Japan will welcome foreign tourists on package tours from this month as part of a trial to see how well travel agencies can "manage behaviour", the Japan Tourism Agency said in a statement on Tuesday (May 17).

In The Straits Times’ The Big Story, Multimedia Journalist Hairianto Dirman spoke with Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent to find out more. 

<a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-to-allow-small-groups-of-tourists-to-visit-this-month">Japan will welcome foreign tourists on package tours from this month</a> as part of a trial to see how well travel agencies can "manage behaviour", the Japan Tourism Agency said in a statement on Tuesday (May 17).
In The Straits Times&rsquo; The Big Story, Multimedia Journalist Hairianto Dirman spoke with Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent to find out more.&nbsp;

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)

ST: The Big Story, 17 May - Japan to start welcoming tourists on package tours from 4 countries, including S'pore

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from a hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after shots were fired, triggering panic among attendees that included Vice-President JD Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other senior political and media figures. The suspect has been identified in reports as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California.

In the aftermath, Trump described the incident in political terms, suggesting it reflected his influence and prominence, and reigniting debate over rising political tensions and violence in the US.

What do we know about what happened and how does this fit into earlier threats against the president?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the US Programme, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU Singapore, to find out more. 

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from a hotel hosting the White House Correspondents&rsquo; Dinner after shots were fired, triggering panic among attendees that included Vice-President JD Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other senior political and media figures.&nbsp;The suspect has been identified in reports as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California.
In the aftermath, Trump described the incident in political terms, suggesting it reflected his influence and prominence, and reigniting debate over rising political tensions and violence in the US.
What do we know about what happened and how does this fit into earlier threats against the president?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the US Programme, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU Singapore, to find out more.&nbsp;

The Big Story: Another attack on Trump? What the latest attempt says about political violence and political messaging

According to J. Rotbart & Co.’s Exclusive Precious Metals Report for Q1 2026, the quarter was defined by record price peaks followed by a sharp March correction, as volatility rose but underlying market fundamentals remained intact.

Gold outperformed, maintaining positive year-to-date gains despite a pullback from January highs, while silver declined amid rising real yields and a stronger US dollar.

On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Richard Wang, Country Manager for Singapore at J. Rotbart & Co., to unpack the key drivers behind these moves and what they could mean for precious metals markets in Q2.

According to J. Rotbart &amp; Co.&rsquo;s Exclusive Precious Metals Report for Q1 2026, the quarter was defined by record price peaks followed by a sharp March correction, as volatility rose but underlying market fundamentals remained intact.
Gold outperformed, maintaining positive year-to-date gains despite a pullback from January highs, while silver declined amid rising real yields and a stronger US dollar.
On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Richard Wang, Country Manager for Singapore at J. Rotbart &amp; Co., to unpack the key drivers behind these moves and what they could mean for precious metals markets in Q2.

Wealth Tracker: What’s behind the sudden reversal in precious metals after Q1 peaks?

On What's Trending Hongbin and Nadiah Koh dive into two of the most unbelievable stories making waves right now.

First up, a Chinese carmaker has reportedly been granted a patent for an in-car toilet that literally slides out from under your seat, activated by voice command. Is this peak innovation or a hygiene nightmare waiting to happen?

Then, in the world of football, World Cup final tickets are now being listed for as much as $2.3 million per seat on FIFA’s resale platform… meaning four friends would need nearly $9 million just to sit together behind the goal. So who exactly is this tournament for anymore?

On What's Trending Hongbin and Nadiah Koh dive into two of the most unbelievable stories making waves right now.
First up, a Chinese carmaker has reportedly been granted a patent for an in-car toilet that literally slides out from under your seat, activated by voice command. Is this peak innovation or a hygiene nightmare waiting to happen?
Then, in the world of football, World Cup final tickets are now being listed for as much as $2.3 million per seat on FIFA&rsquo;s resale platform&hellip; meaning four friends would need nearly $9 million just to sit together behind the goal. So who exactly is this tournament for anymore?

ST: The Big Story, 17 May - Japan to start welcoming tourists on package tours from 4 countries, including S'pore

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