Explore every episode of the podcast The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

Chinese animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' flies high at the box office, making history as the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, exceeding US$2 billion (S$2.7 billion) in global earnings. It has surpassed “Inside Out 2,”, becoming the first non-Hollywood production to crack the global all-time top 10 box office chart. In Singapore, it broke box-office records hitting the $2 million mark within days of its opening, the first China-made film to have done so. Why are such Chinese films perfoming so well in Singapore and the broader Southeast Asia region? Joyce Lee, Managing Director of Encore Films, which is the distributor of 'Ne Zha 2' in Southeast Asia shares insights into the surge in popularity of Chinese films.

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The payments landscape is undergoing a major transformation, with emerging markets leading the charge in innovation. From low-cost mobile money solutions to differentiated banking models, Asia is redefining cross-border transactions. But what trends are driving this rapid evolution, and how can SMEs adapt?

Nagesh Devata, Senior Vice President of Asia at Payoneer, shares insights into developments in fintech that are reshaping global trade, the impact of economic volatility, and what the future holds for cross-border payments.

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Singapore is setting ambitious targets to become an urban wellness hub, with its wellness tourism sector projected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2025. As the wellness boom reshapes real estate, developers are rethinking ways of designing and building projects to support longevity and holistic health. How will real estate that integrates wellness and healthcare elements transform Southeast Asia’s urban landscapes and influence investment strategies? Otto Twist, Southeast Asia Director at Savills joins Lynlee Foo to discuss trends in the wellness real estate sector.

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On Good Tech, our weekly segment spotlighting technology that drives meaningful social change, we explore how innovation is transforming maternal healthcare. Millions of expectant mothers still face complications that could result in mortality due to gaps in accessibility. But, what if technology could bridge that divide?

Singapore-based MedTech startup Biorithm is leading the way with Femom, a remote monitoring platform that empowers clinicians with real-time data and improving access to maternal care. Amrish Nair, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Biorithm, to discuss how his team is redefining maternal care to prevent complications before they arise.

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Asian stocks fell sharply as a market selloff extended on mounting worries that a wide-ranging trade war could dent U.S. economic growth and lead to a recession. Fears of an economic downturn have driven a stock market selloff that wiped out $4 trillion from the S&P 500's peak last month. What does this mean for the broader economy? What should investors be watching in the days ahead?

Yeap Jun Rong, Market Strategist at IG, shares his views, unpacking the impact of the U.S. market turmoil, and the spillover effects on Asia.

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According to the World Gold Council, at the start of 2025, central banks reported 18 tonnes of net gold purchases, reinforcing the metal’s strategic role in official reserves amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. But how is gold demand evolving across key markets like Southeast Asia, China, India, and Japan? Shaokai Fan, Head of Asia-Pacific (excluding China) and Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, weighs in on current developments and shares insights into emerging trends; from central bank gold reserves to digital gold platforms and what they signal for the future of gold.

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China's new AI player, Deepseek has sent ripples across the tech world since it emerged on the scene in January. DeepSeek’s AI model with its capabilities, are said to rival, and sometimes even surpass OpenAI’s ChatGPT but at a fraction of the cost. Distillation is the industry’s new buzzword and enables AI models to run with fewer resources. Now, a global race is on to create AI models that are cheaper for consumers and businesses to adopt. Theos Evgeniou, Professor of Technology and Business at INSEAD, discusses how the machine learning technique works, the immense potential of distillation in AI across industries and why it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead in AI development.

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As people become more aware of the importance of staying healthy, and the rising costs of healthcare, there is a growing focus on preventive care and personalised medicine. How is private healthcare in Singapore adapting to technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and an aging population? What are the latest trends and challenges in the private healthcare and wellness industry? Aileen Seah, Amelia Lee, and Goh Xin Ying, co-founders of The Health Collective, which integrates chiropractic, osteopathy, and dental care to prioritise early intervention and holistic well-being share their insights. The three women leaders also touched on concerns that women tend to ignore their own health while balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, and the steps they can take for better health and well-being. 

