also represented a payout ratio of 95 per cent.  Elite UK Reit is a counter that we want to talk about given how the firm is on the charm offensive to appeal to the investing community.  For one thing, the Reit had in February 2026 signed new lease agreements with the UK Government for properties occupied by the Department for Work and Pensions, a move that has helped it improve its Weighted Average Lease Expiry (or WALE) to 7.2 years from 2.4 years. The Reit’s manager said this is one of the longest WALE duration among Singapore Reits.  Beyond that, the Reit is also actively repositioning some of its properties including one in Peel Park, Blackpool. Its manager said the Reit has secured planning consent to develop a data centre building on the roughly 20-acre plot. So how will the moves augment the firm’s growth trajectory while increasing income stability? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Joshua Liaw, CEO, Elite UK Reit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min
Apr 13, 2026
Under the Radar: What are the key opportunities and barriers of growth for biofuel providers? CEO of Hong Kong-based EcoCeres spills the beans.

Today we turn our attention to look at renewable energy as companies around the world look to decarbonise and reduce their consumption of traditional fossil fuels.  Founded in 2008 with a mission to address the challenges of climate change, our guest for today is pure-play renewable fuel producer EcoCeres.  Backed by international investors Bain Capital and Kerogen Capital, the company transforms sustainable feedstocks into advanced biofuels and renewable products such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).  The firm says its solutions turn 100% waste-based biomass into renewable fuels, renewable chemicals and materials resulting in up to 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.  So far, EcoCeres said some of its customers include Cathay Pacific and HSBC, and that it holds 20% of the global SAF market in the years 2022 to 2023. EcoCeres is a company that we want to speak to given the rise in adoption of biofuels around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions.  For one thing, the International Air Transport Association (or IATA) had estimated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel could contribute around 65% of the reduction of emissions needed by the aviation industry to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the middle of this century (or 2050 that is). So what opportunities does this present for EcoCeres looking ahead? What are the barriers to producing enough biofuels for consumption, and which markets will be key to the growth of the biofuels industry?  Speaking of markets, EcoCeres opened Malaysia’s first commercial-scale sustainable aviation production facility in January 2026. But what were the reasons behind the move, and which are the other markets of interest to the firm?  Meanwhile, media reports out in December 2025 and January 2026 noted that EcoCeres was eyeing a potential Hong Kong IPO that could raise about US$1 billion.  But what was the rationale behind the move and how would the company use the proceeds, if it turns out to be true?  On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Matti Lievonen, CEO, EcoCeres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 min
Apr 10, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) On the Go from Jakarta — What should we know about the 13 AI-powered product features announced at GrabX 2026?

Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian reports from Jakarta, Indonesia in this “On the Go” special episode of Under the Radar, as she covers the key highlights of GrabX 2026.  That’s the Southeast Asia superapp’s annual product showcase, where the firm unveiled the latest innovations to be rolled out progressively this year. Themed “Your Everyday Guide”, this year’s event features 13 new AI-powered product features and seeks to highlight Grab’s evolution into an intelligent guide that supports users and merchants seamlessly from living to travelling, in Southeast Asia and beyond.  From a Group Ride solution that helps sequence a trip among several passengers efficiently, to a virtual store manager that uses existing CCTV hardware to monitor store operations and hygiene standards using AI, Tian Tian brings you a sneak peek at the firm’s new offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

33 min
Mar 30, 2026
Under the Radar: How is Stripe tapping on the increased adoption of agentic commerce and stablecoins for growth in APAC? Its Chief Revenue Officer for APJ Region sheds light on the matter.

Today we’re going to revisit a guest whose mission is to increase the GDP of not a country, but the internet.  If it rings a bell, yes, we are indeed talking about Stripe, the payments processing company whose aim is to build the economic infrastructure for the internet.  For starters, the San Francisco and Dublin headquartered firm assists customers from the world’s largest enterprises to budding startups in accepting payments, growing their revenue and tapping new business opportunities.  More specifically, its service offerings cut across functions such as pricing, billing, checkouts, payment links, revenue recognition to invoicing and marketplace solutions.  We are speaking to Stripe once again because a lot has happened since our last interview with the company in 2024.  Per the firm’s latest annual letter, Stripe reached a valuation of a whopping US$159 billion as of 2026, climbing up from US$106.7 billion achieved in September 2025. So what are the key drivers of growth bolstering the numbers? Also – how is the firm preparing for a world enabled by artificial intelligence, with technologies such as agentic commerce set to shake up the online shopping landscape? Meanwhile, Stripe is also big on stablecoins, having in February 2025 acquired stablecoin orchestration platform Bridge for US$1.1 billion. But how has the firm tapped on the speed and cost advantages of stablecoins in its business thus far? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Paul Harapin, Chief Revenue Officer, Asia Pacific & Japan, Stripe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
Mar 18, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What is Airbus’ assessment of its order backlog, and what are the trends supporting growth in APAC? Its President for the region spills the beans.

As the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Airbus provides products, services and solutions for the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space sectors.  They range from the commercial aircraft and helicopters that connect people from around the world to military aircraft and satellites that aim to protect citizens and countries. Its 12,000-plus Airbus aircrafts in service collectively serve over 48,000 routes globally, closing the distance between people every day.    In February 2026, the firm reported net orders of 889 commercial aircrafts after cancellations in 2025, higher than the 826 seen in 2024, while the order backlog amounted to a year-end record of 8,754 commercial aircrafts at the end of 2025. But how much of this is contributed by Asia Pacific, and how does the company assess the speed at which it is delivering to customers in the region amid shortages in Pratt & Whitney engines? Also – how does it assess competition from up and coming players in the region, say China’s state-owned planemaker Comac? Meanwhile, Airbus has said that Asia Pacific will need almost 20,000 new aircrafts as it is set to remain as the world’s fastest-growing air travel market.  But what are the key trends supporting the numbers, and how is Airbus working to capture and realise demand from the region? In this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to the Airbus Campus at Seletar Aerospace Park, where she posed the questions to Anand Stanley, President, Airbus Asia-Pacific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34 min
Mar 16, 2026
Under the Radar: How is Wegovy and Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk navigating the next battleground for anti-obesity medication with its GLP-1 oral pills, and how far is it diversifying beyond metabolic health to manage long-term risks?

Today we’re going to take you through the company behind the GLP-1 drugs Wegovy and Ozempic that are used to treat obesity and diabetes.  Founded in 1923 and headquartered just outside Copenhagen in Denmark, Novo Nordisk prides itself as a global healthcare company that aims to drive change to defeat serious chronic disease and build on its heritage in diabetes.  The Danish drugmaker said it seeks to do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to its medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure the diseases it treats.  Fast forward to today, Novo Nordisk’s global footprint spans across 170 countries, with production facilities in 13 of them, and 10 research and development centres in key markets China, Denmark, India, the UK and the US.  Novo Nordisk is a company to watch because of its breakthrough GLP-1 injectable medications for diabetes and obesity care in recent years. But what are the key drivers of growth for the firm right now? Meanwhile, concerns surrounding competition against other industry peers such as Eli Lilly continue to weigh on investors’ minds as they mull what the next battleground for the big pharmaceutical players will be.  That’s especially so with the expiry of the firm’s patents in key markets nearing. But it seems like oral pills are the next chapter for pharmaceutical firms targeting the obesity market, with Novo Nordisk rolling out its first GLP-1 pill for weight loss in the US earlier in January. With Goldman Sachs in 2025 forecasting the daily oral pills will capture about a quarter of the anti-obesity medication market by 2030, how will Novo Nordisk’s oral GLP-1 medications augment its growth trajectory? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Jay Thyagarajan, Senior Vice President, Region APAC, Novo Nordisk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 min
Mar 6, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) A sneak peak into the new Disney Adventure homeported out of Singapore

This time, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian reports from aboard the new Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship for guests in Asia and also the first to be homeported out of Singapore. Drawing on over 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Marvel and Pixar franchises, Disney Adventure promises to fill everyone with endless adventures and a magical experience. The ship has a passenger capacity of 6,700 and boasts seven themed areas, including the Marvel Landing which features the longest rollercoaster at sea.  Its maiden voyage will take place on the 10th of March or next Tuesday, and will operate as a “Cruise to Nowhere”.  In this Special, “On the Go” episode of Under the Radar, Tian Tian brings you more on the christening ceremony of Disney Adventure, as well as a sneak peek into what to expect aboard as she spends the next couple of days exploring the ship during its preview sailing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Mar 2, 2026
Under the Radar: Endowus’ Chairman sheds light on what’s next for the firm after crossing US$10B in AUM

