The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

Small businesses in Singapore are entering 2026 with a surprising amount of momentum despite global uncertainty. New research shows that entrepreneurship is accelerating, and that AI is becoming a powerful equaliser, helping smaller firms compete with much larger players.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Elsie Ng, Head of LinkedIn Talent Solutions (Singapore & Malaysia), LinkedIn to find out where should Singapore’s small and medium-sized businesses really be investing their limited time and resources in 2026.

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Imagine a world where the AI on your phone can shop, invest, negotiate, and even sign contracts for you — all without asking. The productivity gains are huge, but a critical question arises: when your AI makes a decision, who is really accountable?

Right now, we are seeing the emerging concept of KYA — Know Your Agent — which could potentially change the game altogether.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Philipp Pointner, Chief of Digital Identity at Jumio
to find out why linking every autonomous action to a verified human is becoming essential for the future...

What if the things you own could earn you money instead of gathering dust? From cameras to camping gear, SnapRent makes renting simple, safe, and rewarding—helping users save money, earn extra income, and reduce waste.

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Leng Zong Shun & Ebenezer Tay Jin Fong, Co-Founders of SnapRent to find out how two poly students build smart technology that enables trust while creating a new way to think about what we own.

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Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-changing consumer markets, especially now with the advent of e-commerce platforms.

Shoppers here are becoming more deliberate with every dollar they spend, balancing affordability with the desire for smarter, and even ‘better-for-me’ products, while local brands are keeping up with global ones, thanks to digital disruption reshaping how people discover and buy. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Praneeth Yendamuri, Partner at Bain & Company, Singapore to find out what these shifts mean for brands competing in this dynamic region.

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The future of precision medicine and transforming genomic research lies in the critical role of AI. The growing gap between massive genomic data collection and its clinical interpretation are now essential for complex analysis at scale.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Ilya Burkov, Global Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Growth, Nebius to find out how Singapore’s strong AI ecosystem can position the country as a global leader in genomic medicine and biomedical research.

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Enterprise-wide AI orchestration, or the “AI command centre” approach is on the rise. Organisations across Southeast Asia are moving beyond isolated AI pilots to deploy scalable, ROI-driven automation. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Amit Khandelwal, Regional VP and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, UiPath to find out what are the strategies, challenges, and real-world results of building an AI ecosystem that drives business impact at scale.

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With millions lost to renovation disputes over the years, homeowners often feel exposed navigating Singapore’s renovation market. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Joel Wong, founder of IDLah.sg, who shares insights from working closely with homeowners and interior designers on why renovation scams and disputes keep surfacing - and what homeowners can realistically do to reduce risk and regain confidence.

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The festive season brings more shopping, more deliveries — and far more messages on our phones. But as new threat research shows, scams today do not stand out anymore. They are deliberately designed to feel familiar, routine and credible.

In this Industry Insight conversation, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks with Tom Scully, Principal Architect for Japan-Asia Pacific at Palo Alto Networks, about why scam activity spikes at year end and why it is no longer just about higher transaction volumes.

Listen and learn about how scam tactics are evolving, what has quietly changed in the wa...

Technology doesn’t have to be flashy to be powerful.

In this Good Tech Highlights edition, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo and producer Naz Asrar reflect on three standout conversations that show how technology, when guided by purpose, can genuinely improve lives in Singapore.

From assistive wearable technology designed to support people with visual impairment, to a home-grown AI medical scribe built to ease doctors’ workloads, and an education-focused AI tool helping students think more critically - these innovations share one thing in common: they start with real human problems.

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Looking ahead to the future of vernacular newsrooms, how AI is being integrated responsibly and what new digital formats are gaining traction? Beyond that, the evolving talent profile required to serve bilingual, bicultural audiences will also change.

In Part 2 of a two-part special for Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Venga Subramanian, Audience & Growth Editor, Tamil Murasu and Editor, tabla! to find out what are the opportunities and pressures shaping the next stage of Tamil Murasu and tabla’s digital growth.

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Singapore’s vernacular newsrooms are undergoing a major shift, serving culturally diverse communities while adapting to English-dominant, digital-first habits.

In Part 1 of this Industry Insight special, Lynlee Foo speaks to Venga Subramanian, Audience & Growth Editor, Tamil Murasu and Editor, tabla! to explore how changing language patterns among younger Indians, the rise of new migrants, and evolving information needs are reshaping Tamil Murasu and tabla!’s editorial and digital strategies.