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Advanced manufacturing industry has evolved rapidly in the 21st century. Phyllis Ong, Group CEO of Armstrong Asia, which is a homegrown advanced manufacturing group that has become a leading industry player in noise, vibration, heat & safety management solutions in the region discusses the developments of this industry and the critical role of digitisation and automation. Phyllis who chairs the Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s Women in Manufacturing Committee, also shares her work approach in a traditionally male-dominated manufacturing industry and what she believes to be an important factor to her success.

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The renewable energy sector is experiencing robust growth with advancements in energy storage, grid resilience, and off-grid solutions as we transition to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. 

Filipa Ricciardi, Executive Director at leading clean energy solutions provider EDP Renewables APAC, shares insights into the transformative growth of renewable energy in Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region including innovative solutions and the importance of public-private partnerships for the future of renewable energy.

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AI and automation are transforming the workforce at an unprecedented pace, bringing new opportunities and economic benefits. While AI can revolutionise industries, boost worker productivity, and improve job quality, its broad adoption presents challenges. How can organisations and governments reduce the risks of AI displacement while maximising its transformative potential for the workforce?

Moutushi Sengupta, Senior Advisor at Asia’s leading social investment network AVPN, shares her insights into current efforts to bridge the gap in an AI-first era, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and low-wage workers. Moutushi also discusses AVPN’s $15 million AI Opportunity Fund, aimed at equipping Asia’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy. 

Good Tech takes an inspiring look at initiatives and thought leadership, and ways technology is used to drive impactful social change.

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Malaysia’s NationGate was caught in the fallout of Singapore’s investigation into the alleged fraudulent transfer of Nvidia’s advanced artificial intelligence chips, sending its shares crashing nearly 30 per cent on Monday (Mar 3) before trading was halted for an hour on Tuesday (Mar 4). The data centre solutions provider has denied any involvement in the ongoing fraud case. The Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief, Shannon Teoh weighs in with reactions from Malaysia. Shannon also shares his views on the potential of smuggling activities for restricted technology, and the impact of the AI chips probe on Malaysia's growing electronics chips market.

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From the rapid growth of IoT and the rise of 5G to the impact of generative AI and edge computing, how is the telecommunications industry harnessing the power of new technologies to propel innovation forward in the connectivity space, and enable enterprises in their digital transformation? Lin ShuFen, Head of Enterprise Mobility and IoT at Singtel Singapore, discusses current trends and the opportunities presented by 5G and edge computing, particularly in network slicing and remote device management. ShuFen also highlights the vital role of women in driving innovation and change within the telecom sector, offering a unique perspective on the future of connectivity.

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Singapore is transforming its agri-food industry to produce 30 per cent of our nutritional needs locally by 2030, for greater food resilience. Advancements in food technology and innovation have made it possible for Singapore to produce more food with fewer resources.

Guo Xiuling, CEO of Nurasa, a Temasek-owned company leading the charge in food tech innovation across Asia shares the latest trends in food tech innovation, and efforts in leveraging technology and partnerships in developing sustainable nutrition. Xiuling also discusses the challenges in commercialising innovations, particularly in consumer adoption and affordability. She tells us how she is breaking barriers as a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space as we mark International Women's Day on March 8.

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Nvidia, the leader in AI chipmaking, reported strong earnings and an optimistic revenue forecast for the upcoming quarter. Despite this, its stock plummeted 8.5%, causing a ripple effect in the Nasdaq. What led to this unexpected drop? Isaac Lim, Chief Market Strategist at investment platform Moomoo Singapore, joins us to break down the market reaction and discuss the reasons behind the sell-off, why investor expectations were not met, and what this means for Nvidia’s future in the fast-paced tech industry. 

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As the maritime industry transitions to a low-carbon future, electrification is emerging as a game-changer as industry players pursue alternative energy solutions to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. While the momentum behind maritime electrification is buoyed by ongoing advances in technology and supportive regulatory frameworks, the transition presents a mix of opportunities and challenges.

Tan Huan Ping, Head of Drives Singapore, Danfoss Drives, a global leader in the variable speed control of electric motors shares more about how industry players are steering towards sustainable shipping including current trends and potential shifts on the horizon.

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The Asia-Pacific region, with its dynamic growth prospects and evolving trade patterns, is set to shape the future of the supply chain and logistics market. What are the critical supply chain risks in this region, and the strategies to mitigate them? How will AI transform supply chain operations? Richard Butler, Head of APAC Risk & Research at Dow Jones, shares his insights on the most pressing risks facing businesses in Asia Pacific's complex supply chains and how companies can adapt to shifting regulatory landscapes while maintaining competitiveness. 

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Out-of-Home platform owner Target Media has made remarkable growth to the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) space in Singapore's advertising scene. Daniel Ng, Chief Revenue Officer of Target Media, a joint venture between Focus Media Group and SPH Media joins The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to explore how DOOH is reshaping brand strategies with hyper-local targeting and other unique features. Daniel also discusses the role of DOOH in complementing digital and social ads, and shares his vision for the future of the industry in a data-driven era.

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The Asia Pacific region is fast becoming a global leader in medical technology, with artificial intelligence playing a crucial role in its transformation. From diagnostics to treatment and operational efficiency, AI is reshaping the industry in groundbreaking ways. Vikram Kapur, Head, Bain & Company’s Global Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice, shares insights on the key drivers of growth, the talent gap in AI and healthcare, and the future of medtech in the region as well as Bain & Co’s latest report on AI’s impact on medtech.

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With Budget 2025 introducing key measures to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—ranging from tax rebates to digital innovation investments—how will these initiatives help businesses navigate economic uncertainty?

Waltson Tan, Founder and Managing Director of local law firm 28 Falcon Law, shares his views on the strategic measures to bolster businesses and drive growth, and gives insights on what is equally important for SMEs to tap the government grants.

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The global critical minerals industry is projected to grow significantly, driven by decarbonisation efforts and the transition to clean energy. The International Energy Agency predicts a tripling of demand for these minerals by 2030. Marc Ostwald, Chief Economist and Global Strategist at ADM Investor Services, discusses the trade tensions impacting global supply chains, particularly the US-China trade dynamic. He also shares insights into Asia's strategic position in the supply chain, noting China's control over critical minerals like lithium.

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The skincare industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations reshaping the way we approach skin health. We take a look at cutting-edge and science-driven skincare trends in particular microbiome-focused skincare with Irene Chong, Founder of microbiome-centric skincare brand Sage and Ylang. Irene shares more about her science-driven approach and why sustainability is an important part of modern skincare.

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Singapore’s manufacturing sector, which contributes over 20 percent to its gross domestic product, continues to be a cornerstone of the economy and a key driver of growth. What are the current trends shaping Singapore’s manufacturing industry? Given the challenges such as rising costs, and geopolitical tensions, how can the sector weather headwinds to stay globally competitive and achieve long-term growth? Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, weighs in on the current landscape and the impact of Budget 2025 on the sector. 

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Singapore has long been a beacon of innovation in the tech industry, but as global competition intensifies, the focus is shifting towards building a resilient and competitive workforce. Sharon Teo, Co-Chair, Talent & Capabilities Committee, at Singapore's technology industry trade association SGTech shares her views on the critical areas shaping the future of Singapore’s tech sector including workforce upskilling through AI adoption and attracting and retaining top talent, as well as efforts to support SMEs. How can we enhance digital transformation to stay competitive and build a global-ready workforce?

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Mixed-use developments have emerged as a powerful trend in the real estate industry, with industry players revolutionising the way we live and experience urban spaces. They combine residential, commercial, recreational spaces and even healthcare facilities within a single development. While such developments are not new concepts in the market, they have become increasingly popular as more people recognise the value of amenities and convenience within arm’s reach.

The iconic Golden Mile Complex renamed The Golden Mile, has recently been repositioned into a mixed use development with offices, medical suites, and retail space. It will be linked to a new 45-storey residential tower named Aurea which is developed through a joint venture between Far East Organization and Perennial Holdings.

Shaw Lay See, Chief Operating Officer, Sales & Leasing Group, Far East Organization and Ismail Gafoor, CEO of real estate agency PropNex share their perspective on mixed use developments and the appeal of such projects.

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In the face of challenges from geopolitical uncertainties, technological disruptions and climate change, what are some tax policies that can be enhanced to support Singaporeans and businesses in Singapore? Ahead of Budget 2025, Desmond Teo, ASEAN Private Tax Leader, EY shares his thoughts on the key themes and priorities this year; from tax policies and incentives for sustainability to supporting digital transformation. He also discusses how Singapore can stay competitive now that the global minimum tax rate has kicked in for multinational enterprises here, as well proposed tax incentives for single family offices to boost Singapore's broader financial sector. 

