Technology doesn’t have to be flashy to be powerful.

In this Good Tech Highlights edition, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo and producer Naz Asrar reflect on three standout conversations that show how technology, when guided by purpose, can genuinely improve lives in Singapore.

From assistive wearable technology designed to support people with visual impairment, to a home-grown AI medical scribe built to ease doctors’ workloads, and an education-focused AI tool helping students think more critically - these innovations share one thing in common: they start with real human problems.

Technology doesn&rsquo;t have to be flashy to be powerful.
In this Good Tech Highlights edition, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo and producer Naz Asrar reflect on three standout conversations that show how technology, when guided by purpose, can genuinely improve lives in Singapore.
From <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/moneyfm-afternoon-show/good-tech-a-visual-companion-empowering-blind-singaporeans-using-ai">assistive wearable technology</a> designed to support people with visual impairment, to a <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/moneyfm-afternoon-show/good-tech-how-a-17-year-old-cracked-the-code-of-notetaking-with-sgscribe">home-grown AI medical scribe </a>built to ease doctors&rsquo; workloads, and an <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/moneyfm-afternoon-show/good-tech-complementing-traditional-learning-with-checks-ai-tutor-bot">education-focused AI tool </a>helping students think more critically - these innovations share one thing in common: they start with real human problems.

Good Tech Highlights: How Singapore innovators use AI, tech for social impact

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty of abuse of power in the biggest trial yet to emerge from the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

He was charged with four counts of corruption and 21 counts of money laundering over the alleged illegal transfer of about RM2.2 billion from the state fund.

What does this verdict now mean for Najib’s remaining political influence?

And how could it shape Malaysia’s political landscape under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian from the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, to analyse the ruling and what it means for Malaysia’s political future.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been found guilty of abuse of power in the biggest trial yet to emerge from the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
He was charged with four counts of corruption and 21 counts of money laundering over the alleged illegal transfer of about RM2.2 billion from the state fund.
What does this verdict now mean for Najib&rsquo;s remaining political influence?
And how could it shape Malaysia&rsquo;s political landscape under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian from the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, to analyse the ruling and what it means for Malaysia&rsquo;s political future.

The Big Story: Ex-PM Najib found guilty in 1MDB case - Where does this leave Malaysia's political future?

Singapore shares dipped today with investors now back from the Christmas Day holiday.

The Straits Times Index was down 0.06% at 4,633.73 points at 2.42pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$426.90M seen in the broader market.

In terms of counters to watch, we have Sembcorp Industries, after Sembcorp Green Infra, an Indian unit of Sembcorp Industries, today completed the acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in solar power company ReNew Sun Bright for about S$246 million. 

Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s factory output jumped 14.3 per cent year on year in November, to how Japan’s industry ministry is set to nearly quadruple its budgeted support for cutting-edge semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) development to about 1.2 trillion yen (S$9.9 billion) for the fiscal year starting in April, more economic and international headlines remained in focus.

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Singapore shares dipped today with investors now back from the Christmas Day holiday.
The Straits Times Index was down 0.06% at 4,633.73 points at 2.42pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$426.90M seen in the broader market.
In terms of counters to watch, we have Sembcorp Industries, after Sembcorp Green Infra, an Indian unit of Sembcorp Industries, today completed the acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in solar power company ReNew Sun Bright for about S$246 million.&nbsp;
Elsewhere, from how Singapore&rsquo;s factory output jumped 14.3 per cent year on year in November, to how Japan&rsquo;s industry ministry is set to nearly quadruple its budgeted support for cutting-edge semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) development to about 1.2 trillion yen (S$9.9 billion) for the fiscal year starting in April, more economic and international headlines remained in focus.
On Market View, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Market View: Asian markets inched higher in holiday-thinned trade; Gold pushes higher, silver hits record amid US-Venezuela tensions; Singapore factory output rises 14.3% yoy in November; Japan to quadruple spending support for chips, AI in budget; Sembcorp Industries, Keppel Reit to watch 

Tokenised funds are emerging as one of the most exciting developments in asset management, promising new ways to structure, access, and scale investments.

Yet adoption has been cautious, with regulatory frameworks still evolving. Singapore’s Project Guardian has just released a playbook for operationalising tokenised funds, covering everything from digital-native fund structures to the use of stablecoins and wholesale CBDCs for settlements.

