Read with Michelle Martin : The delicious book that features 10 iconic family-owned restaurants

SoftBank just dumped Nvidia in the midst of this AI frenzy - is this a warning signal, or the smartest money move of the year? As rare-earth stocks roar and governments scramble for critical minerals, we ask whether a new multi-decade commodities supercycle is forming - or whether geopolitics is simply inflating another hype cycle. Michael Burry is also sounding alarms, accusing hyperscalers like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft of chasing an AI dream without a proven business model. We unpack SoftBank’s Nvidia exit, the mineral race, and the AI-infrastructure boom versus bubble debate. What’s real, what’s noise, and what’s actually investable right now? All this and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with insights from Arun Pai of Monk’s Hill VenturesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Nov 23min

Swiss sneaker-maker On, chip giant AMD, Cisco Systems, and local names like ComfortDelGro, ST Engineering, AEM, Food Empire, JB Foods, and Seatrium take centrestage, as markets react to blockbuster guidance upgrades and renewed AI optimism. We break down what’s driving the surge in On’s sales, the key soundbites from AMD’s Lisa Su, and Cisco’s profit engine. Plus -UP or DOWN verdicts across Singapore corporates as the STI hits fresh records led by Jardine Matheson and Hongkong Land. And in the “Last Word,” a mall becomes a theme park as Netflix launches “Netflix House.” All that and more - hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Nov 22min

Inclusion is under siege. As companies scale back DEI amid political backlash, can Asia offer a new lens for belonging - one rooted in empathy and economics? Lyn R. Lee, former Global Chief DEI Officer at Shell and author of Tiny Rice Grains (Penguin Random House SEA), joins Michelle Martin to explore the future of diversity in a politically divided world. She discusses how small acts of inclusion ripple into systemic change, and how Asian perspectives can redefine leadership courage and care. Discover how to move beyond compliance, make psychological safety real, and build workplaces where every “tiny grain” counts. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Nov 19min

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 24min

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 11min

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 24min

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 11min

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 15min