In 2024, we've finally entered the peak era of the 'ugly' shoe. Think Uggs and Crocs. The resurgence of ugly shoes, especially comfortable ones, has become a full-blown trend, with many brands embracing this aesthetic over the years. High fashion has not been immune to this coveted accessory, either.

But what exactly makes an 'ugly' shoe and why are there collectors who are willing to spend their money on them? 

On R.I.C.H, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Meryvn Lee, Communications Director at Mad Hat Asia and sneaker collector to find out. 

In 2024, we've finally entered the peak era of the 'ugly' shoe. Think Uggs and Crocs. The resurgence of ugly shoes, especially comfortable ones, has become a full-blown trend, with many brands embracing this aesthetic over the years. High fashion has not been immune to this coveted accessory, either.
But what exactly makes an 'ugly' shoe and why are there collectors who are willing to spend their money on them? 
On R.I.C.H, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Meryvn Lee, Communications Director at Mad Hat Asia and sneaker collector to find out.

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)

R.I.C.H: Is the 'Ugly Shoe' trend worth the hype?

Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy.

From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there’s a lot for workers to navigate. 

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Allison Ching, Executive Career Coach at Dream, Do, Deliver, and Muralee Reddy, Co-Founder of Mamashopinc, about what Budget 2026 means for mid-career workers, from upskilling, career transitions, AI-readiness, and navigating the changing job landscape.

 

Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy.
From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there&rsquo;s a lot for workers to navigate.&nbsp;
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Allison Ching, Executive Career Coach at Dream, Do, Deliver, and Muralee Reddy, Co-Founder of Mamashopinc, about what Budget 2026 means for mid-career workers, from upskilling, career transitions, AI-readiness, and navigating the changing job landscape.
&nbsp;

Budget 2026: What are the biggest opportunities for mid-career workers from Budget 2026

Luxury watches are rapidly evolving from passion collectibles into a recognised alternative asset class, with the pre-owned market valued at $24.38 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45.01 billion by 2030.

Demand is strongest across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven by rising liquidity, digital marketplaces, and a growing generation of investors who view watches as long-term wealth-building assets rather than just lifestyle statements.

Even during economic downturns, luxury watches have shown remarkable resilience. During the pandemic, their value declined only about 8%, compared to a 19% drop in the S&P 500.

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Oliver Müller, Founder of LuxeConsult, about what is driving the global surge in pre-owned luxury watches, which models and brands are considered “blue-chip” investments, and authenticity considerations are reshaping investor strategies in this dynamic market.

 

Luxury watches are rapidly evolving from passion collectibles into a recognised alternative asset class, with the pre-owned market valued at $24.38 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45.01 billion by 2030.
Demand is strongest across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven by rising liquidity, digital marketplaces, and a growing generation of investors who view watches as long-term wealth-building assets rather than just lifestyle statements.
Even during economic downturns, luxury watches have shown remarkable resilience. During the pandemic, their value declined only about 8%, compared to a 19% drop in the S&amp;P 500.
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Oliver M&uuml;ller, Founder of LuxeConsult, about what is driving the global surge in pre-owned luxury watches, which models and brands are considered &ldquo;blue-chip&rdquo; investments, and authenticity considerations are reshaping investor strategies in this dynamic market.
&nbsp;

Wealth Tracker: What makes certain watches a "blue-chip" investment?

On this What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada explore China’s Lunar New Year gala, where humanoid robots stunned audiences with flips, spins, and martial arts, showing off cutting-edge robotics and sparking big questions about the future role of AI in our lives. Then, keeping in the spirit of Lunar New Year, they share the story of a 10-year-old girl in Hebei who used her ang bao money to buy gold, turning her festive cash gift into a small fortune as prices soared. 

On this What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada explore China&rsquo;s Lunar New Year gala, where humanoid robots stunned audiences with flips, spins, and martial arts, showing off cutting-edge robotics and sparking big questions about the future role of AI in our lives. Then, keeping in the spirit of Lunar New Year, they share the story of a 10-year-old girl in Hebei who used her ang bao money to buy gold, turning her festive cash gift into a small fortune as prices soared.&nbsp;

R.I.C.H: Is the 'Ugly Shoe' trend worth the hype?

In 2 playlist(s)

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

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips