Let's Talk, Singapore

Over the past four years, the mattress market size in 2019 was worth a whopping $30.5 billion in 2019. Analysts believe that in the next few years, by 2024, the mattress market size will be even larger. So how big is the mattress business here in Singapore? And how is a new company trying to break into this business that has been dominated by ‘the big boys’ for years? Benjamin Quiroga-Rivera, Co-Founder, Emma Sleep shares more on the future of the mattress industry in the region.

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We’ve seen the GameStop frenzy take a turn, with the stock snapping a six-day rally and wiping out nearly $11 billion in market value! That’s after brokerages started curbing trading on its platforms used by the GameStop’s fan base. But are the retail crowd here to stay? And, what does this week’s events mean for the broader market? Lee Kian Soon, CEO, Astral Asset Management shares his thoughts on this and more.

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Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University shares his thoughts on the news a 16 year old plotted to attack Muslims at two mosques here in Singapore, and whether this is a wake up call on the 'rabbit hole' of far-right ideology on the internet.

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Asian Insider Ep 58: Organised crime a threat to Asean

21:21 mins

Synopsis: Every Friday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

South-east Asia's challenge of tackling organised crime syndicates goes beyond the issue of dealing with drugs. Their activities often have an impact on human trafficking, money laundering and even wildlife.

Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh discusses the issue with Mr Jason Tower, the Myanmar country director for the United States Institute of Peace.

1. Transnational criminals gaining more influence (1:17)
2. Opportunity for rule of law to return (3:21)
3. Are governments powerless to take on transnational criminals? (9:14)
4. Do US sanctions have any effect? (13:57)
5. Law enforcement cooperation can lead to positive results (16:59)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh ([email protected]) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Adam Azlee

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Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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Newly launched in 2019, Fraser Residence Orchard (part of Frasers Hospitality) was quickly hit by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the early half of 2020. But as they continue with in 'new normal' have pushed ahead with the introduction of the #FraserCares commitment among other initiatives. Vernon Lee, Senior Vice President – Head of APAC Operations and Projects,  Frasers Hospitality shares more about Frasers Hospitality’s efforts to stay competitive during these uncertain times.

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On The Bigger Picture, Alvin Lee, Premium Client Manager at IG speaks to Shane Oliver, Chief Economist & Head of Investment Strategy, AMP Capital on the latest from the ECB and the FOMC, plus breaks down the latest earnings from big tech players. 

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The Covid-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on Southeast Asia’s growing illicit trade industry. In ASEAN, the rise of illicit trade has dealt significant blows to human lives and human rights, on top of causing monetary losses to governments and legitimate businesses. So what can be done by businesses to tackle illicit trading in our region? Robin Smith, Vice President and General Counsel for China & APAC, LEGO Toy (Shanghai) shares more.

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US retail game store GameStop has been struggling for the past four years, and is expected to lose money this year and next. But that hasn’t stopped ‘average joe’ investors piling into the niche stock, sending its shares up 1744% so far this year! The big question is why and what lessons can be learnt from this? Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst, Asia Pacific at OANDA gives his analysis on GameStop's meteoric rise. 

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CRUST produces beer that has been brewed using surplus bread from local bakeries! And they’ve recently launched another brand called CROP, which is a line of non-alcoholic beverages made from fruit waste and loss. Travin Singh, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, CRUST Group shares the process of how CRUST makes beer with surplus bread in comparison to the “traditional” way of making beer, and some statistics on the beneficial environmental impact CRUST has. 

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Straits Times’ Regional Correspondent, Leslie Lopez gives his analysis of; Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim filing a lawsuit against Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin over the country's state of emergency, options the Malaysian government might take to keep the Covid-19 situation under control, yet also support the economy, plus the vaccine roll out in Indonesia, and the latest from Vietnam's Communist Party congress.

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