Today we’re going to take you through the ins and outs of a leading independent digital wealth platform in Asia that provides bespoke investment solutions for personal savings, private wealth and even public pension (say in the case of CPF and SRS in Singapore).  Founded in 2017, our guest for today Endowus operates out of both Singapore and Hong Kong with a vision to help investors grow their wealth holistically and offer what it describes as conflict-free advice and access to institutional financial solutions, through a personalised digital wealth experience.  Fast forward to today, the firm works with over 80 global fund managers to provide access to investment strategies across public and private markets, hedge funds and alternatives.  The digital wealth platform had also in October 2025 crossed US$10 billion in assets under management after seeing record inflows and assets from Hong Kong customers tripling. The firm also noted that its alternative business surged to over US$500 million.  So what’s driving the numbers and what are the growth trends for the firm with Federal Reserve interest rates set to fall further this year? At the same time, Endowus also raised over US$70 million that same month, in a funding round led by Illuminate Financial and joined by existing investors including Citi Ventures and various Asian family offices.  According to Tech Node Global, the firm said at the time that funds raised will be used to help the firm scale further, and to zoom in on creating retirement solutions and pension platforms in Singapore and Hong Kong. Resources will also be channelled to AI innovation, new B2B solutions for financial advisers and further geographic expansion.  But how far are we seeing that play out? Where is Endowus moving into next and how will the role of its Singapore operations evolve? Meanwhile, robo-advisory AutoWealth had in January 2026 become the second digital adviser for the CPF Investment Scheme after Endowus. So what does the move mean for Endowus then and will it double down on efforts to grow its market share right here in the Lion City? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Samuel Rhee, Co-founder, Chairman and Group CIO, Endowus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 min
Feb 27, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How far has Micro-Mechanics’ move to decentralise production help it navigate global trade tensions, and what are the opportunities in the global semiconductor industry? Its CEO spills the beans.

Semiconductors are the invisible foundation of our digital world – powering everything from data centres and electric vehicles to smartphones and even satellites.  But behind the global chip ecosystem lies precision engineering firms that make tools and parts used in the manufacturing process.  And our guest for today, Micro-Mechanics, is one of them. Founded in 1983, and listed on the SGX-Sesdaq in Singapore in 2003, the company designs and manufactures a range of consumable tools and parts used in the assembly and testing of semiconductors.  The company also engages in the contract manufacturing of precision parts and tools used in process-critical applications for the semiconductor wafer-fabrication and other high-technology industries.  In July 2008, the listing and quotation of Micro-Mechanics’ shares were upgraded to the SGX Mainboard.  Today, Micro-Mechanics’ boasts a headcount of 450 globally, with five factories located in Singapore, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in Silicon Valley in the US.  Micro-Mechanics is a company that we want to talk about right now, given how ongoing trade tensions and tariff spat between the US and China have thrusted the semiconductor industry and supply chain into the spotlight. Despite global headwinds, Micro-Mechanics said it was somewhat sheltered given how it had plants set up in both China and the US.  So how is the firm capitalising on its relative advantage in the global semiconductor supply chain right now, and what are the growth opportunities present within the industry right now? How does the firm assess the role of its presence in Singapore, and the vibrancy of the local stock market in boosting its valuation? In this Special episode of Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kyle Borch, CEO, Micro-Mechanics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
Feb 25, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What should we know about Orient Express’ grand comeback? CEO of Orient Express and Group Strategy Officer of its parent Accor tells us more.

Today we’re going to turn the clock back to the 1800s to share with you the story of a young man, Georges Nagelmackers, who had just fallen out of love.  Like some of us who might travel abroad to take a breather, Nagelmackers fled to the US, where he discovered railroads with the world’s first sleeping cars.  The enterprising Belgian engineer decided to take that idea back to Europe, where he would launch luxurious trains leading to the Gates of the Orient.  That’s right, we are talking about the Orient Express, or the luxurious train experience provider that would later be further popularised by a suspense novel by writer Agatha Christie in the early 1930s.  Then called the CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagon-Lits), or The International Sleeping Car company, Orient Express’ inaugural trip happened in October 1883 from Paris to Constantinople (or the modern day Istanbul), redefining the meaning of long distance travel for luxury travelers.  As we know, the development of air travel has changed the way people move between places. That dealt a blow to CIWL, and eventually, the Orient Express made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1977.  That same year, the SNCF or the French National Railway Company acquired the Orient Express brand, and the last Orient-Express train left Vienna for Strasbourg in December 2009.  But hope is not lost. Nearly 140 years after making its first trip, Accor Hotels fully bought over and redeveloped the brand in 2022, expanding the portfolio of Orient Express to include hotels and even yacht sailings.  As for the original Orient Express carriages – they will be back on railway tracks in 2027, though details are still scant at the moment. So, what should we know about the Orient Express portfolio of hospitality solutions today, and what is next for the firm?  In this episode of Under the Radar “SPECIALS”, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer of Accor & CEO of Orient Express.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min
Feb 9, 2026
Under the Radar: What is next for semiconductor optics firm MetaOptics post-SGX listing and how does it assess the effectiveness of listing on the local bourse? Its CEO explains.

Today we’re going to take you through the ins and outs of a semiconductor optics company that made the headlines for its performance post-IPO on the Singapore Exchange.  Listed on the SGX in September 2025, our guest for today MetaOptics develops metalenses, or flat, glass-based lenses made with the same technology and process as semiconductor chips. But what does this mean exactly? Well, lenses are typically made using curved glass, which helps them refract and focus light rays, say in the case of camera lenses or magnifying glasses.   MetaOptics, on the other hand, uses a different process to make its lenses. Instead of using curved glasses, it uses a process called semiconductor photolithography to carve out microscopic pillars on a flat wafer, just like how transistors are engraved onto silicon chips.  With the microscopic pillars engraved on the lenses, the lenses behave like silicon chips, where their reflective index changes when varying amounts of electricity passes through it. This means the same lens can adopt multiple properties and perform multiple tasks from zooming in, focusing, or even shifting depth, depending on the situation.  In application, this means that devices such as smartphones, laptops or projectors will only need one metalens to perform multiple functions. This reduces the thickness and weight of hardware devices, making them easier to carry around. Beyond that, metalens can also be used to transmit information using light. This presents an opportunity for the firm to tap the rise in demand for computing devices in the age of AI. So how does the firm define its value proposition exactly, and what are the key revenue drivers for it?  Meanwhile, MetaOptics listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange in September 2025, and has seen its shares rise five fold in three months. More recently, the firm also announced plans to seek a dual listing on the US NASDAQ stock exchange. So how has the firm used the additional public capital raised? What are its plans for the future and what is its assessment of the effectiveness of listing on the local bourse then? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Mark Thng, CEO, MetaOptics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
Jan 29, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) All about the fishballs – what should we know about DoDo’s parent Thong Siek Global and its internationalisation moves? We head down to its factory floor to find out.

We’re going to talk all about a hotpot ingredient that is sure to be on your reunion dinner table on Chinese New Year eve – the humble, inexpensive, yet comforting fishball that completes the meal. Speaking of fishballs, one must talk about Thong Siek Food Global, who’s also better known as the parent company of Dodo fishballs. Founded in 1976 as a family run backyard operation, Thong Siek Food Global has since evolved into a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of surimi (or minced fish paste) based seafood products in Singapore. At its factory in Senoko spanning over 150,000 square feet, Thong Siek Global processes well over 28,000 kg of fish meat daily and more than 60 varieties of fish-based products including fishballs, prawn balls, cuttle fish balls and crab flavoured sticks. These are exported to markets across Europe and Southeast Asia as well as the US, Canada, Dubai, Qatar, Australia and more. But how is Thong Siek Global positioning its supply chain to grow internationally? Which are the key global markets for the firm? Also – what are the key product trends that Thong Siek Global is tapping to relate with next generation consumers?  In this Special, “On the Go” episode of Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Thong Siek Food Global’s factory floor to seek some answers from Novelle Lim, CEO of Thong Siek Global and Fayy Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Thong Siek Global.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 min
Jan 26, 2026
Under the Radar: How important is Work+Store for LHN Group post listing of Coliwoo?