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President Donald Trump unveiled his most sweeping economic measure yet, announcing on Feb 13 a roadmap to impose reciprocal tariffs on every country that charges duties on US imports. What are reciprocal tariffs? Who might the US President target? More importantly, how will the reciprocal duties impact Singapore and other countries in Asia?

Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, provides his perspective on the potential consequences in the region, the impact on the prices of goods and services globally, Trump's tariff goals and if there is method behind his tariff madness.  

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Dating apps have changed the way we meet people. In an ever-competitive market, how do industry players keep their customers in love with their dating apps? Meihui Chen, APAC Communications Lead for dating app Bumble, discusses how AI, machine learning, and innovative features are reshaping the online dating experience. 

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Losses from cryptocurrency-related scams grew in Singapore, where over S$32.6 million has been lost to investment fraud since January. Authorities say people are falling prey to such ruses as scammers look to break into digital wallets to siphon funds from them.

Jag Foo, Chair of the Blockchain Security and Compliance Committee, with the Global Fintech Institute, and Partner at digital assets solutions firm SafeHeron, Jag shares his perspectives on the evolving tactics used by scammers including the role of social engineering in scams, and offers insights on how investors and institutions can better protect themselves in an increasingly complex crypto landscape.

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The World Economic Forum recently reporting that 72% of organisations saw increased cyber risks in 2024. According to the WEF’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook for 2025, ransomware is the top organisational cyber risk this year.

With global cyber threats on the rise, Jess Ng, Country Head for Singapore and Brunei at cybersecurity firm Fortinet, discusses how organisations can bolster their defenses, and the critical importance of international cooperation in securing the digital frontier. 

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Real estate investment across Asia Pacific is set for a shift in 2025, driven by optimism around interest rate cuts and evolving market dynamics. The optimism is reflected in CBRE’s 2025 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey released recently, which uncovered an improvement in buying intentions across most markets in Asia Pacific this year. Over half of the respondents in the survey indicated their preference to buy more real estate in 2025. Greg Hyland, Head of Capital Markets APAC at CBRE, shares his insights and unpacks the key trends shaping investor sentiment and the challenges ahead.

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The future of digital engagement is here. Banking industry veteran Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, Standard Chartered Bank’s innovation, fintech, investment and ventures arm, shares his perspectives on immersive technologies transforming how people experience and engage with events, e-commerce and tourism. Alex also talks about his upcoming book, Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, Rewiring the DNA in Banking which aims to resonate with people wanting to transform businesses and adapt to the changing world. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at how SC Ventures,  embraced disruption to thrive in an era of rapid change.

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Modern wireless charging systems with increased efficiency and cost-optimised components are proving to be a game changer in the manufacturing sector.

As industries embrace automation and green energy solutions, the demand for efficient and scalable charging systems has never been greater. From electric vehicles to industrial robotics, wireless charging is offering unprecedented flexibility and sustainability.

What are the trends in this dynamic and rapidly growing wireless charging market? Dr. Chin Foong Tong, Founder and CEO of Xnergy, a pioneering company in wireless charging, shares insights into the market and the ways the innovation is transforming industries such as electric vehicles, industrial robotics, and consumer electronics. Dr Tong also discusses the key drivers of growth, the future of the wireless landscape and the Singapore headquartered-Xnergy's technology to reduce waste, prolong battery life, and adapt to various environmental conditions.

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Investing in high-value art is no longer just for the ultra-wealthy. The rise of fractional art ownership has lowered the bar to entry for art investing, providing opportunities for more individuals to quickly and easily participate in the art market.

Low Sok Leng, Founder of art gallery ARTualize, shares more about Singapore's art market, the shift towards accessibility and the vision for her innovative brainchild,We Are Art Collectors - a first-of-its-kind fractional art ownership platform. With the platform, art enthusiasts can own a stake in masterpieces by renowned local artists starting from $1,000.

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and real estate is no exception. From streamlining property searches to automating transactions, AI is changing how buyers, sellers, and agents interact with the market.

