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Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director of Pearl FALCO, is a pioneering leader merging traditional pearl craftsmanship with modern innovation.

Under her direction, Pearl FALCO launched the first-ever digital certificate for an Akoya Pearl Necklace using blockchain technology, setting a new standard for authenticity and transparency in the luxury jewelry market.

Rooted in her family's legacy in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls, Maiko has expanded the brand's presence globally, including a key gallery in Singapore.

On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speaks to Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director, Pearl FALCO, to find out more.



Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani

Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg)

Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director of Pearl FALCO, is a pioneering leader merging traditional pearl craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Under her direction, Pearl FALCO launched the first-ever digital certificate for an Akoya Pearl Necklace using blockchain technology, setting a new standard for authenticity and transparency in the luxury jewelry market.
Rooted in her family's legacy in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls, Maiko has expanded the brand's presence globally, including a key gallery in Singapore.
On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speaks to Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director, Pearl FALCO, to find out more.
 
Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani
Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (<a href="mailto:alexparada@sph.com.sg">alexparada@sph.com.sg</a>)
Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Culture Club: A new way of authenticating your pearls

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year.

But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans.

For more Budget 2026 insights: 
https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government&rsquo;s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year.
But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they&rsquo;re quietly hoping for but not voicing?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans.
For more Budget 2026 insights:&nbsp; https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

Budget 2026: From CPF boosts to expanded senior policies, are older Singaporeans getting the support they really need?

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated.

In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough.

So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated.
In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough.
So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

Wealth Tracker: Where should you be investing in 2026 as global markets shift?

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

Culture Club: A new way of authenticating your pearls

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