It is back to the real estate sector today as we take you through the ins and outs of a real estate management services group that recently spun off its coliving arm on the Singapore Exchange.  You might have guessed it by now. Yes we are talking about the majority shareholder of coliving brand Coliwoo, or the SGX mainboard listed LHN Group. Established in 1991, LHN Group prides itself with the ability to generate value for space owners and users alike with its expertise in Space Optimisation.  The firm engages in four types of business operations, namely (1) space optimisation, where it redesigns unused, old and under-utilised spaces to maximise leasable area, (2) property development and investment where it engages in the acquisition, development and sale of properties, (3) facilities management including the provision of car park and energy management services, and finally (4) energy solutions, including the provision of charging stations for electric vehicles. LHN had in November posted a net profit of S$5.9 million for the half-year ended September 2025. The performance marks an 82.7 per cent decrease from levels seen in the previous year, on the back of fair value losses on its investment properties. Revenue for the same period, though fell by a more modest 8.4 per cent on the year to S$60.9 million. So how does the firm assess its latest performance and what will be the key drivers of growth going forward?  Meanwhile, the firm’s coliving subsidiary Coliwoo went public on the Singapore Exchange in November 2025. The move was said to help LHN better allocate resources within the remaining businesses within the group. So how far are we seeing that play out?  Speaking of resource allocation, LHN Group appears to be doubling down on its space optimisation business through its storage solutions subsidiary Work+Store. So how important will Work+Store be to the firm post-listing of Coliwoo? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kelvin Lim, Executive Chairman and Executive Director of LHN Group and Danny Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Work+Store. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 min
Jan 16, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) On the Go in Las Vegas - All about CES 2026 and Lenovo Tech World from product launches, key announcements, executives’ take on AI and more

The CES is arguably one of the most powerful tech events in the world featuring speakers like Jensen Huang, CEO of AI chip darling Nvidia, Lisa Su, CEO of AMD and Yuanqing Yang, CEO of the world’s biggest PC maker Lenovo. Happening alongside the CES was Lenovo Tech World @ CES, or Lenovo’s annual global innovation affair taking place at the Las Vegas Sphere.  Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian was part of the media team invited to the PC maker’s 11th Tech World, which featured conversations from its key executives, as well as a series of product launches and showcases.  In this three-part, “On the Go” Special series of “Under the Radar”, Tian Tian dived into the key announcements at CES and Lenovo Tech World 2026. She also sat down with Lenovo’s top executives to find out how the firm is harnessing the power of AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min
Jan 12, 2026
Under the Radar: How is Experia tapping growth seen in the APAC MICE market with Singapore Airshow 2026 and the inaugural Space Summit 2026?

Singapore has long been recognised as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions – or MICE events – backed by its world class infrastructure, connectivity to the world, and its business friendly ecosystem. And today, we’re going to revisit a guest that sits at the heart of this industry to kickstart the year.  Incorporated in 2005, our guest Experia specialises in conceptualising, creating and curating trade events of strategic interest that spur industry development.  The firm prides itself in bringing together what it calls “captains” from all over the world to inspire ideas, influence decisions and move the needle in strategic issues for global, national and societal needs and progress.  More notably, Experia manages the Changi Exhibition Centre, and is also the player behind Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, or the Singapore Airshow.  But why are we speaking to Experia you might ask? Well, the MICE industry which Experia lies in is experiencing exciting growth of late.  In June 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board said the MICE global market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 7.2 per cent from 2024 to 2032.  Asia Pacific in particular, is expected to take the lead due to the relatively higher growth rates seen in regional economies, the rising trend of business travel, as well as improvements in social services and infrastructure.  At Experia, the firm is preparing for the coming Singapore Airshow 2026 happening every two years. It is also organising the inaugural Space Summit 2026, an event which will see national space agencies, policy makers, investors and industry players convene to address gaps in the growing industry.  So how is Experia preparing ahead of the events, and how is the firm positioning itself for future growth, and working with industry players such as hospitality players to spur tourism spending and grow the pie for all? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director, Experia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 min
Jan 7, 2026
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) On the Go in Las Vegas - A first look into CES and Lenovo Tech World 2026

It is a Special, “On the Go” episode of Under The Radar with Money Matters’ Finance Presenter Chua Tian Tian, who’s roughly about 14,300 km away from Singapore in the US city of Las Vegas attending CES 2026. The CES is arguably one of the most powerful tech events in the world featuring speakers like Jensen Huang, CEO of AI chip darling Nvidia, Lisa Su, CEO of AMD and Yuanqing Yang, CEO of the world’s biggest PC maker Lenovo. The event is expected to host some 140,000 attendees from the 6th to the 9th of January 2026. In this episode, Tian Tian provides a first look into how AI is transforming business, technology and everyday life, as well as the innovations to watch at CES 2026.  She was also part of the media team invited to Lenovo Tech World @ CES, where she spoke with Amar Babu, President of Asia Pacific of Lenovo, on the key themes for Tech World 2026. Tian Tian will be back with more details in a radio Special, LIVE from Las Vegas on tomorrow’s Breakfast Show with Ryan, Emaad and Audrey so stay tuned!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 min
Dec 22, 2025
Under the Radar: Singlife Financial Adviser’s CEO sheds light on growth in Singapore’s insurance industry, concerns surrounding investment-linked policies and what they mean for the firm.

It’s back to the financial services industry as we speak to a financial advisory firm that’s wholly owned by Singlife.  Founded in 2016, Singlife Financial Advisers seeks to empower individuals to achieve financial freedom with its team of digitally enabled advisers, through innovative solutions that support its clients at every stage of their life.  The firm primarily looks at four areas: (1) Protection through insurance, (2) Savings and retirement, (3) Investment, and finally (4) Legacy planning, and is now seeing increased demand for services across the board in Singapore given a growing number of high-net worth individuals and an ageing population in the country.  According to numbers by data analytics provider GlobalData out in early 2025, Singapore’s general insurance industry is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (or CAGR) of 6.2% to hit S$8.1 billion in gross written premiums by 2029.  That’s supported by regulatory developments, economic expansion as well as a rise in market demand. So what will the numbers mean for the firm’s growth roadmap in the medium to longer term?   And as demand for insurance coverage increases, the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (or Fidrec) in Singapore is also seeing consumer complaints against investment-linked insurance policies or (ILPs) increase.  So what does this mean for the firm, and how will the firm ensure transparency in the selling of its products amid consumer concerns across the industry? At the same time, more support is also provided for the industry, with Singlife Financial Adviser’s parent Singlife setting up a shared service hub in Singapore earlier this year to help financial advisory firms with services like electronic financial need analysis, client onboarding and more. So how is Singlife Financial Advisers tapping the shared resource then? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Justin Ho, CEO, Singlife Financial Advisers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min
Dec 8, 2025
Under the Radar: What is underpinning Revolut’s aggressive expansion plans and what role will Southeast Asia play in this regard? Its CEO of Singapore and Southeast Asia explains.

Helping every person and business do all things money – be it spending, saving, investing, borrowing or managing – in just a few taps. That is the mission of our guest today, Revolut.  Founded in 2015, and touted as a “super app” providing services from digital banking, cross-border payments, equity and cryptocurrency trading, card services and even travel perks, Revolut has quickly evolved into one of the most talked about fintechs in the world.  With a network that supports 160 countries and regions, Revolut says it now serves over 60 million personal customers around the world, and over hundreds of thousands of business customers globally. And the numbers are set to increase as the firm experiences a period of rapid growth right now.  For one thing, a Bloomberg report out in September 2025 noted that the company is set to deliver over £4.1 billion (S$7.1 billion) in annual revenue this year. Media reports also noted that the firm launched a secondary share sale the same month, valuing the firm at US$75 billion, with some noting that the fintech darling is exploring a dual listing in London and New York, for what’s said to be its “blockbuster” IPO. That same month, the firm also launched its global headquarters in London and announced a US$13 billion investment to attract 100 million users and enter 30 new geographies by 2030.  In Singapore, Revolut plans to double its headcount within a year from September 2025 in line with the company’s wider ambitions to expand into Southeast Asia and around the world.  So what’s underpinning Revolut’s aggressive expansion plans and what role will the company’s Singapore operations play in this regard? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Raymond Ng, CEO of Singapore and Southeast Asia, Revolut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Nov 24, 2025
Under the Radar: What should we know about the bold strides made by ComfortDelGro in rolling out Autonomous Mobility services in Singapore?

