CNA938 Rewind

Meta has launched its first camera-free AI glasses following growing concerns about covert recording. But the devices can still listen, connect to an AI assistant and process information throughout the day. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman speak with Ivan Tan, Licensed Private Investigator & Certified Cybersecurity Expert, Asia Top Investigation, to examine whether removing the camera goes far enough—and what privacy should look like as AI wearables become more common.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (25 September) markets analysis on Open For Business, Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman speak with Bill Stone, Chief Investment Officer, The Glenview Trust Company. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Xi Jinping says China and the US have reached a quote "new joint arrangement" on trade, calling it good news for the global economy.  It comes after summit talks at the White House with US President Donald Trump, who hailed it as a "great meeting". From Washington DC, CNA's Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong speaks with Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman for the latest.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Aaron Chew, Investment Counselor, Citigold Private Client, Citibank Singapore

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could someone be secretly recording you through their glasses, without you even realising it? Here in Singapore, police are investigating after a video showed a man wearing smart glasses while allegedly following female students near Marymount MRT station. It comes as concerns grow over camera-enabled smart glasses, which can look much like ordinary eyewear. Daniel Martin discusses further with Alfred Siew, Editor, TechGoondu.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A highly-venomous black spitting cobra remains elusive, after being spotted in Serangoon Gardens. What could be bringing these native snakes into our neighbourhoods, and what to do if you encounter one? Daniel Martin finds out more from Kannan Raja, President, Herpetological Society of Singapore.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve had rain over the last few days in Singapore; some feel it’s helped a little in washing the haze from our air. But, is rain really a blessing for haze-affected countries like us, or could it lead to other problems? Daniel Martin finds out more from Assistant Professor Wang Jingyu from the National Institute of Education at NTU. He's a Principal Investigator, Climate Transformation Programme, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Cluster Lead for Extreme Heat, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Dr. Olivia Ong, a Melbourne-based pain physician & specialist, and author of the memoir: “Back On My Feet”. Ong talks about how her book details a spinal cord injury from an accident that left her facing the possibility of never walking again. She describes how rehabilitation, love and a strong will helped her rebuild her life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plant-based protein is moving beyond the gym, but taste, texture and digestibility remain sticking points. Cheryl Goh speaks with Vishal Vijay, Chief Executive Officer of Agrocorp International, the company behind consumer nutrition brand Herbyvore to look at how food innovation is helping make plant protein more appealing for everyday diets.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As SGSecure marks its 10th anniversary, Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng examine how Singapore’s terrorism threat has evolved, whether public awareness has translated into action, and how the country can prepare for growing risks such as online and youth self-radicalisation with Dr Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driverless ride-hailing will soon be available in Singapore. Service operator Waymo will start accepting bookings for rides in its self-driving cars from 2028. It’s also the company’s first commercial service in Southeast Asia. Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng examine how quickly autonomous vehicles could disrupt driving jobs, what they might cost and how they could change the way Singaporeans get around. They discuss with Eddie, Taxi Driver; Assoc Prof Walter Theseira, School of Business, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) & Dr Samuel Chng, Research Assistant Professor, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Desi...

On today's (24 Sep) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng speak with Aadil Ebrahim, Group Head of Equities, Klay Group

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An MAS stress test found that 32 per cent of SGX-listed companies could face financial stress if AI-related investment and revenues fall sharply. Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng unpack which businesses are most vulnerable, how exposed Singapore is to the global AI boom and what could happen if today's huge investment cycle unwinds with Song Seng Wun, Economic Advisor, SDAX

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s core inflation has hit its highest level in nearly two years, with price pressures rising across services, food and retail goods. Could consumers face even higher prices in the months ahead? Daniel Martin finds out from Denise Cheok, Economist, Moody's Analytics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Dan Chang, Trading Representative, Phillip Securities

