Influence: ASG Technologies Praveen Kumar on digital transformation post COVID-19

Hosted by Michelle Martin, this is the show that keeps your peace of mind at the heart of the wealth chase. When everything feels chaotic - wars, inflation, de-dollarisation fears and gold is rising - what if the smartest financial move is knowing when to stop chasing more? Drawing on insights from Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, the conversation challenges the reflex to maximise, leverage, and hustle at all costs. Michelle and Chris unpack the most common investor mistakes during periods of volatility - from freezing in fear to making emotionally reactive moves. Gold makes a comeback in the headlines, but is it an investment, a hedge, or simply psychological insurance? The discussion also tackles the modern obsession with side hustles and multiple income streams - and whether more money always means more security. At the heart of it all: where to draw the line between building wealth and actually living the life that wealth is meant to support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Feb 19min

With Microsoft shares down more than 15% year-to-date, Michelle zeros in on a debate that couldn't be timelier for investors. Microsoft splits Wall Street - one broker waves the red flag, another doubles down on AI-driven upside. Who’s right? Microsoft is at the heart of a sharp broker divide, with Melius Research downgrading the stock over free cash flow pressures while D.A. Davidson turns bullish on the AI ecosystem surrounding OpenAI. We unpack why one camp is worried about subscription growth and capital intensity, while the other sees long-term operating leverage from AI adoption. From the US to Japan, markets also react to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election win - and Warren Buffett’s winning Japan strategy. Our UP or DOWN segment checks in on Montage Technology, Novo Nordisk, NatWest, and Oracle amid volatile global trading. Plus, local market movers on the STI and a surprising box office twist in today’s Last Word, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Feb 22min

After years in the penalty box, S-REITs are staging their strongest comeback since before COVID - but the real question is: who’s thriving, and who’s just surviving? The iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index delivered a standout 16.3% return in 2025, its best annual performance since 2019, signalling a shift in momentum as rate pressures ease. But this recovery is uneven, with pockets of strength emerging while weaker balance sheets continue to lag. We break down which property types are leading the rebound, and why yesterday’s winners may not be tomorrow’s. With Singapore Budget 2026 just around the corner, expectations are building around policy support, funding costs, and growth catalysts for the sector. Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, shares what investors should watch - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Feb 18min

Asia-Pacific markets are flashing mixed signals - from softer bank profits to roaring equity rallies, so where is the opportunity for investors? DBS’ Q4 earnings remind investors that even best-in-class banks aren’t immune to margin pressure as interest rate tailwinds fade, even as wealth and fee income show resilience. Japan’s markets surge as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secures a decisive election victory, fuelling optimism around fiscal stimulus, tax cuts, and a renewed equity bull case. Wall Street stages a powerful comeback, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq jumping as chipmakers rebound and investors debate whether this is a genuine reset or a classic dead-cat bounce. Goldman Sachs spotlights selective opportunities - from nuclear energy plays linked to Meta’s power needs to under-the-radar biotech bets after a bruising year. Closer to home, Singapore stocks hold onto weekly gains, with Keppel Corp and Singapore Airlines leading, even as Yangzijiang Shipbuilding drags. All this and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Feb 25min

Gold and silver just gave investors a brutal reminder: safe havens can still whipsaw. After blistering rallies into early 2026, both metals have plunged as a stronger U.S. dollar, ETF unwinds and crowded positioning collide. Silver’s extreme swings highlight how fragile liquidity can be when sentiment turns. Gold has fared better, but even it is facing its sharpest pullback in years as rate expectations reset. So is this a temporary correction - or the end of the precious-metals bull case? Should we still all be lining to buy gold? We break it all down, hosted by Michelle Martin who speaks with Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, Head of Consumer and Internet at Alethea Capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Feb 7min

What if the real risk in buying a home isn’t interest rates - but your job? In early 2026, AI disruption, shifting HDB policies and volatile careers are forcing buyers to rethink what “affordable” really means. Shorter BTO waiting times promise relief for young couples, but could trigger unexpected ripple effects across resale. At the same time, the long-standing price gap between RCR and CCR or prime and slightly beyond prime districts has narrowed to levels that are seeing some sit up. What does this all mean for you and your wealth journey? Ivan Cai, CEO of Crestbrick, breaks down what this new property cycle means for buyers and investors, hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Feb 17min

Amazon which posted solid headline profits, but saw a market recoil as expectations collide with a US$200bn AI spending plan. So why did Wall Street blink? AWS shines with robust margins and growth, underscoring where Amazon’s real engine lies — the cloud and AI arms race. Meanwhile, Bitcoin sinks deeper into correction territory and silver struggles to stabilise after sharp volatility. Earnings season delivers mixed signals as Reddit and Roblox surge while tariff pressures crush consumer brands. All this as US and Singapore markets wobble, unpacked hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang. Hear about :Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Alphabet, Qualcomm, Reddit, Roblox, Ralph Lauren, Estée Lauder, DBS, CapitaLand China Trust, Elite UK REIT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Feb 22min

Many Singaporeans treat SRS as a “set it and forget it” tax tool, leaving cash idle at 0.05% while inflation does the damage. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores why investors are waking up - with ETF holdings in SRS accounts surging 380% to over S$800 million. We break down how SGX-listed ETFs can transform SRS from dormant savings into a long-term growth engine. From local STI anchors to global equity, bond, REIT and gold ETFs, we unpack what SRS investors are actually buying. Founder of TimTalksMoney, Tim Phillips, dives into popular choices with investors and takes us beyond the ETF wrappers for choices for someone looking to China, US and even gold! Plus, practical steps for anyone with idle SRS cash who wants to start investing confidently in 2026 and beyondSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Feb 25min