Today we’re going to revisit one of our guests that’s long been a cornerstone of Singapore’s mobility ecosystem.  Think the yellow and blue coloured taxis that ply the streets, or the SBS Transit buses and Mass Rapid Transport or MRT trains we take to work and to go home.  Bingo if you’ve guessed ComfortDelGro, a household name in Singapore that has also evolved into one of the largest land transport firms in the globe. And talking about evolution and change, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the group’s point-to-point business, having in September acquired all of ST Engineering Land Systems’ shares in taxi operator CityCab for a total purchase consideration of S$116.3 million.  While ComfortDelGro had been managing CityCab since 2005, what would the full ownership of CityCab mean for ComfortDelGro? But beyond acquisitions, ComfortDelGro is also making bold strides in the autonomous mobility space.  The firm had in March launched its first robotaxi pilot programme in Guangzhou, China, as part of a partnership with Pony AI, a company involved in the large-scale commercialisation of autonomous mobility.  And in September, the firm announced that it would expand the autonomous mobility services to Singapore, starting with the Punggol area early next year, in line with the country’s plan to integrate mobility solutions into existing transportation infrastructure.  But what should we know about the move, and how would the introduction of autonomous vehicles shake up the point-to-point mobility ecosystem, and in particular, the relationship between customers and taxi or private hire drivers? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Michael Huang, Head of Singapore Point-to-Point Mobility Business, and CEO of China Business Unit, ComfortDelGro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 min
Nov 20, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What is Singapore Airline’s golden playbook for the future? (feat. Chief Commercial Officer Lee Lik Hsin and NUS MBA Programmes Vice-Dean Professor Jochen Wirtz)

Today we’re going to welcome you aboard Singapore Airlines as it reaches out to greater skies in a fast changing business environment.  Founded some 50 years ago through the demerger of the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in 1972, SIA has evolved into one of the most recognised and respected travel brands globally.  The Singapore flag carrier and its low cost subsidiary Scoot now fly to over 120 destinations, and operates the world’s longest non-stop flight –  a 19-hour ride from Singapore to New York City.  SIA has long been presented in business schools as a textbook example of “cost-effective service excellence”, combining premium service with rigorous efficiency to deliver profitability and brand prestige.  But how is this playbook evolving as SIA navigates an intensifying competitive landscape?  For one thing, the ongoing US-China trade war, Middle East tensions and oil price volatility continue to weigh on airlines such as SIA. At the same time, Gulf carriers appear to have grown in prominence on long-haul flows and now capture sizable shares on some key city pairs, given the Middle East’s status as a gateway to Europe.  To stay ahead, SIA appears to be re-engineering parts of its product and network. In 2024, SIA said it will spend S$1.1 billion to retrofit 41 Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft with newer cabin products.  There were also adjustments to mileage redemption policies in 2025, which prompted conversations among customers and industry watchers. So how does the airline distill the changes into a single, condensed strategy for the future?  Professor Jochen Wirtz, Vice Dean of MBA Programmes and Professor of Marketing at the National University of Singapore has been studying the firm for over two decades, writing extensively about how the firm manages the tension between achieving product differentiation and cost leadership.  And Lee Lik Hsin, is Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines.  In this “In the Community” Special episode of Under the Radar, the duo share their thoughts with Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 min
Nov 10, 2025
Under the Radar: From a mirror glass producer in the 1600s to a leader in building materials – Saint-Gobain Singapore & Malaysia’s CEO sheds light on the importance of the two markets and the firm’s strategic priorities for the future.

From a mirror glass producer into one of the world’s most enduring industrial giants. Today we’re going to take you through the ins and outs of French multinational corporation Saint-Gobain.  The founding of Saint-Gobain takes us all the way back to 1665, when Louis XIV (the 14th) founded the Royal Mirror Glass Factory, and granted the financier Nicolas Dunoyer and his associates an exclusive privilege to manufacture “mirror glass”.  The goal was to undermine the supremacy of the Republic of Venice in the European mirror market.  Decades later, The Royal Mirror Glass Factory and its competitor, the Thevart Company merged in the 1690s, and the enlarged entity eventually became the modern day Saint-Gobain. Fast forward to the present, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions for the construction, mobility and industrial markets. Some of its portfolio products include insulation, roofing and yes, glass.  With a presence in 80 countries with more than 161,000 employees, the company aims to be a world leader in light and sustainable construction.  And in Singapore, you can see the firm’s products used in some of its most beloved attractions, from Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild Asia and more. But what should we know about Saint-Gobain’s operations right here in Singapore? Meanwhile, the firm had in July 2025, reported record high operating income of 2.803 billion euros, up 5 per cent in local currency terms. Notably, Asia Pacific delivered robust organic growth, driven by strong momentum in India and Southeast Asia.  So what are some growth trends that the company hopes to tap on, and how far will operations in Singapore and Malaysia help the company bolster its financial performance in the region amid a slowing economy in China? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Lynette Siow, CEO, Saint-Gobain Singapore & Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 min
Nov 6, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How far is Asia a bright spot for H&M as US tariffs bite, and what’s next for the firm? H&M’s President for East Asia & Greater China weighs in on the matter.

Fashion is an art, but it is also big business. And our guest for today H&M Group has proven that the two can coexist at scale.  Since opening its first store nearly eight decades ago in 1947, the Swedish fashion giant has evolved to a network of over 4,000 stores across 79 markets, with online sales available in 60 markets.  The company prides itself on a simple promise: making great and sustainable designs available to everyone. Fast forward to 2025, and H&M is seeing strong momentum. In September, the firm reported a bigger than expected rise in third-quarter profit.  Operating profit from June to August came in at 4.91 billion Swedish crowns (or about US$523 million). That’s up from the 3.51 billion seen a year ago, and well above the 3.68 billion crowns forecasted by analysts in an LSEG poll.  The numbers come as CEO Daniel Erver embarked on an overhaul of the brand to improve profitability through trendier collections, tighter cost controls and a refreshed marketing strategy.  But even as H&M celebrates its early success, the broader business environment is shifting.  US tariffs are weighing on imports to and consumption within the US – the retailer’s second largest market after Germany.  So how far would that make Asia a bright spot for growth for H&M, and how does H&M intend to compete with other big name players such as Inditex’s Zara, Fast Retailing’s Uniqlo and even e-commerce first players like Shein and Temu? And perhaps more importantly – which Asian markets hold the greatest promise for the next chapter of H&M’s growth given China’s uneven economic recovery? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Saed El-Achkar, President H&M East Asia & Greater China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 min
Oct 29, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How is DBS capitalising on the exponential growth in real-world asset tokenisation? The Chief Commercial Officer of DBS Digital Exchange spills the beans.

Tokenisation – or the process of turning real-world assets into digital tokens – has moved from concept to reality in recent years.  According to DBS Research, the tokenisation of real-world assets is at an inflection point towards exponential growth, with the market capitalisation of real-world asset tokens growing from virtually nothing five years ago to over US$25 billion as of August 2025.  That figure is expected to rise further, with McKinsey estimating that the total tokenised market capitalisation could hit about US$2 trillion by the end of the decade.  Trends driving the numbers include growing institutional adoption of digital assets, as well as increased regulatory clarity globally.  Back home, the first Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin was also launched in September 2025, with reserves held with DBS Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.  But what are the growth opportunities for the tokenisation of real-world assets and what does it mean for financial institutions like DBS? In this “On the Go” Special episode of “Under the Radar”, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to DBS’ Headquarters at Marina Bay Financial Centre to find out what’s next for the industry and how the bank is capitalising on the trend from David Hui, Chief Commercial Officer, DBS Digital Exchange.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 min
Oct 27, 2025
Under the Radar: Dentsu’s Singapore CEO on the firm’s rapid internationalisation and M&A moves, addresses reports of potential sale of international business

Marketing and communications has been an integral part of companies in shaping their brand image, selling values, advertising their products and services, which ultimately rings in the dollars and cents seen on balance sheets. But despite the importance of the profession, modern marketing as we know it to be is a relatively new field of business that took off only in the 1900s, with the widespread consumption of radio and television content. Our guest for today is one of the early players in the industry. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, our guest for today is Dentsu, one of the largest global marketing and communications networks in the world.  The Tokyo-listed company boasts a presence spanning across 110 countries and regions, and is said to combine the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for enterprise customers.  That is particularly so through its landmark acquisition of UK-based Aegis Group for 3.2 billion British pounds back in 2012, and its purchase of US-based customer relationship management firm Merkle to expand its footprint and standing on the global stage.  In Singapore, Dentsu operates as a strategic hub for Southeast Asia, and delivers what it calls end-to-end experience transformation for brands, people and society. Yet, Dentsu's rapid internationalisation moves come at a cost – the kinks involved in integrating acquisition targets have put a dent on financial performance.  In August 2025, the firm reported an operating loss of 62 billion yen (S$540 million) for the quarter ended June, after booking an 86 billion yen impairment loss due to sluggish performance in the US and Europe. The company also said it will cut about 3,400 jobs in markets outside of Japan, or about 8 per cent of headcount in the region to streamline operations.  And in that same month, a report by the Financial Times noted that Dentsu is considering selling its international business.  So where are things at right now, and what would the recent developments mean for Dentsu’s Southeast Asia and Singapore’s operations? What would they mean for Dentsu's global growth ambitions too? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Prakash Kamdar, CEO, Clients & Solutions, SEA, and CEO, Singapore, Dentsu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 min
Oct 15, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) BUGATTI’s CEO and President Mate Rimac on what’s next for the firm as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the iconic Veyron

It's all about hypercars in this “On the Go” Special episode of “Under the Radar” as Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to BUGATTI Singapore’s showroom at 45 Leng Kee Road.  Founded by Ettore BUGATTI in 1909, BUGATTI prides itself as a state-of-the-art hyper sports car marque, and is said to produce the world’s most powerful and luxurious cars.  Fun fact – each car is still hand-assembled at the firm’s Atelier in Molsheim.  Today, BUGATTI is part of the BUGATTI Rimac Group, and is laser focused on developing the next generation of hyper sports cars.  And the CEO and President of BUGATTI Mate Rimac is in town to mark the 20th anniversary of its iconic model, the BUGATTI Veyron. The BUGATTI Veyron became the world’s first production car with more than 1,000 hp and a top speed of over 250mph  in 2005. Tian Tian caught up with Mate briefly during the anniversary celebration event to find out about his priorities for the business, his take on the importance of Southeast Asia and Singapore as markets for the company, as well as BUGATTI’s future lineup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 min
Oct 10, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) Dassault Systemes’ CEO on Asia as a growth market amid a changing world order, and how the generative economy will reshape the growth trajectory of the firm.