Could tokenised funds be the next major shift in investing? And as blockchain and digital assets increasingly intersect with traditional finance, how can investors distinguish real opportunities from hype?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Danny Chong, Co-Chairman of the Digital Assets Association Singapore, to break down what this means for the future of investment.

Tokenised funds are emerging as one of the most exciting developments in asset management, promising new ways to structure, access, and scale investments. Yet adoption has been cautious, with regulatory frameworks still evolving. Singapore&rsquo;s Project Guardian has just released a playbook for operationalising tokenised funds, covering everything from digital-native fund structures to the use of stablecoins and wholesale CBDCs for settlements.
Could tokenised funds be the next major shift in investing? And as blockchain and digital assets increasingly intersect with traditional finance, how can investors distinguish real opportunities from hype?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Danny Chong, Co-Chairman of the Digital Assets Association Singapore, to break down what this means for the future of investment.

Wealth Tracker: Singapore’s guide to tokenised funds. Is this the next major shift in investing?

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada started with a viral grandmother who refused to buy Christmas presents for her grandchildren, choosing instead to invest money for their future. That theme carried into the workplace, where YouTuber Cleetus McFarland surprised his 20 employees with quirky Christmas bonuses, $3,000 mini Jeep-style go-karts, earning praise for creativity and raising the question of whether a memorable gift beats cash. We ended on a more serious note in South Korea, where professors were fined for taking exams on behalf of students to keep a struggling department alive, highlighting how pressure, desperation and good intentions

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada started with a viral grandmother who refused to buy Christmas presents for her grandchildren, choosing instead to invest money for their future. That theme carried into the workplace, where YouTuber Cleetus McFarland surprised his 20 employees with quirky Christmas bonuses, $3,000 mini Jeep-style go-karts, earning praise for creativity and raising the question of whether a memorable gift beats cash. We ended on a more serious note in South Korea, where professors were fined for taking exams on behalf of students to keep a struggling department alive, highlighting how pressure, desperation and good intentions

What's Trending: Grandma refuses to buy Christmas presents, a YouTuber with an overly generous bonus & a professor takes your exam for you?!

The US dollar has anchored the global financial system for decades, but cracks are beginning to show. At the same time, artificial intelligence is driving trillion dollar valuations even as real economy productivity gains remain uncertain. Tom Orlik, Bloomberg's Chief Economist examines what is changing beneath the surface of global markets. We explore why confidence in the dollar is being tested, what credible alternatives could look like, and whether AI investment is running ahead of economic reality.  

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

The US dollar has anchored the global financial system for decades, but cracks are beginning to show. At the same time, artificial intelligence is driving trillion dollar valuations even as real economy productivity gains remain uncertain. Tom Orlik, Bloomberg's Chief Economist examines what is changing beneath the surface of global markets. We explore why confidence in the dollar is being tested, what credible alternatives could look like, and whether AI investment is running ahead of economic reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

Bigger Pic: Dollar Dominance Under Pressure, AI Hype on Trial

Fabien Yip, Market Analyst, IG, discusses the AI rally, Q3 GDP outperforming expectations; the current Fed policy trajectory for 2026; a sliding greenback; and a stellar run for precious metals gold and silver.

Produced/Presented: Emaad Akhtar

Fabien Yip,&nbsp;Market Analyst, IG, discusses the AI rally, Q3 GDP outperforming expectations; the current Fed policy trajectory for 2026; a sliding greenback; and a stellar run for precious metals gold and silver.
Produced/Presented: Emaad Akhtar

US Markets Wrap: AI names & Q3 GDP outperform; high hopes for 'Santa Claus rally'

2025 has been anything but a straight line for Asian currencies. Some have surprised with resilience, others have slid to record lows, all shaped by global volatility, domestic pressures, and a shifting US dollar. From the Indian rupee’s struggles to the Malaysian ringgit’s standout run, it’s been a year of clear winners and losers. So who came out on top, who fell behind, and what does it mean for FX risks and opportunities in the year ahead?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Wee Khoon Chong, APAC Macro Strategist, BNY, to find out more. 

