This year’s Singapore Fintech Festival surrounds six major themes that will frame 2025. 

One of the themes among industry leaders, in particular, is the need to bridge the financial gap and ensure equitable access and usage of financial services and products to the underserved. 

On this note, did you know that 1.4 billion people globally still lack access to bank accounts? Yes, and that is according to an article published on the World Economic Forum in just September this year. 

So what can we then do to level the playing field for the underbanked and underserved – both individuals and budding entrepreneurs who are starting out? 

Well, the numbers appear to point to fintech as the answer, given increased internet adoption and digitalisation.

In this panel discussion on "Bridging the Financial Gap", we talked about the challenges individuals as well as Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises faced in accessing traditional financial services and how the use of digital banking and digital tokens can level the playing field for the underserved. 

We also looked at the metrics used to determine progress towards equitable financial outcomes and identify areas for further intervention, and the need to ensure that digital technologies continue to narrow and not widen the wealth gap. 

As part of MONEY FM’s on the ground coverage of Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, Money Matters’ Finance Presenter Chua Tian Tian spoke with Kai Qiu, Deputy CEO and CTO, ANEXT Bank and Eric Barbier, CEO, Triple-A for more.

This year’s Singapore Fintech Festival surrounds six major themes that will frame 2025. 
One of the themes among industry leaders, in particular, is the need to bridge the financial gap and ensure equitable access and usage of financial services and products to the underserved. 
On this note, did you know that 1.4 billion people globally still lack access to bank accounts? Yes, and that is according to an article published on the World Economic Forum in just September this year. 
So what can we then do to level the playing field for the underbanked and underserved – both individuals and budding entrepreneurs who are starting out? 
Well, the numbers appear to point to fintech as the answer, given increased internet adoption and digitalisation.
In this panel discussion on "Bridging the Financial Gap", we talked about the challenges individuals as well as Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises faced in accessing traditional financial services and how the use of digital banking and digital tokens can level the playing field for the underserved. 
We also looked at the metrics used to determine progress towards equitable financial outcomes and identify areas for further intervention, and the need to ensure that digital technologies continue to narrow and not widen the wealth gap. 
As part of MONEY FM’s on the ground coverage of Singapore Fintech Festival 2024, Money Matters’ Finance Presenter Chua Tian Tian spoke with Kai Qiu, Deputy CEO and CTO, ANEXT Bank and Eric Barbier, CEO, Triple-A for more.

We speak with businesses, industry leaders, venture capitalists and startups on their assessment of the business environment they're in, and what the future holds for them.

We speak with businesses, industry leaders, venture capitalists and startups on their assessment of the business environment they're in, and what the future holds for them.

Under The Radar

Step into the future of finance with MONEY FM 89.3, the official radio station of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024. 

Coming to you LIVE from the Singapore Expo on the 6th and 7th of November from 12pm to 4pm - tune in for exclusive interviews with industry leaders, C-suite executives, and innovative start-ups. From the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in the world of finance, to critical issues around inclusion and sustainability - don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the trends that are shaping the future of financial innovation. 

Your ears on the ground at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024,  MONEY FM 89.3!

Step into the future of finance with MONEY FM 89.3, the official radio station of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024. 
Coming to you LIVE from the Singapore Expo on the 6th and 7th of November from 12pm to 4pm - tune in for exclusive interviews with industry leaders, C-suite executives, and innovative start-ups. From the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing in the world of finance, to critical issues around inclusion and sustainability - don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the trends that are shaping the future of financial innovation. 
Your ears on the ground at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2024,  MONEY FM 89.3!

Singapore Fintech Festival

[SFF 2024 Special] Panel on Bridging the Financial Gap with ANEXT Bank and Triple-A

Semiconductors are the invisible foundation of our digital world – powering everything from data centres and electric vehicles to smartphones and even satellites. 

But behind the global chip ecosystem lies precision engineering firms that make tools and parts used in the manufacturing process. 

And our guest for today, Micro-Mechanics, is one of them. Founded in 1983, and listed on the SGX-Sesdaq in Singapore in 2003, the company designs and manufactures a range of consumable tools and parts used in the assembly and testing of semiconductors. 

The company also engages in the contract manufacturing of precision parts and tools used in process-critical applications for the semiconductor wafer-fabrication and other high-technology industries. 

In July 2008, the listing and quotation of Micro-Mechanics’ shares were upgraded to the SGX Mainboard. 

Today, Micro-Mechanics’ boasts a headcount of 450 globally, with five factories located in Singapore, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in Silicon Valley in the US. 

Micro-Mechanics is a company that we want to talk about right now, given how ongoing trade tensions and tariff spat between the US and China have thrusted the semiconductor industry and supply chain into the spotlight.