Founded in 1981 through the spin-off by a team of engineers from Dassault Aviation to design products in three dimensions, Dassault Systemes seeks to revolutionise the aerospace industry with Computer Aided Designs or (CADs).  The aim is to advance virtual worlds and empower innovators to come up with sustainable solutions that address the most pressing global challenges.  Fast forward to today, the French software maker’s solutions touched multiple industries from aviation, to mobility and healthcare, serving 370,000 customers with differing needs and sizes.   And here are some fun facts. The firm says 90% of cars in the world are engineered or built using its collaborative solutions.  And if you’re wondering why your pair of Adidas running shoes perform or fits better – well, Dassault Systemes could have a part to play in that.   But beyond that, the firm is also involved in the building of digital twins of products, processes and even cities to help industries test and prepare for real world challenges.  All in, the company had in July 2025 reported total revenue of 1.52 billion euros for the second quarter of 2025, up 5 per cent from the year ago period. Diluted earnings, though, stood at 0.17 euros, down 19 per cent from the year prior.  But what are the key drivers of growth for the firm and what role did Asia and Singapore play in this regard?  Meanwhile, the firm also introduced its 3D UNIV+RSES at its Capital Markets Day, a comprehensive solution that embeds multiple generative AI technologies along with 3D designs, virtual twins and more. But what should we know about the new solution, and how will the generative economy reshape the growth trajectory for firms like Dassault Systemes? In this "On the Go" Special episode of "Under the Radar", Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Tampines Grande to Dassault Systemes’ office to speak with CEO Pascal Daloz, who was in town for just about 24 hours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
Oct 6, 2025
Under the Radar: The ice-cream brand loved by Warren Buffett, Mark Cuban – What should we know about Dairy Queen’s aggressive international expansion plans?

It’s all about ice-cream and fast food today as we turn the spotlight on one of America’s most beloved brands. This brand is also well-loved by billionaires, more notably value investor Warren Buffett and Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban.  You might have by now guessed that I am talking about International Dairy Queen, a company known globally for its soft-serve treats like the Blizzard and the Dilly Bar.  Founded in 1940, International Dairy Queen or the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada has grown to a global quick service restaurant player.  The firm is also famously known as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, having been acquired in 1998.  Currently, the firm develops, licenses and services a system of over 7,700 Dairy Queen restaurants over 20 countries. But the firm doesn’t seem to stop there and appears to be on a charm offensive to expand internationally.  For one thing, the firm had in 2022, through American Dairy Queen Corporation and private equity firm FountainVest Partners, unveiled plans to open up 600 Dairy Queen restaurants in China by the end of the decade.  Then came July 2024, when International Dairy Queen teamed up with FountainVest Partner’s franchise ownership company CFB Group to open what’s said then to be the first DQ Blizzard & Burgers restaurant in Shanghai in Asia. So what was the rationale behind the firm’s aggressive expansion moves? And how far will the company’s international business bolster sales as global trade tensions and tariffs weigh on consumption in the US? Beyond international expansion, International Dairy Queen is also said to be placing a stronger emphasis on hot food, versus the dessert treats it was once famous for. But why is this the case? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Dr. Brandon Guthrie, Director of International Development, Dairy Queen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 min
Sep 25, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) Flying to Shunde, China to uncover what’s Under the Radar about Chow Tai Fook Jewellery’s operations and expansion plans

Founded in 1929, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is owned by one of the most influential families in Hong Kong, namely the Cheng family behind the late property tycoon Cheng Yu-tung.  With a deep heritage, the firm’s brand aims to not only honour traditions, but also foster deep, meaningful connections, with a diverse customer base through its jewellery pieces. The company said its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has been integral in helping it maintain mindshare among customers over the decades.  In this “On the Go” Special edition of “Under the Radar”, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian flew down to Guangdong, China on a media tour to see how the company is putting its words into action.  Her journey started at Chow Tai Fook’s Shunde Artisanal Smart Manufacturing Centre, about 1.5 hours drive away from Shenzhen, where she visited the firm’s diamond processing facilities and master studio.  She also visited the firm’s new image store in Shenzhen, where she spoke with Gabriela Ferreira, General Manager, International of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery on the firm’s corporate strategy and expansion plans – including those for Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Sep 22, 2025
Under the Radar: 25 years of StarHub – Its CEO sheds light on acquisition of MyRepublic’s broadband business, changing competitive landscape, and vision for long term growth.

We’re going to revisit an “Under the Radar” guest who first joined us on the show about two years ago.  And this is a leading homegrown Singapore company that delivers what’s said to be world-class communications, entertainment and digital services. And yes – you might be using its 5G network services to tune into this conversation as we speak.  Founded in 2000, telecommunications service provider StarHub seeks to provide people, homes and enterprises mobile and mixed services, a broad suite of premium content, as well as a diverse range of communications solutions through its extensive fibre and wireless infrastructure.  25 years on, the firm also develops and delivers solutions incorporating artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, Internet of Things for both corporate and government clients.  And we want to find out what is next for StarHub in a fast evolving market as it celebrates 25 years in the business.  Beyond that, the Singaporean telecommunications industry that StarHub lies in is also an interesting one to look at, as it undergoes a market consolidation. In August this year, Keppel announced the proposed sale of M1’s telecommunications business to Australian mobile network operator Simba Telecom, for an enterprise value of S$1.43 billion. The move disappointed investors who had hoped for StarHub to buy over M1.  Just a day later though, StarHub announced that it has taken full ownership of MyRepublic’s broadband business. The move was said to strengthen StarHub’s multi-brand and multi-segment strategy in the Singapore broadband market. But what opportunities and synergies is the firm looking to tap exactly?  And how far will a consolidation in the market give telco players like StarHub more flexibility in its pricing to boost its top line numbers? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Nikhil Eapen, Chief Executive Officer, StarHub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 min
Sep 18, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) Thales Singapore’s CEO sheds light on global aerospace and defence spending momentum, new cortAIx AI centre in Singapore and more

Today we’re going to dive deep into a company which plays an instrumental role in the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital Sectors. With over 83,000 employees dotted across five continents, our guest Thales provides solutions, services and products to help companies, organisations and governments carry out their critical missions.  Think about air traffic management, training and simulation to even in-flight entertainment solutions used in the aerospace industry.  Or signals intelligence, electronic warfare and collaborative combat systems for the defence and security industry.  Or even satellite-based systems to help scientists observe our planet and better optimise the use of our solar system’s resources. Beyond that, the firm is also looking at identity management and data protection technologies that help banks exchange funds, people cross borders and energy become smarter and even more.  Why are we speaking to Thales you might ask? Well, the firm had in July 2025 raised its sales forecast for the year of 2025 while posting better first-half sales and profit.  Thales’ adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, or adjusted EBIT, came in at 1.248 billion euros, up 12.7% on the year on an organic basis. The strong showing was driven by strong sales growth in its aerospace and defence segment, and came on the back of increased military spending in Europe.    But how far can the positive momentum be sustained, and how far will US tariffs throw a spanner in the works? What role will Asia and Singapore play in Thales’ playbook for the future?  Speaking of Singapore, the firm said in May 2025 that it will launch a new artificial intelligence centre, called cortAIx, in the country to develop AI solutions for critical environments.  It also inked an agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to launch an International Avionics Lab in 2026. But what should we know about the moves, and how important are they to longer-term growth for Thales as a whole? On Under the Radar Specials, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Emily Tan, CEO & Country Director, Thales Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 min
Sep 11, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) APPEC by S&P Global Commodity Insights – What is the state of the global shipping industry and how are governments balancing the conflicting demands of economic growth versus supply chain resiliency?

