Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict are no longer just a distant headline, they’re hitting businesses in Singapore where it hurts most: the bottom line. 

A new poll by the Singapore National Employers Federation reveals the scale of the strain: 96% of employers report higher operating costs, with nearly one in five facing increases of more than 25%.

So, is this just a temporary squeeze or the start of a deeper, long-term shift in Singapore’s business landscape? And as costs climb, how are companies balancing competitiveness with the need to protect jobs and workforce stability?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Hao Shuo, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore National Employers Federation, to unpack what this means for businesses and workers moving forward.

Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict are no longer just a distant headline, they&rsquo;re hitting businesses in Singapore where it hurts most: the bottom line.&nbsp;
A new poll by the Singapore National Employers Federation reveals the scale of the strain: 96% of employers report higher operating costs, with nearly one in five facing increases of more than 25%.
So, is this just a temporary squeeze or the start of a deeper, long-term shift in Singapore&rsquo;s business landscape? And as costs climb, how are companies balancing competitiveness with the need to protect jobs and workforce stability?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Hao Shuo, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore National Employers Federation, to unpack what this means for businesses and workers moving forward.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

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 Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion.

The Big Story: Hiring freezes, benefit cuts, how far will Singapore firms go as energy costs bite?

Singapore’s central bank is keeping monetary policy unchanged, even as it warns that inflation could remain elevated well into 2027 amid persistent energy price pressures linked to the Iran war.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Sheana Yue, Senior Economist for Macro Forecasting at Oxford Economics, to find out why the Monetary Authority of Singapore is holding its current stance, how much a stronger Singdollar can do to cushion rising import costs, and when consumers might see some relief.

With Singapore’s economy growing 5.4% year on year in the third quarter, largely driven by technology-related sectors, they also examine why strong economic growth may not translate into relief for households, and what lies ahead for inflation and the cost of living.

Singapore&rsquo;s central bank is keeping monetary policy unchanged, even as it warns that inflation could remain elevated well into 2027 amid persistent energy price pressures linked to the Iran war.
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Sheana Yue, Senior Economist for Macro Forecasting at Oxford Economics, to find out&nbsp;why the Monetary Authority of Singapore is holding its current stance, how much a stronger Singdollar can do to cushion rising import costs, and when consumers might see some relief.
With Singapore&rsquo;s economy growing 5.4% year on year in the third quarter, largely driven by technology-related sectors, they also examine why strong economic growth may not translate into relief for households, and what lies ahead for inflation and the cost of living.

The Big Story: Why is MAS holding the Singdollar steady even as inflation risks linger?

In a world of instant gratification, some young people are finding fulfilment in hobbies that demand time, patience and skill. From mechanical watchmaking to other traditional crafts, could a generation raised on speed be learning to slow down?

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tristan Ho, founder of Singaporean watch label LOTH, about his journey into horology while working full-time as a biomedical research assistant.

We explore what draws younger people to traditional crafts, whether these pursuits offer an alternative to the pressure for instant results, and what it takes to turn a slow-burning passion into a business.

In a world of instant gratification, some young people are finding fulfilment in hobbies that demand time, patience and skill. From mechanical watchmaking to other traditional crafts, could a generation raised on speed be learning to slow down?
On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tristan Ho, founder of Singaporean watch label LOTH, about his journey into horology while working full-time as a biomedical research assistant.
We explore what draws younger people to traditional crafts, whether these pursuits offer an alternative to the pressure for instant results, and what it takes to turn a slow-burning passion into a business.

The Agenda: If iPhones tell the time, why are Gen Zs keeping traditional watchmaking alive?

Would you be allowed to work from Bali, Bangkok or even Singapore if your company says you can work from home?

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada discuss whether employees should be allowed to work remotely from another country, as long as they get the job done.

The conversation takes a turn with the case of an Australian currency trader who was fired after allegedly working from Singapore without his employer’s approval, despite being told he could not relocate there. He later won an unfair-dismissal case, although the commission found there were valid grounds for his dismissal and awarded him no compensation.

Would you be allowed to work from Bali, Bangkok or even Singapore if your company says you can work from home? On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada discuss whether employees should be allowed to work remotely from another country, as long as they get the job done.
The conversation takes a turn with the case of an Australian currency trader who was fired after allegedly working from Singapore without his employer&rsquo;s approval, despite being told he could not relocate there. He later won an unfair-dismissal case, although the commission found there were valid grounds for his dismissal and awarded him no compensation.

The Big Story: Hiring freezes, benefit cuts, how far will Singapore firms go as energy costs bite?

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