The Philippines’ standing as an emerging startup hub has been bolstered by the recent doubling of  Manila’s startup ecosystem valuation.

According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Manila’s startup ecosystem was valued at US$6.4 billion, nearly double the previous year’s valuation of US$3.5 billion.

On this episode of Breakfast Special, Minette Navarrete, President, Kickstart Ventures and Joan Yao, Vice President, Investments, Kickstart Ventures share their insights on what’s fueling growth and opportunities for tech and fintech entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

Presented by: Audrey Siek
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

The Philippines’ standing as an emerging startup hub has been bolstered by the recent doubling of  Manila’s startup ecosystem valuation.
According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Manila’s startup ecosystem was valued at US$6.4 billion, nearly double the previous year’s valuation of US$3.5 billion.
On this episode of Breakfast Special, Minette Navarrete, President, Kickstart Ventures and Joan Yao, Vice President, Investments, Kickstart Ventures share their insights on what’s fueling growth and opportunities for tech and fintech entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced &amp; Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Get a head start to your work day with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek from 6am to 9am. 

Listen to insightful discussions on the stories and issues that matter the most to you and be apprised of the markets and the companies to watch.

Get a head start to your work day with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek from 6am to 9am. 
Listen to insightful discussions on the stories and issues that matter the most to you and be apprised of the markets and the companies to watch.

Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

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

Insightful discussions on the latest market events and the top companies to watch.

Get a head start on your workday with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek from 6 am to 9 am. 

Listen to insightful discussions on the stories and issues that matter the most to you and be apprised of the markets and the companies to watch.

Get a head start on your workday with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek from 6 am to 9 am. 
Listen to insightful discussions on the stories and issues that matter the most to you and be apprised of the markets and the companies to watch.

Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek (6am-9am)

Breakfast Special: Nurturing The Philippines' tech and fintech startup ecosystem

Oil prices are surging, inflation risks are back in focus, and markets are rotating fast. But where is the smart money actually going?

Dan Koh speaks to Billy Toh, Regional Head of Retail Research, CGS International Securities on how experts position portfolios, from energy and defense plays to AI leaders like NVIDIA and Microsoft, and what investors should watch next.

Oil prices are surging, inflation risks are back in focus, and markets are rotating fast. But where is the smart money actually going?
Dan Koh speaks to Billy Toh, Regional Head of Retail Research, CGS International Securities on how experts position portfolios, from energy and defense plays to AI leaders like NVIDIA and Microsoft, and what investors should watch next.

Bigger Pic: How smart money is positioning between the Iran oil shock and the AI boom

Lululemon beat expectations in its latest earnings, but weaker 2026 guidance, slowing US demand, and a growing boardroom battle sent shares lower.

Dan Koh and Ryan Huang break down the numbers, the strategic shift toward full-price selling, and what investors should watch next.

Lululemon beat expectations in its latest earnings, but weaker 2026 guidance, slowing US demand, and a growing boardroom battle sent shares lower.
Dan Koh and Ryan Huang break down the numbers, the strategic shift toward full-price selling, and what investors should watch next.

Companies To Watch: Is Lululemon losing its shine as growth slows?

Singapore’s tourism strategy has increasingly focused on quality over quantity attracting visitors who stay longer and spend more. The results are showing: tourism receipts are on track to break records, with projections reaching as high as $32.5 billion in 2026.

Venues, restaurants and entertainment spaces are investing heavily to attract younger travellers and business visitors, particularly those tied to Singapore’s fast-growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) organisers and attendees industry.

What impact will intensifying global tensions have on tourism here? And as the visitor economy evolves, what does this strategy mean for businesses, the tourism sector and for locals navigating a city increasingly designed to appeal to high-spending travellers?

Singapore&rsquo;s tourism strategy has increasingly focused on quality over quantity attracting visitors who stay longer and spend more. The results are showing: tourism receipts are on track to break records, with projections reaching as high as $32.5 billion in 2026.
Venues, restaurants and entertainment spaces are investing heavily to attract younger travellers and business visitors, particularly those tied to Singapore&rsquo;s fast-growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) organisers and attendees industry.
What impact will intensifying global tensions have on tourism here? And as the visitor economy evolves, what does this strategy mean for businesses, the tourism sector and for locals navigating a city increasingly designed to appeal to high-spending travellers?

Breakfast Special: Nurturing The Philippines' tech and fintech startup ecosystem

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