Energy, trade, technology and the green transition – the biggest questions in the oil and gas world converge this week at the 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference or APPEC right here in Singapore. Hosted by S&P Global Commodity Insights, APPEC features over 200 industry leading speakers, and is said to deliver unparalleled insights into the future of the global energy landscape.  MONEY FM is in the thick of it all, as Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian brings you a series of “On the Go” Under the Radar Specials from our on-site booth with key leaders driving conversations ranging from Southeast Asia’s energy transition, to the forces shaping oil prices, global shipping and supply chains.  In the final of three interviews, she spoke with Rahul Kapoor, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research of S&P Global Commodity Insights.  The duo dived into the teething issues relating to trade, shipping and the shifting of global supply chains amid ongoing US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, and what that means for companies and governments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 min
Sep 10, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) APPEC by S&P Global Commodity Insights – Where is the world at in the energy transition journey and how can the global industry and the marketplace support net zero efforts?

Energy, trade, technology and the green transition – the biggest questions in the oil and gas world converge this week at the 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference or APPEC right here in Singapore. Hosted by S&P Global Commodity Insights, APPEC features over 200 industry leading speakers, and is said to deliver unparalleled insights into the future of the global energy landscape.  MONEY FM is in the thick of it all, as Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian brings you a series of “On the Go” Under the Radar Specials from our on-site booth with key leaders driving conversations ranging from Southeast Asia’s energy transition, to the forces shaping oil prices, global shipping and supply chains.  In the second of three interviews, she spoke with Atul Arya, Chief Energy Strategist of S&P Global Commodity Insights , who gave an overview of the energy transition and net zero efforts in the global industry and the marketplace.  The duo also talked about what the energy mix will look like by the end of the decade, and whether the widespread use of nuclear power for data centres can be a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 min
Sep 9, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) APPEC by S&P Global Commodity Insights – co-President Dave Ernsberger sheds light on key discussion topics, state of the energy market and the macro outlook ahead

Energy, trade, technology and the green transition – the biggest questions in the oil and gas world converge this week at the 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference or APPEC right here in Singapore. Hosted by S&P Global Commodity Insights, APPEC features over 200 industry leading speakers, and is said to deliver unparalleled insights into the future of the global energy landscape.  MONEY FM is in the thick of it all, as Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian brings you a series of “On the Go” Under the Radar Specials from our on-site booth with key leaders driving conversations ranging from Southeast Asia’s energy transition, to the forces shaping oil prices, global shipping and supply chains.  In the first of three interviews, she spoke with Dave Ernsberger, co-President of S&P Global Commodity Insights,  who gave a summary of the key APPEC discussion topics and the overall macro energy outlook amid the current geopolitical backdrop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
Sep 8, 2025
Under the Radar: How has Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust’s strategy evolved through its stapled structure and what is the outlook of the European office and logistics property market? Its CEO tells us more.

It’s back to the real estate sector today as we speak to an SGX-listed REIT focused on commercial properties in Europe.  Founded in 2017, Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust is a stapled group that comprises Stoneweg E-REIT and Stoneweg European Business Trust.  You might better know the REIT by its old name Cromwell European REIT before it was bought over by alternative investment group Icona Capital and real estate investment group Stoneweg for 280 million euros or S$395.5 million just a couple of months ago.  Cromwell European REIT was renamed as Stoneweg European Reit at the start of 2025, and later converted into a stapled group in June 2025. Today, the stapled trust has a principal mandate to invest be it directly or indirectly in income-producing commercial real estate assets across Europe.  In particular, the trust needs to maintain a minimum portfolio weighting of at least 75% to Western Europe and at least 75% to the light industrial or logistics and office sectors.  On top of that, the trust also takes on asset enhancement and redevelopment projects for existing office assets, with a focus on strong ESG credentials in prime and core locations within key European gateway cities.  On the whole, its portfolio value stands at around 2.2 billion euros, with over 100 predominantly freehold properties across major cities in key markets such as The Netherlands, Italy, France, Poland, Germany, Finland, Denmark and the UK.  The total lettable area comes in at around 1.7 million square metres and its client base – over 800 tenant customers.  Now, why are we speaking to Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust you might ask? Well, we want to find out how the firm assessed its financial performance for the first half of 2025, as well as how its strategy has evolved through its stapled structure. But on top of that we also wanted to find out more about the outlook of the European office and logistics property market amid macroeconomic headwinds arising from US tariffs. On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Simon Garing, CEO and Executive Director, Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 min
Sep 3, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) On the Go with the “Raging Bull” – Automobili Lamborghini’s Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann on its new Temerario model and how sustainability will turbocharge the firm’s growth.

Today we’re going full throttle into the world of performance by speaking to a super car brand known for its “Raging Bull” logo – and that is Automobili Lamborghini. If you’re a car enthusiast, you might have heard of the origin story of how Automobili Lamborghini was founded in 1963, as a result of an unpleasant exchange between two Italian car enthusiasts.   There are multiple variations of the story going around, but here’s the gist of it all. Well, Lamborghini’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, was a successful tractor manufacturer in the 1960s, and he was supposedly dissatisfied with a clutch problem with his sports car.  Unhappy with the situation, Lamborghini paid a visit to its manufacturer, where his complaints were said to be dismissed with what some reports described as a “stinging” response.  Legend has it that it was exactly this comment from the manufacturer that gave Lamborghini the resolve to build a better sports car. Soon, the Lamborghini 350 GT emerged in 1964, and with it, a “Raging Bull” that aims to trump the “Prancing Horse” (if you get the hint).  That was in the 1960s. Over six decades had passed, and today, Automobili Lamborghini produces some of the most iconic and coveted super sports cars in the world.  In the first half of 2025, the firm delivered 5,681 cars – the highest-ever result for a first half, and a 2 per cent year on year increase from the figure seen in 2024.  But beyond the numbers, it is also an exciting time for Automobili Lamborghini, as the company positions itself for a sustainable future with a fully hybrid fleet. In fact, the CEO and Chairman of Automobili Lamborghini is right here in Singapore to promote the firm’s new Temerario, its second model in the Lamborghini High Performance Electric Vehicle range.  But what should we know about the new model, and how far is sustainability the key in turbocharging the “Raging Bull”? And what role will Asia and Singapore play in Automobili Lamborghini’s next bound of growth? On this “On the Go” Special of Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with Stephan Winkelmann, CEO and Chairman, Automobili Lamborghini at the launch of Lamborghini’s latest twin turbo V8 high performance electrified vehicle held within Aviation Hub at Seletar Aerospace View in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Aug 25, 2025
Under the Radar: What should we know about Red Hat and its partnerships with AMD and Nvidia in the age of generative AI?

It is all about software companies today, and this time, we’re going to talk about a company that builds and improves on the open-source Linux operating system – Red Hat.  The history of Red Hat takes us all the way back to 1993, when software was distributed through physical CDs in retail stores. That was when a small businessman named Bob Young, met tech geek Marc Ewing at a tech conference.  Young had been running a computer supply catalogue business out of his home at that point, and Ewing had been geek-hacking and spinning his own distribution (or his own improved rendition) of Linux operating systems on CDs from his home. Young decided to buy Ewing’s CDs to tap a growing interest in the Linux operating system, and he sold out of them so many times that the duo teamed up to found Red Hat Software in 1995. At Red Hat, the firm pursued a stable and accessible distribution of a constantly evolving, community-developed Linux operating system, instead of protecting trade secrets and filing patents for expensive proprietary products taken by most industry players.  The firm reached multiple milestones through the years, going public with a record setting IPO in 1999. It also became the first open source technology company to exceed US$1 billion in revenue in 2012.  Then came 2019, when IBM acquired Red Hat for US$34 billion in one of the largest software acquisitions in history.  Today, RedHat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community approach to deliver what’s said to be reliable and high performance Linux, hybrid cloud, container and Kubernetes technologies. But how is Red Hat faring at this moment in time? Also – how is it evolving in the age of generative AI? How far are partnerships with chip titans AMD and Nvidia key to future success? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Daniel Aw, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, Asia Pacific at Red Hat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

32 min
Aug 20, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What’s next for enterprise identity security firm SailPoint after raising US$1.38B in its upsized NASDAQ IPO? And why is Asia Pacific and Singapore a bright spot for the firm?