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles an ongoing heartlands exhibition organised by the Singapore Art Museum. SAM curator Duncan Bass and local artist Brandon Tay discuss the multidisciplinary installation, “Brandon Tay: Sangkalan”. They’ll describe the travelling exhibition’s fictional island ecosystem featuring a coastal culture shaped by fruits, insects, and birds.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro explores an ongoing Singapore Art Museum exhibition, “Maria Taniguchi: Afterimage”. SAM curator Duncan Bass discusses Filipina artist Maria Taniguchi’s pieces that explore time, repetition and labour through her signature hand-painted brick paintings, sculptures and video works.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doxxing is emerging as a major online safety concern here. Figures released on Tuesday (22 September) show it was the most common online harm handled by Singapore’s new Online Safety Commission, accounting for 44 per cent of the harms reported. So how worried are you, and would you know what to do? Daniel Martin discusses further with Benjamin Ang, Senior Fellow and Head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security, as well as Head of Digital Impact Research, RSIS.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heard an outlying instance of a jumbo flat in Telok Blangah listed for sale at an asking price of S$2.18 million? Are we getting closer to Singapore’s first S$2 million resale flat sale – when and where could it be? Daniel Martin finds out from Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer, Mogul.sg.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selling a home is not always about setting the highest asking price. Cheryl Goh speaks with Rhonda Wong, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Ohmyhome to look at the costly mistakes homeowners can make before listing, from overpricing and unnecessary renovations to weak negotiation, and how better pricing, preparation and guidance can help sellers get more from the sale.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is expanding its wellness offering aboard Seven Seas Prestige, with a new salt room, larger spa and fitness spaces, personalised training and a broader range of treatments and classes. Cheryl Goh finds out how guest expectations are shaping the way wellness is being built into the cruise experience with Lisa Pile, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Singapore is back after a S$3 million refresh, with a new look, an expanded international buffet and collaborations with local names including Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah and Dove Desserts. Cheryl Goh finds out what has changed, how Westin’s Eat Well philosophy shapes the spread, and what diners can look forward to on Level 32 with James Walkden, General Manager at The Westin Singapore.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From premium food and grooming to enrichment classes and specialised activities, some pet owners are spending more than ever on their furkids. Hairianto Diman and Rani Samtani speak to Sharon, Pet Owner, and Dr Emmanuelle Titeux, Veterinary Behavioural Medicine Specialist, Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital, about whether these experiences truly benefit dogs – or if pet pampering is sometimes more for the humans. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet after senior U.S and Chinese officials held eight hours of talks on trade, AI and critical minerals. Hairianto Diman and Rani Samtani speak with Alex Capri, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, NUS and Former Trade Specialist, U.S Treasury Department, to unpack what progress has been made, the sticking points still unresolved and why extending the U.S-China trade truce will be a key test for both leaders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (23 September) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Rani Samtani speak with Damian McIntyre, Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, Federated Hermes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High interest rates and bond yields would normally make gold less attractive, yet prices remain close to historic highs and analysts see further upside. Hairianto Diman and Rani Samtani examine why the traditional relationship is breaking down, what's driving demand and whether gold's bull run still has room to go. For more, they speak with Richard Wang, Country Manager for Singapore, J Rotbart.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro enters the world of bling with Elad Kirshberg, founder of Dianoche, a natural diamond manufacturer and jewellery retailer. Kirshberg recalls how his diamond career began in China before setting up Dianoche in Singapore. Nitika Sachid, Dianoche’s designer and creative lead explains how she shapes Dianoche’s visual identity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Hu You, Research Analyst, FSMOne Singapore

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Wednesday (23 September), new regulations governing commuter conduct on buses will kick in - with fines of up to 500 dollars for things like playing loud audio, putting your feet on seats, littering, and eating or drinking. So, where do you draw the line when it comes to behaviour on board? Daniel Martin discusses further with Dr Leong Chan-Hoong, Head of Social Cohesion Research Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, and former member of the Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise. 

He also led the 2020 Study of Social Norms in the Neighbourhood, which looked at everyday be...

Singapore’s new Cruise Centre at HarbourFront has been officially launched, with airport-style check-in, automated baggage handling and more. What could the new terminal unlock for travellers, cruise and ferry operators, and Singapore’s tourism sector? Daniel Martin finds out from Jacqueline Tan, CEO, Singapore Cruise Centre.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is warning of global shocks and AI pullback in its latest Financial Stability Review, but says Singapore firms and households are well-buffered. So, how can our banks and households withstand AI shocks? Daniel Martin finds out from Tay Qi Hang, Senior Analyst (Asia), Economist Intelligence Unit.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PCOS has long been associated with fertility, but its effects can extend far beyond reproductive health. Cheryl Goh looks at why the condition is now being reframed as PMOS, and what that could mean for diagnosis, treatment and women’s long-term metabolic health with Dr Vikram Sonawane, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist and Founder of Harmony Thyroid Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre (a member of Beyond Medical Group).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does stepping away from work to care for family mean for a woman’s income, career progression and long-term financial security? Cheryl Goh looks at the cost of career breaks, the challenges of returning to work, and what could make re-entry easier with Koh Yan Ping, CEO of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new parkside café is putting sharing at the centre of both the menu and the space. Cheryl Goh checks out Shared Table, from its Nourish Plate to what diners are looking for beyond a good meal with Jerls Su, co-founder of Shared Table.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men and women may differ in strength, muscle composition, hormones, anatomy and recovery but do those differences mean they should train differently? Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman ask Dr Dex Khor, General Practitioner, Little Haven Family Clinic, and Sarah Widjaja, Personal Trainer & National Powerlifter, whether women really need different workouts and which fitness myths need to go.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's labour market continues to grow and unemployment remains low, but retrenchments have hit their highest level since 2020, vacancies are falling and displaced workers are taking longer to find new roles. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman unpack the conflicting signals – why the labour market is softening despite continued employment growth, which workers are most exposed and what the outlook means for jobseekers. For more, they speak with Associate Professor Guan Chong, Director, SUSS Academy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (22 Sep) markets analysis on Open For Business, Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Homin Lee, Senior Macro Strategist, Lombard Odier.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance policies with an investment component can provide both protection and potential returns, but consumers need to understand what is – and isn't – guaranteed. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman explain what consumers should ask before committing, from guaranteed versus projected returns to fees, surrender penalties and adviser remuneration. For more, they speak with Cassandra Wee, Managing Director for Singapore at Poni Insurtech and Executive Director & CEO at Poni Financial Advisory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Mark Chua, Head, Investment Science, Maybank Asset Management

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner, and if you’re buying mooncakes this year, what are you looking out for? Taste and price perhaps, but what about how much you buy, or the packaging it comes in? Daniel Martin discusses further with KC Cheang, Executive Director, Singapore Environment Council.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.