Money and Me: CPF Special Account Closure, Retirement Planning, and Investment Strategies with Kenny Loh

A fierce debate has erupted over investment-linked insurance plans. Are ILPs misunderstood tools for long-term wealth, or overly complex, high-cost products investors should avoid? Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, returns to address his criticisms of his arguments following his Business Times column, which challenged the value of ILPs. He breaks down industry rebuttals on compounding bonuses, adviser fees, and fund access, and explains why his firm continues to steer clear of them. Hear both sides of the ILP story, from consumer confusion to claims of strategic tax and estate planning benefits - and decide where you stand. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Nov 202524min

Profits are up, but not everyone’s cheering. Sea Limited doubles earnings while Singtel posts a massive jump - yet investors aren’t entirely convinced. SoftBank cashes out of Nvidia to fund its AI future. Which of these moves spells confidence - and which signals caution? From Sea’s Shopee, Garena, and Monee to Singtel’s Optus and NCS, we unpack the region’s big earnings stories. Then we head to SoftBank and its 5.8 billion dollar Nvidia sale. Plus, our UP or DOWN spotlight hits JD.com, Sony, BHG Retail REIT, and SingPost. We wrap with the Straits Times Index rally led by Genting Singapore, UOL Group, and City Developments. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Nov 202511min

A race against time - and one that could save you real money. As the year ends, many Singaporeans hurry to make their S$15,300 SRS contribution to cut their tax bill - but how does the scheme work We unpack withdrawal rules, explain whether you’ll eventually pay tax, and why 1 in 5 SRS dollars sits idle earning just 0.05% interest Should you invest your SRS instead, and how do rising statutory retirement ages affect when you can access your money? We break down the crucial 1 July 2026 deadline to lock in the penalty-free withdrawal age of 63. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Nov 202524min

Markets are moving. US lawmakers strike a compromise to end the shutdown, sending the S&P 500 and Nasdaq sharply higher, with Nvidia, Palantir among the day’s top gainers. We unpack Warren Buffett’s plan to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO, go quiet, and accelerate philanthropy - and what it means for Berkshire Hathaway investors. Our UP or DOWN game spotlights TSMC, Restaurant Brands , Vicom and YZJ Financial. We also take stock of the Straits Times Index, where Genting Singapore, DBS and ST Engineering made moves. Finally - a surreal “Last Word” - Paris launches a cemetery lottery! Get your finance wrap for the morning. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Nov 202511min

A toy titan stumbles - is the Labubu craze losing its bite? Pop Mart gets smashed by a livestream backlash while collector demand cools. Carl Icahn revs engines with a big bet on Monro’s struggling auto-service business. Wall Street slips despite solid earnings; investors weigh labour softness & shutdown risks. UP or DOWN: Ikea, Pfizer, Sri Trang, Boustead. Local highlights, STI movers - hosted by Michelle MartinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Nov 202515min

Has Singapore quietly become one of the world’s hottest IPO destinations? The city-state has rocketed into the global top 10, overtaking London as real-estate listings power its rise. Globally, IPOs are rebounding as 2025 sees stronger deal flow and an 89% surge in proceeds amid calmer markets. EY’s Chan Yew Kiang walks us through what’s driving the US, Greater China, and Southeast Asia - and why Hong Kong’s comeback matters. We explore sector trends, cross-border listings, and whether more issuers are choosing New York over home turf. Investors get a forward look at catalysts heading into 2026 - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Nov 202515min

What if cities could remember — and literature was the witness? The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) returns for its 15th edition, exploring “Urban Myths and Memories” in Penang. This bold, internationally recognised festival champions free expression, world literature, and provocative conversations at the cultural edge. With 37 writers from 13 countries, GTLF gathers acclaimed voices, poets and performers to examine identity, politics, place and imagination. We ask Festival Manager Julia Tan what Singapore readers can expect - from standout writers to unmissable panels shaping regional literary discourse. A journey into storytelling, memory and why festivals still matter - hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Nov 202514min

What does one of the busiest malls in China have no shoppers, yet billions in sales? China’s growth may be slowing, but its transformation is accelerating. Join Michelle Martin as she chats with Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan, who toured Shanghai and Hangzhou with institutional investors. Discover how live-streaming has become China’s most powerful consumption engine, why local brands like Proya are winning hearts, and how asset-light models are reshaping industries. This podcast includes a specially recorded "Easter Egg" where Willie shares his views on the rise of robotics in China from AI-driven hotels to its place in building technology. Investors, you don't want to miss this view of China’s new playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Nov 202531min