Despite global headwinds, Micro-Mechanics said it was somewhat sheltered given how it had plants set up in both China and the US. 

So how is the firm capitalising on its relative advantage in the global semiconductor supply chain right now, and what are the growth opportunities present within the industry right now?

How does the firm assess the role of its presence in Singapore, and the vibrancy of the local stock market in boosting its valuation?

On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kyle Borch, CEO, Micro-Mechanics.

Semiconductors are the invisible foundation of our digital world &ndash; powering everything from data centres and electric vehicles to smartphones and even satellites.&nbsp;
But behind the global chip ecosystem lies precision engineering firms that make tools and parts used in the manufacturing process.&nbsp;
And our guest for today, Micro-Mechanics, is one of them. Founded in 1983, and listed on the SGX-Sesdaq in Singapore in 2003, the company designs and manufactures a range of consumable tools and parts used in the assembly and testing of semiconductors.&nbsp;
The company also engages in the contract manufacturing of precision parts and tools used in process-critical applications for the semiconductor wafer-fabrication and other high-technology industries.&nbsp;
In July 2008, the listing and quotation of Micro-Mechanics&rsquo; shares were upgraded to the SGX Mainboard.&nbsp;
Today, Micro-Mechanics&rsquo; boasts a headcount of 450 globally, with five factories located in Singapore, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in Silicon Valley in the US.&nbsp;
Micro-Mechanics is a company that we want to talk about right now, given how ongoing trade tensions and tariff spat between the US and China have thrusted the semiconductor industry and supply chain into the spotlight.
Despite global headwinds, Micro-Mechanics said it was somewhat sheltered given how it had plants set up in both China and the US.&nbsp;
So how is the firm capitalising on its relative advantage in the global semiconductor supply chain right now, and what are the growth opportunities present within the industry right now?
How does the firm assess the role of its presence in Singapore, and the vibrancy of the local stock market in boosting its valuation?
On Under the Radar, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kyle Borch, CEO, Micro-Mechanics.

Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) How far has Micro-Mechanics’ move to decentralise production help it navigate global trade tensions, and what are the opportunities in the global semiconductor industry? Its CEO spills the beans.

Today we’re going to turn the clock back to the 1800s to share with you the story of a young man, Georges Nagelmackers, who had just fallen out of love. 

Like some of us who might travel abroad to take a breather, Nagelmackers fled to the US, where he discovered railroads with the world’s first sleeping cars. 

The enterprising Belgian engineer decided to take that idea back to Europe, where he would launch luxurious trains leading to the Gates of the Orient. 

That’s right, we are talking about the Orient Express, or the luxurious train experience provider that would later be further popularised by a suspense novel by writer Agatha Christie in the early 1930s. 

Then called the CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagon-Lits), or The International Sleeping Car company, Orient Express’ inaugural trip happened in October 1883 from Paris to Constantinople (or the modern day Istanbul), redefining the meaning of long distance travel for luxury travelers. 

As we know, the development of air travel has changed the way people move between places. That dealt a blow to CIWL, and eventually, the Orient Express made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1977. 

That same year, the SNCF or the French National Railway Company acquired the Orient Express brand, and the last Orient-Express train left Vienna for Strasbourg in December 2009. 

But hope is not lost. Nearly 140 years after making its first trip, Accor Hotels fully bought over and redeveloped the brand in 2022, expanding the portfolio of Orient Express to include hotels and even yacht sailings. 

As for the original Orient Express carriages – they will be back on railway tracks in 2027, though details are still scant at the moment. So, what should we know about the Orient Express portfolio of hospitality solutions today, and what is next for the firm? 

In this episode of Under the Radar “SPECIALS”, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer of Accor & CEO of Orient Express.

Today we&rsquo;re going to turn the clock back to the 1800s to share with you the story of a young man, Georges Nagelmackers, who had just fallen out of love.&nbsp;
Like some of us who might travel abroad to take a breather, Nagelmackers fled to the US, where he discovered railroads with the world&rsquo;s first sleeping cars.&nbsp;
The enterprising Belgian engineer decided to take that idea back to Europe, where he would launch luxurious trains leading to the Gates of the Orient.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s right, we are talking about the Orient Express, or the luxurious train experience provider that would later be further popularised by a suspense novel by writer Agatha Christie in the early 1930s.&nbsp;
Then called the CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagon-Lits), or The International Sleeping Car company, Orient Express&rsquo; inaugural trip happened in October 1883 from Paris to Constantinople (or the modern day Istanbul), redefining the meaning of long distance travel for luxury travelers.&nbsp;
As we know, the development of air travel has changed the way people move between places. That dealt a blow to CIWL, and eventually, the Orient Express made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1977.&nbsp;
That same year, the SNCF or the French National Railway Company acquired the Orient Express brand, and the last Orient-Express train left Vienna for Strasbourg in December 2009.&nbsp;
But hope is not lost. Nearly 140 years after making its first trip, Accor Hotels fully bought over and redeveloped the brand in 2022, expanding the portfolio of Orient Express to include hotels and even yacht sailings.&nbsp;
As for the original Orient Express carriages &ndash; they will be back on railway tracks in 2027, though details are still scant at the moment. So, what should we know about the Orient Express portfolio of hospitality solutions today, and what is next for the firm?&nbsp;
In this episode of Under the Radar &ldquo;SPECIALS&rdquo;, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer of Accor &amp; CEO of Orient Express.

