Singapore equities ushered in the New Year on a high note, rising at the opening bell today.

In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 0.2 per cent to 3,793.33 points after 56.6 million securities changed hands in the broader market.

In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Post after the postal services provider appointed former Singapore CEO Neo Su Yin as its group chief operating officer. 

Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s economy expanded 4 per cent year on year in 2024, to how Apple is offering rare discounts of up to 500 yuan on its latest iPhone models in China – more corporate and economic headlines remain in focus.

Also on the list – how a Tesla Cybertruck exploded and burst into flames yesterday outside the entrance of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. 

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

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There has been a revision in the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme – a system that allows students to secure spots in secondary schools based on their talents in areas such as sports and the arts, beyond academic results.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced plans to make the DSA scheme more accessible, transparent, and focused on nurturing untapped potential rather than just recognising polished performance.

But why the need for change now? And what will this mean for students, parents, and schools?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gabrielle Chan, Journalist, The Straits Times, to find out.

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Are you more of a trader or investor?Two people could call themselves investors, but they have very different views on what it means to invest. As for traders though, the harsh reality is that over 90% of traders end up failing. But what about the remaining 10%? How do you go from the 90% to the top 10%? What sets successful traders apart? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lim Jun Kit, Senior Strategist, Phillip Nova, to find out more.

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Ever felt lost simply trying to secure third-party help? Looking for urgent cleaning before a big family gathering, or trying to find reliable elderly care—only to face delayed responses, fully-booked calendars, and exhausting back-and-forth communication?

Booking essential services, as its name suggests, should be straightforward. But the truth is, it’s a frustrating ordeal for most, especially during peak seasons when demand skyrockets and there is only a finite number of connections you know.

That’s why Jingjing Zhong started Superbench, a single platform that could tackle inefficiencies in sourcing home services head-on, with the help of AI.

On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jingjing Zhong, Co-Founder of Superbench to find out more. 

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Gold has long been seen as a safe haven asset, especially during times of crisis. Its ability to retain value when other investments falter has earned it the reputation of a “doomsday asset.”

Physical gold, in particular, stands out for its portability and reliability, while gold-backed ETFs appeal to those seeking liquidity and short-term trading opportunities.

So how should investors navigate these options? And why is gold such a critical hedge in uncertain times?

On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Alvin Chow, Assistant Director of Investment Advisory at iFast Global Markets to find out more. 

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Singapore stocks fell on thin trading volumes before investors usher in the New Year.

The local benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.2 per cent at 3,787.6 points after trading ended early on New Year’s Eve.

In terms of companies to watch today, we have Wilmar International, given how the agribusiness group is acquiring Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group’s remaining stake in Adani Wilmar, at a price not exceeding 305 rupees a share.

Elsewhere, from Beijing passing new regulations to encourage autonomous driving technology in the city, to gold heading for one of its biggest annual gains this century, more international headlines remain in focus.

On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments of the day.

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Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) has recently detailed the investigation and disciplinary processes that led to the firing of three senior executives.

This comes after questions were raised about the termination of SingPost’s group chief executive (CEO) Vincent Phang, group chief financial officer (CFO) Vincent Yik, and chief executive of the company's international business unit (IBU) Li Yu- including the timeline of events. 

This latest crisis adds to Singpost ongoing business challenges and leaves a vacuum in leadership. Will Singpost be able to recover from its latest scandal? What does this latest incident say about its corporate governance?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mak Yuen Teen, Professor (Practice) of accounting and former Vice Dean of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School to find out more. 

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Health consciousness among Singaporeans is on the rise, but is eating bland greens all it takes to truly eat clean?

In fact, many of us could be consuming more calories from our salads than we expect, especially if it isn’t the right mix of everything that makes up a truly healthy bowl of food.

Supergreen takes this struggle off its customers’ hands, making tasty and balanced bowls convenient for even the busiest of Singaporeans.

On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Shao Rong, Founder of Supergreen to find out more. 

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Singapore stocks opened flat this morning with a mixed showing from global markets amid light trading volumes with the New Year holiday approaching.

In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) edged up 0.03 per cent to 3,772.85 points after 51.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market.

In terms of companies to watch, we have OCBC, after the bank has agreed to sell its entire 33.3 per cent stake in Hong Kong Life Insurance to a Hong Kong investment holding company for HK$589.3 million (S$103 million). 

Elsewhere, from US stocks falling across the board on Friday, to shares of South Korean budget carrier Jeju Air slumping to a record low after the country’s deadliest air crash yesterday, more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. 
  
On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

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It's been considered South Korea’s worst commercial airline disaster.

A passenger jet crash-landed at an airport in southwestern South Korea, with the aircraft sliding on its belly at high speed down the runway before bursting into flames, killing 179 people and leaving just two survivors. What happened? Was it a bird strike? Or was it a failure on the aircraft? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong covers what we know so far about the crash. 

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