Gerald Sim, is Co-Founder and CEO of Singapore property search portal Mogul.sg. Mogul.sg, which harnesses geospatial data technology and integration of artificial intelligence recently launched an AI agent, the first of its kind in Singapore.

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Singapore's solar energy deployment as at June 2024, is1.35 gigawatt, on track to meet its 2025 targets under the Singapore Green 2030 plan. Citing the data, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng said this meets around 2 per cent of Singapore's annual electricity demand.

With clean energy sources projected to meet more than a third of the growth in energy demand in Southeast Asia by 2035, there is immense potential for clean energy development. What are the current trends in the renewable energy sector and how is its role progressing in shaping a greener grid in this region?

Matthijs Guichelaar, is Co-Founder and CEO of Flo Energy, a leading independent electricity retailer in Singapore supplying 100% renewable energy to its customers. Matthijs shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy landscape and what it takes to make clean power more accessible.

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Facilities management impacts our daily lives in ways we often overlook. As businesses evolve, the demand for seamless workplace solutions and home services is greater than ever. Companies are seeking smarter ways to manage their spaces, while individuals look for convenience without compromising quality.

What are the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry? Daniel Thong, Founder and CEO and Fareed Mustakin, Product Lead & Director of Nimbus, share more about office facilities management, and how technology, service excellence, and new business models are redefining the way we interact with the spaces around us.

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The convergence of AI and cryptocurrency is a fusion of two of the most transformative technologies of the last decade. While AI has the potential to optimise a lot of what we see in cryptocurrency, from automated trading strategies to improving security through advanced fraud detection algorithms, crypto provides a decentralised and transparent infrastructure, which can be used to incentivise data-sharing, tokenisation, and even governance of AI systems.

In the second part of a two-part interview, we dive into the potential risks emerging from the convergence of AI and cryptocurrency with Kay Van Peterson, Co-Founder & Partner at Final Upgrade AI and Principal at Ascent Capital & the HODL Group, who shares insights into some of the risks and how to manage them.

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The AI industry is advancing at lightning speed, with companies racing to develop cutting-edge models and secure funding. But with innovation comes disruption—most recently highlighted by the sharp drop in NVIDIA's stock following the rise of DeepSeek. The Chinese startup's ChatGPT-like AI model called R1, operates at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI’s, Google’s or Meta’s popular AI models.

What will this mean for the broader AI space and the future of AI investment, and how should leaders adapt to these changing dynamics?

Dominique Rose Van-Wither, CEO of Final Upgrade AI, an AI-powered consultancy focused on training, advisory and AI solutions for businesses, shares her perspectives and insights including what’s next for both investors and companies navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

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As scientific advancements reshape our understanding of aging, the focus has shifted from merely extending lifespan to improving health span—the number of years we live in good health

Lindsay Cooper, co-founder of Chi Longevity, Singapore’s first private healthy longevity clinic gives insights into how the clinic blends holistic principles with modern strategies to help individuals and organisations achieve optimal vitality and longevity. 

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According to the latest data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) , the office rental market in Singapore saw a second consecutive quarter of decline in Q4 2024, following a strong rebound in Q2 2024.

Office rents in Singapore’s central region fell 0.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, extending a 0.5 percent drop in the previous quarter. Despite the decline in the second half of 2024, office rents for the full year remained flat from the preceding 12 months, when leasing rates had climbed 13.1 percent.

The URA also released statistics on the residential and retail property market for 4Q24.

Dr. Chua Yang Liang, Head of Research and Consultancy for Southeast Asia at JLL, unpacks URA's latest statistics. 

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Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are two of the most transformative forces in technology today, reshaping industries and redefining how we interact with the world. As AI pushes the boundaries of machine intelligence and crypto revolutionises finance with decentralised systems, these two innovations are now converging in powerful ways.

In the first part of a two-part interview, we explore the synergy between AI and crypto, from AI-driven trading algorithms to decentralised platforms enhanced by machine learning. What new opportunities does this intersection offer for efficiency, transparency, and accessibility?

Kay Van Peterson, Co-Founder & Partner at Final Upgrade AI, and Principal of Ascent Capital & the HODL Group shares insights into the future of intelligence and finance at their crossroads.