2025 has been anything but a straight line for Asian currencies. Some have surprised with resilience, others have slid to record lows, all shaped by global volatility, domestic pressures, and a shifting US dollar. From the Indian rupee&rsquo;s struggles to the Malaysian ringgit&rsquo;s standout run, it&rsquo;s been a year of clear winners and losers. So who came out on top, who fell behind, and what does it mean for FX risks and opportunities in the year ahead?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Wee Khoon Chong, APAC Macro Strategist, BNY, to find out more.&nbsp;

Wealth Tracker: Which Asian currencies were the biggest winners of 2025? Who were the losers? 

Singapore shares dipped in a shortened trading session today as investors looked ahead to the Christmas Day holiday.

The Straits Times Index was down 0.16% at 4,631.39 points at 10.59am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$279.02M seen in the broader market.

In terms of counters to watch, we have Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust. 

That’s after the Reit’s manager posted an update today that the master restructuring agreement concessions, which include an extension of its asset disposal deadline and temporary relaxation of its financial covenants from Dec 31, 2025, to Jun 30 next year, have been granted. 

Elsewhere, from how the US economy expanded at a much faster-than-expected clip in the third quarter, to the elusive Santa Claus rally setting in, more economic and international headlines remained in focus.

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeffrey Yap, Regional Head of Wealth Management, Hong Leong Bank.

Singapore shares dipped in a shortened trading session today as investors looked ahead to the Christmas Day holiday.
The Straits Times Index was down 0.16% at 4,631.39 points at 10.59am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$279.02M seen in the broader market.
In terms of counters to watch, we have Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s after the Reit&rsquo;s manager posted an update today that the master restructuring agreement concessions, which include an extension of its asset disposal deadline and temporary relaxation of its financial covenants from Dec 31, 2025, to Jun 30 next year, have been granted.&nbsp;
Elsewhere, from how the US economy expanded at a much faster-than-expected clip in the third quarter, to the elusive Santa Claus rally setting in, more economic and international headlines remained in focus.
On Market View, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeffrey Yap, Regional Head of Wealth Management, Hong Leong Bank.

Market View: Santa Claus rally sets in with S&P 500 index logging record close; US Q3 GDP grows at 4.3% yoy, topping expectations; Looking ahead to 2026; Asia’s performance for 2025; Manulife US Reit to watch

From Secret Santa shockers to Robin Hood Santas and a nativity that’s gone to the dogs, today’s What's Trending stories cover the full naughty-to-nice spectrum.

Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada discuss a student in the Philippines that was left distressed after receiving a wrapped hollow concrete block as a Secret Santa gift, sparking outrage online over cruelty disguised as a prank. In Canada, a group dressed as Santas and elves stole thousands of dollars’ worth of groceries from a Montreal supermarket, later redistributing them to those in need to protest the rising cost of living, raising the question of whether that lands them on Santa’s naughty or nice list. And finally, a wholesome note from the UK, where a dog day care centre has gone viral for recreating the Christmas nativity scene with 12 dogs and even a pony, proving that sometimes the best holiday cheer comes with fur and four legs.

From Secret Santa shockers to Robin Hood Santas and a nativity that&rsquo;s gone to the dogs, today&rsquo;s What's Trending stories cover the full naughty-to-nice spectrum.
Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada discuss a student in the Philippines that was left distressed after receiving a wrapped hollow concrete block as a Secret Santa gift, sparking outrage online over cruelty disguised as a prank. In Canada, a group dressed as Santas and elves stole thousands of dollars&rsquo; worth of groceries from a Montreal supermarket, later redistributing them to those in need to protest the rising cost of living, raising the question of whether that lands them on Santa&rsquo;s naughty or nice list. And finally, a wholesome note from the UK, where a dog day care centre has gone viral for recreating the Christmas nativity scene with 12 dogs and even a pony, proving that sometimes the best holiday cheer comes with fur and four legs.

What's Trending: Secret Santa leaves a kid crying, Robin Hood raids leave elves on naughty list & dogs save Christmas

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.

In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore&rsquo;s first and only Business and Personal Finance station. MONEY FM is a 24-hour English talk format station featuring local and international business and financial news. We provide you with financial market and currency updates and insights from analysts, economists, policy makers, industry experts and business owners.
In the lighter hours, listen to discussions on social issues and features on topics that include health, education, arts and music.

MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore’s first and only Business and Personal Finance station.

MONEY FM 89.3

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