Singaporeans are earning more than ever, with median household incomes crossing $12,000 a month in 2025. But higher paychecks don’t tell the whole story.Wealth inequality remains much more pronounced, with the richest households holding far more assets than the rest.

So what does that really mean for everyday families? Are some people being left behind despite higher wages?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Ee Cheng Ong, Associate Professor, Economics, National University of Singapore, to find out more.

Singaporeans are earning more than ever, with median household incomes crossing $12,000 a month in 2025. But higher paychecks don&rsquo;t tell the whole story.Wealth inequality remains much more pronounced, with the richest households holding far more assets than the rest.
So what does that really mean for everyday families? Are some people being left behind despite higher wages?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Ee Cheng Ong, Associate Professor, Economics, National University of Singapore, 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: Rich in income, poor in wealth? Singapore’s inequality gap 

Singapore’s hawker centres have long been seen as the city’s great equalizer, where a $5 meal still delivers comfort and cultural identity in one of the world’s most expensive cities. But new data suggests that this everyday institution is under mounting pressure.

A recent Blackbox Research SensingSG survey finds that 72% of Singaporeans believe hawker culture is now under threat. Meanwhile, 4 in 10 Singaporeans say they cannot maintain their current lifestyle without access to affordable hawker food.

What happens when something universally valued becomes economically fragile? And if the iconic $5 meal is no longer sustainable, what replaces it and who gets left out?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Glenn Wray, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Blackbox Research, to find out more.

Singapore&rsquo;s hawker centres have long been seen as the city&rsquo;s great equalizer, where a $5 meal still delivers comfort and cultural identity in one of the world&rsquo;s most expensive cities. But new data suggests that this everyday institution is under mounting pressure.
A recent Blackbox Research SensingSG survey finds that 72% of Singaporeans believe hawker culture is now under threat. Meanwhile, 4 in 10 Singaporeans say they cannot maintain their current lifestyle without access to affordable hawker food.
What happens when something universally valued becomes economically fragile? And if the iconic $5 meal is no longer sustainable, what replaces it and who gets left out?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with&nbsp;Glenn Wray, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Blackbox Research, to find out more.

The Big Story: 72% say hawker culture is under threat from energy shocks, but can Singapore save it?

Would you be okay with AI using your face to create content without you?

A major Chinese streaming platform is facing backlash over its new AI actor initiative, raising big questions about consent, creativity, and the future of human performance.

Plus, how far would you go to find out your favourite artist’s album release date?

Drake has hidden his next drop inside a 200-ton block of ice and fans are literally trying to break it open.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada unpack AI actors and wild album marketing.

Would you be okay with AI using your face to create content without you?
A major Chinese streaming platform is facing backlash over its new AI actor initiative, raising big questions about consent, creativity, and the future of human performance.
Plus, how far would you go to find out your favourite artist&rsquo;s album release date?
Drake has hidden his next drop inside a 200-ton block of ice and fans are literally trying to break it open.
On What&rsquo;s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada unpack AI actors and wild album marketing.

 What’s Trending: Drake hid his upcoming album in ice... Also, would you be okay if AI replaced your favorite actors?

Private credit investing is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence reshapes industry dynamics and challenges traditional assumptions around risk and return.

While equity investors focus on identifying AI-driven growth opportunities, credit investors must take a more defensive lens by prioritising cash-flow durability, resilience, and downside protection over upside potential.

On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Michel Lowy, CEO and Global Portfolio Manager at SC Lowy, on how AI is reshaping credit risk, underwriting standards, and portfolio construction in private markets.

Private credit investing is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence reshapes industry dynamics and challenges traditional assumptions around risk and return.
While equity investors focus on identifying AI-driven growth opportunities, credit investors must take a more defensive lens by prioritising cash-flow durability, resilience, and downside protection over upside potential.
On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to&nbsp;Michel Lowy, CEO and Global Portfolio Manager at SC Lowy, on how AI is reshaping credit risk, underwriting standards, and portfolio construction in private markets.

The Big Story: Rich in income, poor in wealth? Singapore’s inequality gap

In 2 playlist(s)

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

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips