This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was dominated by sharp warnings, strategic posturing, and urgent calls for stronger defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. 

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took center stage, warning of the “threat” posed by China and urging allies to ramp up military spending and deepen ties with Washington. 

But while China was the subject of much of the discussion — it wasn’t there to respond in full. Why did China step back? Was it a tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep? 

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lim Tai Wei, East Asian expert & Professor at Soka University, to find out more.

This year&rsquo;s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was dominated by sharp warnings, strategic posturing, and urgent calls for stronger defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took center stage, warning of the &ldquo;threat&rdquo; posed by China and urging allies to ramp up military spending and deepen ties with Washington.&nbsp;
But while China was the subject of much of the discussion &mdash; it wasn&rsquo;t there to respond in full.&nbsp;Why did China step back? Was it a tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep?&nbsp;
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lim Tai Wei, East Asian expert &amp; Professor at Soka University, to find out more.

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)

The Big Story: China's defence minister absent at Shangri-La Dialogue - A tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep? 

From tea stalls in Kolkata to jeepney drivers in Manila, the shockwaves from the war involving Iran are already being felt far beyond the battlefield.

Cooking gas prices are rising, fuel costs are climbing, and businesses across Asia are bracing for shortages as energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz face severe disruption.

The region buys the vast majority of its oil from the Middle East, meaning households, transport workers and food vendors could be among the first to feel the squeeze.

So how big could this fuel crunch become, and what does it mean for economies across Asia?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mukesh Sahdev, Founder and CEO, XAnalysts,to find out more.

From tea stalls in Kolkata to jeepney drivers in Manila, the shockwaves from the war involving Iran are already being felt far beyond the battlefield.
Cooking gas prices are rising, fuel costs are climbing, and businesses across Asia are bracing for shortages as energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz face severe disruption.
The region buys the vast majority of its oil from the Middle East, meaning households, transport workers and food vendors could be among the first to feel the squeeze.
So how big could this fuel crunch become, and what does it mean for economies across Asia?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with&nbsp;Mukesh Sahdev, Founder and CEO, XAnalysts, to find out more.

The Big Story: Asia braces for fuel crunch amid Iran war - How bad could it get?

Private markets have long been the playground of institutional investors: think venture capital, private equity and exclusive funds with massive minimum investments and years-long lock-ups.

But, blockchain and tokenisation are making it possible to break large investments into smaller pieces, potentially allowing more investors to access private deals that were once out of reach.

So could this be the moment private markets finally open up to the masses?

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Inmoo Hwang, Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of ADDX, about how blockchain is changing the way people invest and whether it could solve the long-standing liquidity problem in private assets.

Private markets have long been the playground of institutional investors: think venture capital, private equity and exclusive funds with massive minimum investments and years-long lock-ups.
But, blockchain and tokenisation are making it possible to break large investments into smaller pieces, potentially allowing more investors to access private deals that were once out of reach.
So could this be the moment private markets finally open up to the masses?
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Inmoo Hwang, Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of ADDX, about how blockchain is changing the way people invest and whether it could solve the long-standing liquidity problem in private assets.

Wealth Tracker: The end of exclusive investing? How blockchain is unlocking private markets

Coins in your pocket could be worth far more than you think. From a humble 5-cent coin selling for nearly $15 to rare Singapore pieces fetching 100 times their face value, could the spare change sitting in your drawer actually be a hidden investment?

Then, we turn up the volume on another everyday habit: loud fitness classes. New research suggests the booming music in spin and high-intensity workouts can potentially put your hearing at risk. If louder music doesn’t actually improve your performance, why are gyms still blasting it?

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh explore the surprising value of Singapore coins and the hidden cost of turning your workouts up to 108 decibels.

Coins in your pocket could be worth far more than you think. From a humble 5-cent coin selling for nearly $15 to rare Singapore pieces fetching 100 times their face value, could the spare change sitting in your drawer actually be a hidden investment?
Then, we turn up the volume on another everyday habit: loud fitness classes. New research suggests the booming music in spin and high-intensity workouts can potentially put your hearing at risk. If louder music doesn&rsquo;t actually improve your performance, why are gyms still blasting it?
On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh explore the surprising value of Singapore coins and the hidden cost of turning your workouts up to 108 decibels.

The Big Story: China's defence minister absent at Shangri-La Dialogue - A tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep?

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