The leadership of enterprise identity security firm SailPoint is in Singapore for a business trip, and Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed downtown to meet with the team and to find out what’s brewing for the firm. But first, who is SailPoint and what exactly is identity security? Founded in 2005, SailPoint delivers innovative solutions that address what it describes as some of the world’s most dynamic security issues. In particular, the company focuses on identity security by automating and streamlining the complexity of delivering the right access to the right identities at the right time. It might sound like a mouthful, but think of SailPoint as a security guard that ensures only the right personnel enter the right office buildings and gain access only to information that they are authorised to hold.  Except that in this case, SailPoint manages and grants access to enterprise applications and data automatically, at speed and at scale. With a presence in over 60 countries and a team of over 2,600 employees, SailPoint serves some of the biggest enterprises in the world ranging from automaker General Motors, to chocolate manufacturer Hershey.  And SailPoint is an interesting company to talk about, given how it raised US$1.38 billion in its upsized IPO on the NASDAQ in February 2025 – the first major tech listing of 2025.  Now, this is not the first time that the firm has gone public. It first did so back in 2017, three years after being acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo.  The story gets more exciting here, because Thoma Bravo was the one who took the company private in a second acquisition after SailPoint’s first IPO. So what was the rationale behind the second IPO, and how is SailPoint faring in the months since going public again? Meanwhile, SailPoint said the company is setting its sights on Singapore and Asia Pacific at a time when demand for advanced, AI-driven identity security solutions is surging.  But what are the specific opportunities present in the region? What are some major investments by the firm in the region then? In this “On the Go Special” episode of Under the Radar, Tian Tian posed these questions to Mark McClain, CEO, SailPoint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 min
Aug 13, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What should we know about OpenAI’s new GPT-5 model, and how far is Asia the next battleground for AI innovation and adoption? Its MD for international markets spills the beans.

In this “On the Go” Specials of “Under the Radar”, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian checks in with the OpenAI team to follow up on their new GPT-5 model.  The model promises state-of-the-art performance across coding, math, writing assistance, health advice, visual perception and more.  Touted as a unified system that knows how to respond quickly and when to think longer to provide expert-level responses, GPT-5 is also said to be more natural and thoughtful, with fewer hallucinations.  In all, OpenAI’s Co-founder and CEO Sam Altman described the latest version “clearly a model that is generally intelligent”.  Users though, had their doubts. Some in an article by Mint said answers by the new model are shorter, while others claimed the new model had less of a personality.    Altman and his GPT-5 team addressed some of the criticisms surrounding the model in a Reddit “Ask me Anything” session, including a notorious “chart crime”. To this end, Altman said a router function in GPT-5 was not working as it should, and that the model will appear smarter soon.  Still, the company remained bullish on the business. Speaking to CNBC on Friday, Altman emphasised that OpenAI should prioritise growth and investments, even if that meant a longer timeline towards the breakeven point.  But how far will GPT-5 reshape the firm’s growth trajectory? And how does the firm intend to navigate challenges regarding performance and pricing? Meanwhile, the release of GPT-5 comes at a crucial time for the industry, where Magnificent Seven tech firms ranging from Alphabet to Meta, Amazon and Microsoft ramp up capital expenditures on AI data centres dramatically.  Per a Reuters report, the four players are expected to spend a total of close to US$400 billion this fiscal year. But where does OpenAI see its place in a market that is heating up, and how far will Asia be the next battleground for AI innovation and adoption? Tian Tian posed these questions to Oliver Jay, Managing Director, International, OpenAI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
Aug 11, 2025
Under the Radar: How is PUMA navigating US-China trade tensions and what should we know about the shoemaker’s latest brand refresh?

When it comes to sportswear and sneakers, one can’t help but think of two brothers who went from working partners to worst rivals after World War II and a family feud.  Yes, we’re talking about Rudolf or Rudi and Adolf or Adi Dassler. The duo are also better known as the Dassler brothers.  Both brothers ended up starting shoe companies of their own, and they grew to become two of the most prominent players in the industry today – PUMA and Adidas. And today we’re going to turn the spotlight on PUMA , which was founded by Rudi Dassler in 1948. Since its founding, PUMA has become one of the world’s leading sports brands that has been designing and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories for over 75 years.  The firm prides itself on offering performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories including (1) Football, (2) Running and Training, (3) Basketball, (4) Golf and (5) Motorsports.  With a distribution network in over 120 countries, PUMA Group’s influence runs deep into street culture and fashion, particularly so given the brand’s multiple collaboration with renowned brands and designers who are closely connected with the community on the ground.  Puma is an interesting company to look at given the ongoing tariff situation between the US and China.  In February 2025, the shoemaker said it is shipping far fewer Chinese-made sneakers to the US as the trade war between the two economic superpowers heats up. But how are things looking like right now, and how far is Southeast Asia a bright spot for the firm then?  Meanwhile, PUMA is also ramping up the throttle on a brand refresh to increase its presence in higher-end channels for sports and lifestyle products.  More recently, the firm teamed up with Spanish luxury fashion house Balenciaga on a new Winter 2025 collection that include tracksuits and reimagined versions of the PUMA’s iconic Speedcat shoes. But how far will such collaborations help the firm anchor its positioning in the sportswear industry? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sanjay Roy, Managing Director, South East Asia & Oceania, PUMA Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Jul 31, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How is Citibank Singapore tapping growing wealth creation in Asia? Its CEO sheds light on the matter.

It’s all about the banking and wealth management landscape today as we speak to a Wall Street giant that's said to have not slept since the 1800s. Yes – we are talking about Citibank. After all, its slogan is that Citi never sleeps.  Founded in 1812, Citi’s activities range from safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments and accessing the capital markets on behalf of its clients. The aim is to become a trusted partner for clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress.  And Citi set foot in Singapore over a century ago in 1902, and has grown to a full-service bank that provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in Singapore a broad range of financial products and services.  Today, the Lion City is a significant hub and gateway to Asia and ASEAN, with the country housing a number of its regional and global client coverage and product units.  And the role of Singapore as a market to Citibank continues to evolve. In October 2024, the US bank shut its last regular branch in Singapore to focus on serving customers online, and advising affluent clients at its wealth hubs.  The firm said the decision comes amid higher adoption of digital, online and self-service platforms. It also comes as the firm aims to capture growing wealth created in Asia.  To this end, the firm said in April 2025 that Citi Wealth anticipates that US$100 trillion of wealth will be created over the next decade, with Asia seeing the fastest pace of growth. The company added that wealth hubs catering mainly to Citigold clients with assets of at least S$250,000 have been set up in Singapore for this reason. But what should we know about the growth of wealth in Asia? And how will Citibank Singapore position itself to get a slice of the pie?  And how does Citibank intend to navigate choppy waters in the near term given ongoing uncertainties surrounding global trade, tariff wars and interest rate outlook? On Under the Radar Specials, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Yeo Wenxian, Head of Wealth for Asia South and CEO, Citibank Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 min
Jul 28, 2025
Under the Radar: How does Seatrium’s CEO assess the Offshore and Marine player’s turnaround strategy?

It’s back to the offshore and marine industry today as we dive into a company that often makes the list of top movers on the Singapore Exchange.  You might have guessed it by now – yes, we’re speaking to Seatrium Limited or the enlarged entity formed after Sembcorp Marine completed the S$4.5 billion acquisition of its industry peer Keppel Offshore and Marine in March 2023.  Named after a combination of the words “sea” and “atrium”, Seatrium aspires to be a premier global player in providing engineering solutions for the offshore, marine and energy solutions. Today, its key business segments include Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Repairs & Upgrades and Carbon Capture and Storage and New Energies, with the firm increasingly focusing on sustainable solutions as the global maritime industry transitions to cleaner energy use and embarks on decarbonisation efforts.  Its presence meanwhile can be felt around the world, with shipyards as well as engineering and technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, the Middle East, the US and even more. Now, Seatrium is an interesting company to look at because the firm’s leadership managed to turn the business around in slightly less than two years.  In February 2025, the firm reported a net profit of S$120.9 million for its second half ended December. The showing marked a reversal from the net loss of S$1.8 billion seen in the year ago period.  The performance meant a full-year net profit of S$156.8 million for Seatrium, a marked improvement from the S$2 billion loss seen the year prior, and first full-year profit since the merger with Keppel Offshore and Marine.  The road ahead for the firm remains positive, with the company reporting a net order book of S$21.3 billion as at the end of March, with project deliveries stretching to 2031. But really, how does the firm assess its turnaround strategy and the road ahead given volatilities relating to global trade and oil prices? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Chris Ong, CEO, Seatrium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

39 min
Jul 25, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What exactly is a Chief of Staff? CoS of xcube and CoS of HSBC Singapore explain.