Under the Radar: (SPECIALS) What should we know about Orient Express’ grand comeback? CEO of Orient Express and Group Strategy Officer of its parent Accor tells us more.

Today we’re going to take you through the ins and outs of a semiconductor optics company that made the headlines for its performance post-IPO on the Singapore Exchange. 

Listed on the SGX in September 2025, our guest for today MetaOptics develops metalenses, or flat, glass-based lenses made with the same technology and process as semiconductor chips.

But what does this mean exactly? Well, lenses are typically made using curved glass, which helps them refract and focus light rays, say in the case of camera lenses or magnifying glasses.  

MetaOptics, on the other hand, uses a different process to make its lenses. Instead of using curved glasses, it uses a process called semiconductor photolithography to carve out microscopic pillars on a flat wafer, just like how transistors are engraved onto silicon chips. 

With the microscopic pillars engraved on the lenses, the lenses behave like silicon chips, where their reflective index changes when varying amounts of electricity passes through it. This means the same lens can adopt multiple properties and perform multiple tasks from zooming in, focusing, or even shifting depth, depending on the situation. 

In application, this means that devices such as smartphones, laptops or projectors will only need one metalens to perform multiple functions. This reduces the thickness and weight of hardware devices, making them easier to carry around.

Beyond that, metalens can also be used to transmit information using light. This presents an opportunity for the firm to tap the rise in demand for computing devices in the age of AI. So how does the firm define its value proposition exactly, and what are the key revenue drivers for it? 

Meanwhile, MetaOptics listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange in September 2025, and has seen its shares rise five fold in three months. More recently, the firm also announced plans to seek a dual listing on the US NASDAQ stock exchange.

So how has the firm used the additional public capital raised? What are its plans for the future and what is its assessment of the effectiveness of listing on the local bourse then?

On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Mark Thng, CEO, Metaoptics.

Today we&rsquo;re going to take you through the ins and outs of a semiconductor optics company that made the headlines for its performance post-IPO on the Singapore Exchange.&nbsp;
Listed on the SGX in September 2025, our guest for today MetaOptics develops metalenses, or flat, glass-based lenses made with the same technology and process as semiconductor chips.
But what does this mean exactly? Well, lenses are typically made using curved glass, which helps them refract and focus light rays, say in the case of camera lenses or magnifying glasses. &nbsp;
MetaOptics, on the other hand, uses a different process to make its lenses. Instead of using curved glasses, it uses a process called semiconductor photolithography to carve out microscopic pillars on a flat wafer, just like how transistors are engraved onto silicon chips.&nbsp;
With the microscopic pillars engraved on the lenses, the lenses behave like silicon chips, where their reflective index changes when varying amounts of electricity passes through it. This means the same lens can adopt multiple properties and perform multiple tasks from zooming in, focusing, or even shifting depth, depending on the situation.&nbsp;
In application, this means that devices such as smartphones, laptops or projectors will only need one metalens to perform multiple functions. This reduces the thickness and weight of hardware devices, making them easier to carry around.
Beyond that, metalens can also be used to transmit information using light. This presents an opportunity for the firm to tap the rise in demand for computing devices in the age of AI. So how does the firm define its value proposition exactly, and what are the key revenue drivers for it?&nbsp;
Meanwhile, MetaOptics listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange in September 2025, and has seen its shares rise five fold in three months. More recently, the firm also announced plans to seek a dual listing on the US NASDAQ stock exchange.
So how has the firm used the additional public capital raised? What are its plans for the future and what is its assessment of the effectiveness of listing on the local bourse then?
On Under the Radar, Money Matters&rsquo; finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Mark Thng, CEO, Metaoptics.

Under the Radar: What is next for semiconductor optics firm MetaOptics post-SGX listing and how does it assess the effectiveness of listing on the local bourse? Its CEO explains.

[SFF 2024 Special] Panel on Bridging the Financial Gap with ANEXT Bank and Triple-A

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