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Japan is on a mission to reclaim its status as a semiconductor powerhouse with the creation of "chip cities"—high-tech hubs for advanced chip foundries and research. This bold initiative could transform Japan’s economy, spark innovation, and even reshape its real estate landscape.

In this episode, we delve into the ripple effects of this strategy with Gareth Nicholson, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Managed Investments at Nomura. Join us as we unpack how these developments might redefine Japan’s tech sector, urban planning, and global influence.

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As Donald Trump begins his second term as president of the united states, experts say President Trump’s unpredictable nature will make 2025 a volatile year.

Challenges ranging from the US-China trade conflict to geopolitical tensions and market volatility suggest that Singapore’s economy is in for a rockier ride in 2025.

On Industry Insight we take a look at the asset management industry which has been evolving rapidly in recent years. In this current dynamic environment, how are asset managers adapting their strategies to manage risks and seize opportunities, while addressing key challenges in the region and in Singapore?

What is the outlook for investment in 2025? Thomas Kaegi, Chairman of the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) Development Committee, shares insights into the future of asset management in the region.

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Traditional farming methods are giving way to innovative technologies as farmers increasingly prioritise productivity. Many are navigating challenges such as increased input prices, extreme weather events, and commodity price volatility.

From aeroponics and hydroponics to vertical farming, advancements in technology are changing how we think about food production, especially in urban landscapes like Singapore, where land is scarce, and the need for locally grown produce is crucial.

Leonard Teo, Founder of urban aeroponics farm, Straits Agriculture shares more insights.

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Gaming and e-sports have quickly evolved from niche hobbies to cultural phenomena, influencing everything from entertainment to education. With billions of players worldwide and an ever-growing audience for competitive gaming, the industry has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. As we look ahead to 2025, what will the future hold for gaming and e-sports in Singapore and the Asia region?

Nikhil Hathiramani, Co-Founder and CEO of esports consultancy IMPLS Entertainment and Paper Rex, one of Asia's premiere professional esports teams shares insights into the dynamic landscape on Industry Insight.

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LinkedIn found that more than two-thirds of Singapore professionals are looking to switch roles in 2025 – surpassing the global average of 58 per cent. This is despite rising challenges in the job search, with 61 per cent of respondents reporting that the process of seeking new employment has grown increasingly difficult.

Many are frustrated with applying for more roles but hearing back less frequently. Apart from standing out during applications, other obstacles included looking for roles that match personal criteria and negotiating salaries.

Be it employees or employers, how should we be rethinking our strategies to prioritise well-being, flexibility, and work-ready skills that are required to thrive in a rapidly changing environment? Feon Ang, LinkedIn's Managing Director for Asia Pacific, shares insights into the employment industry and the evolving dynamics of the job market as well as LinkedIn's latest “Jobs on the Rise” report, which looks at the fastest growing jobs in Singapore.

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More details have emerged recently about the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Nine flagship zones have been announced, and that there will be two separate funds committed by the Singapore and Malaysian governments into the economic zone.

The special economic zone is poised to become a transformative initiative, and experts see the real estate sector as a significant driver for long-term growth

With increased connectivity and a shared vision for development, this initiative could reshape property demand, values, and opportunities on both sides of the border.

To help us unpack the potential impact of this Special Economic Zone on the real estate landscape, we’re joined by Chua Shir Yee, Head of International Sales from PropNex.

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Experts say the global ESG fund landscape will look significantly different in 2025 which could see a much-needed pragmatism to push for the actions – and finance – to implement the transition towards a more resilient global economy for the 2030s and beyond. What are the factors that will be recurring themes for investors? London-based Hortense Bioy, head of sustainable investing research, at financial services firm Morningstar shares insights into the themes sustainability-aware investors should know about.

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China's economy faced significant challenges in 2024, including a property downturn, local government funding issues, and a sluggish labour market. As the World Bank raises China's economic growth forecast for 2024 and 2025, questions remain whether the country can overcome challenges in confidence and the property sector. Is the world's second-largest economy heading into another tumultuous year? What’s in store for China’s economy in 2025? 

Hong Kong-based economist for Asia Pacific at global financial institution, Natixis, Gary Ng shares his perspectives on what to expect.

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