Earlier this year, we shared with you that we will be bringing you topical interviews with key leaders in the business world.  Housed under the “Under the Radar Specials” banner, these interviews are B2B focused and are meant to drive greater conversations in the business community.  Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian fulfils the promise she made by launching the first “In the Community” episode of Under the Radar Specials by looking at a corporate role that emerged only in the later half of the 20th century – the Chief of Staff.  The term typically refers to a high-ranking officer or a leader in the organisation that serves as an aide to a commander.  In the corporate world, a Chief of Staff is usually the bridge between the CEO charting out the strategic direction of the firm, and the teams ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations in the company.  But what exactly is a Chief of Staff? How senior is the Chief of Staff in the corporate ladder? Why are Chiefs of Staff needed and what exactly does it take to become one? Tian Tian sought to find out the answers to these questions by speaking to two individuals, one a Chief of Staff at a venture studio, and the other, a Chief of Staff at a global banking institution –  Eelee Lua, Chief of Staff, xcube.co and Geraldine Yip, Chief of Staff, HSBC Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 min
Jul 14, 2025
Under the Radar: How far will Salesforce’s Agentforce platform reshape its growth trajectory in ASEAN?

Helping businesses manage their customers more effectively and efficiently – that is the work of our guest for today, Salesforce.  Founded in 1999, Salesforce pioneered a Software as a Service or SaaS model by bringing Customer Relationship Management or CRM software to the cloud.  You might have heard of the term CRM for quite some time, but while CRM might seem like a buzzword that came about towards the end of the twentieth century, the concept is fairly easy to understand, and has been practised for thousands of years by traders.  To a company selling goods or services, CRM basically means keeping a record of a customer’s profile and transaction history, and analysing that information to help it better sell to the customer again. Take for instance, how you might receive a voucher in your email inbox during your birthday month to buy your favourite cake from the neighbourhood grocery store.  But these days, Customer Relationship Management goes beyond just promotions, it includes managing a firm’s internal resources against demand, its marketing and channel strategies, its data storage processes, its customer service platforms and even more.  Salesforce’s software is enabling over 150,000 companies, including notable names like FairPrice Group, Panasonic, Schneider Electric and Singapore Airlines to do all of that.  The firm is also helping its customers around the world deploy its digital labour platform Agentforce. Companies can use Agentforce to build and deploy autonomous agents that can reason, decide, act and drive meaningful outcomes 24/7 – think service agents, sales development representatives, sales coaches and marketing campaign assistants.  So what should we know about Salesforce’s Agentforce platform and how will the solution augment its growth trajectory right here in ASEAN? Meanwhile, Salesforce had in March 2025 pledged to invest over US$1 billion in Singapore over 5 years – but what was the rationale behind the move and how far is Singapore a bright spot for the firm?  On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ASEAN, Salesforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 min
Jul 9, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) Highlights of Temasek Review 2025 as told by CFO Png Chin Yee

It is the time of the year where Singapore’s state investor Temasek releases its latest financial performance.  Founded in 1974, Temasek is a global investment company whose purpose is to make a difference for today’s and future generations “So Every Generation Prospers”.  With a global network of 13 offices in 9 countries around the world, the Singapore headquartered firm seeks to build a resilient and forward-looking portfolio that will deliver sustainable returns over the long term.  Speaking of portfolio and returns, Temasek reported a Net Portfolio Value (or NPV) of S$434 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, up S$45 billion from a year ago.  On a mark to market basis, Temasek said its net portfolio value would stand at S$469 billion, reflecting a value uplift of S$35 billion from its unlisted portfolio.  The firm largely attributed the increase in portfolio value to the strong performance of listed Singapore-based Temasek Portfolio Companies and direct investments in China, the US and India.  Meanwhile, the state investor’s 20-year and 10-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) remained resilient, at 7% and 5% respectively. But how would Temasek assess its latest performance given an uncertain macroeconomic environment, complicated by heightened trade and geopolitical tensions? Covering the annual release for the fourth time, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Temasek’s office in this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, where she spoke with Png Chin Yee, Chief Financial Officer, Temasek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
Jul 3, 2025
Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How will the full acquisition of Tim Ho Wan by Jollibee Food Corporation help the dim sum restaurant chain achieve its growth ambitions?

There is arguably no higher recognition than the Michelin star in the Food and Beverage scene.  And the company we’re speaking to was once called the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant chain in the world.  Make a guess, and perhaps think on the lines of dim sum and BBQ pork buns. Bingo if you’ve guessed Tim Ho Wan! Tim Ho Wan’s story can be traced back to 2009. That’s when Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who’s formerly from the prestigious three Michelin starred Lung King Heen restaurant in Hong Kong’s Four Seasons Hotel teamed up with Chef Leung Fai Keung to open a 20-seater dim sum restaurant in Mongkok.  The business thrived as people came for its hot steaming buns, chee cheong fun, and siew mai, and the restaurant earned one Michelin star just a year later.  The rest, as they say, is history, as more restaurants opened, with each earning its own Michelin star.  In 2013, Tim Ho Wan made its international debut by opening its restaurant at Plaza Singapura in Singapore, drawing long lines and widespread attention. The chain has since gone on to open more locations around the world, and boasts over 80 outlets globally.  But while Tim Ho Wan may be a household name, did you know that it is closely related to a fast food chain from the Philippines called Jollibee? In November 2024, Jollibee’s parent company, or Jollibee Food Corporation, announced the full acquisition of Tim Ho Wan, by paying S$20.2 million for an 8 per cent stake of the company held by other investors.  So how has the firm fared some six months after being a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corporation? How will the company ensure the quality of its menu items amid the change?  And how will being a part of the Jollibee ecosystem help the firm achieve its growth ambitions around the world? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Yeong Sheng Lee, CEO, Tim Ho Wan International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 min
Jun 30, 2025
Under the Radar: How is GE Aerospace doing one year on as a standalone company, and how is it navigating an uncertain operating environment?

We’re taking you to the skies today as we explore the ins and outs of the aerospace industry with GE Aerospace, the maker of the engines powering Boeing and Airbus jets globally. Fun fact, GE Aerospace used to be a subsidiary of General Electric – a conglomerate founded by Thomas Edison – the man who was credited with commercialising the good old light bulbs.  That was before GE was split into three separate companies namely GE Aerospace, GE Vernova (that’s the energy unit) and GE Healthcare in April 2024. Back to GE Aerospace, the firm today is a world-leading provider of engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.  The company’s business can be generally split into two major verticals, namely (i) Commercial Engines & Services (CES) and (ii) Defense & Propulsion Technologies (DPT). Its presence is felt all around the world and particularly so in the Asia Pacific region. After all, the firm set foot in APAC over 40 years ago and now has a footprint in over 25 countries serving over 110 clients. The firm says over 3,800 engines made by GE Aerospace and its joint venture company CFM International engines power flights across the region.  But why are we speaking to GE Aerospace you might ask? Well, we want to find out how the firm is doing right now one year after it started operating as a standalone company and how it intends to navigate an uncertain operating environment in the near term. Meanwhile, GE Aerospace had also in July 2024 announced plans to invest over US$1 billion over five years in its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (or MRO) and component repair facilities worldwide. But what was the rationale behind the move and what can we look forward to right here in Singapore? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Iain Rodger, Managing Director, GE Aerospace Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

34 min
Jun 16, 2025
Under the Radar: 99 Group’s CEO Darius Cheung on the opportunities and challenges for proptech firms in Southeast Asia and how short-term volatilities could weigh on demand

The property market is in focus today as we speak to a leading real estate technology company that operates real estate portals across South East Asia. Launched in 2014 as 99.co, our guest 99 Group was conceived during the 2008 US mortgage subprime crisis, an event which the firm believed was “born out of desire and misinformation”.  The founding team at 99 Group hence made it a point to make the company into a simple and trusted platform to un-complicated the property journey.  This can be seen in the firm’s positioning strategy, where it aims to differentiate itself from other property search websites through its user-friendly designs, with features including price analysis data, finance planners, smart filters, as well as the ability to search by map or commute time.  Fast forward to today, 99 Group is said to be one of the fastest growing property portal firms in the region, with a presence in both Singapore and Indonesia.  The group is said to specialise in digital property advertising and has a portfolio of three brands: namely its flagship 99.co property portal and SRX.com.sg right here in Singapore, as well as 99.co/id and Rumah 123 in Indonesia. So far, 99 Group said it has achieved what it described as solid growth, with revenues of US$17 million recorded for 2023, a CAGR of 47% since 2019.  But what are the key trends the firm is capitalising on to take it forward and which are the markets with the biggest potential in the region? And what are the challenges for proptech firms even as Southeast Asia rises as a hotbed for property technology or proptech innovation?   Meanwhile, the ongoing narrative about interest rates in the region continues to weigh on home buyers’ and investors' minds. So how far has this influenced the types of listings that appear on 99 Group’s platforms and how is the firm attracting and showing the right listings to its consumers to increase retention and action? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Darius Mahtani Cheung, Founder and CEO, 99 Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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