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As satellite networks, autonomous vessels, and global flight operations become increasingly interconnected, the final frontier is fast becoming the newest front line. So why is space emerging as the next major cyber battleground?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Patrick Trinkler, CEO & Co-Founder of CYSEC to find out what this shift mean for Singapore.

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Singapore just hit a major deep-tech milestone: Horizon Quantum has unveiled its very first in-house quantum computer.

This new technology will not just give Horizon a competitive edge, but it will also bring light to the importance of tight hardware-software integration, and even speed up real-world quantum applications for enterprises and developers.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Joe Fitzsimons, Founder and CEO of Horizon Quantum to find out what this milestone signals for Singapore’s growing quantum and deep-tech ecosystem.

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Design isn’t just about making things look good — it’s about making life better.

From creating products that are accessible to all, to tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges, humanity-centred design is redefining how we interact with technology and each other.

On this special episode of Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Professor Emeritus Don Norman, Founder of the Design Lab, University of California San Diego to find out how do we ensure that design keeps people at the centre, as technology becomes more capable and more embedded in daily life.

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As Singapore pushes toward a safer and more mature digital asset ecosystem, the next big security challenge isn’t the technology — it’s the human behind the screen. UX-driven security is becoming the new frontline and rising scam losses in Singapore are shifting user expectations.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Julien Neree, Chief Product Officer at Ryder to find out how these trends fit into MAS’ push for safer digital token services, and what “mainstream-ready” crypto security could look like as Singapore prepares for its next stage of adoption.

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The future of money is being built in Asia — and it’s happening faster than many expected. Major players like Mastercard are repositioning themselves in a world where every company wants to become a payment rail.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific at Mastercard to find out why Asia-Pacific has become the world’s testbed for real-time, tokenised and programmable payments, and what this means for the global financial system.

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With the Singapore Furniture Industries Council rolling out its 2026–2030 roadmap, the furniture industry is navigating a new era. Consumers are also re-defining how they live and work — choosing modular, space-savvy, and sustainable designs. At the same time, digital tools and AI are reshaping how products are imagined, customised, and produced.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Marcus Wong, Vice President of Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) to find out how can local brands scale globally and what skills and technologies are essential for the next-generation designer.

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Ever felt lost staring at the fine print of a loan, insurance policy, or investment document? But what if there was a tool that could flag the risky bits, translate the jargon, and verify the details in real time — giving you confidence before you sign on the dotted line? 

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Teo Yi Ki & Jonus Ho from Redflags to find out how is their web-based tool making financial decisions smarter, simpler, and a lot less intimidating?

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Singapore is rapidly becoming a proving ground for next-generation supply chain leadership. As businesses shift from focusing solely on systems and technology to building human skills, leadership capabilities, and adaptive mindsets.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Stuart Whiting, SVP Global Supply Chain at Schneider Electric to find out what does it take to lead a “human-ready, AI-enabled” supply chain.

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The latest 3Q real estate update reveals a striking divergence in global property markets. While commercial real estate in the US and Europe continues to face stress, developed Asia appears to be holding steady, earning a reputation as the “anti-crisis” market.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Regina Lim, Head of Research APAC at M&G Real Estate to find out what is behind Asia’s resilience and what could these trends mean for investors preparing for 2026.

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As investors reposition for the next cycle in APAC deal activity, Singapore is fast becoming the region’s capital command centre. So the question is — why money is returning to Asia?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Neil Brookes, Executive Managing Director, Asia Pacific Capital Markets, Savills to find out which markets appear strongest for 2026, and how Singapore has become the deal table for global and regional capital. 

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Singaporeans are used to getting what we want, when we want it, and that includes getting around the city. But behind every tap of the app, there’s a growing tension: drivers say they’re earning less even as demand surges, costs rise, and new rules tighten their take-home pay.

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kay Woo, Group CEO and Founder of MVLLABS, parent company of TADA, to find out whether our convenience is coming at a real cost to the people behind the wheel.

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We’re hearing more young people in Singapore say they’re feeling stressed or emotionally overwhelmed. Yet many still struggle to put those feelings into words and more people are turning to AI for quiet moments of self-reflection, using guided prompts and voice notes to sort through emotions they don’t always share out loud.

That’s where a new tool comes in called EBI, the Emotional Baggage Interface, which is a digital tool designed to help you organise your thoughts and make sense of your emotions before reaching out for help. 

On Good Tech, Nazirul A...

Cyberattacks are getting faster, more automated, and more relentless. And many organisations are hitting the limits of what a tool-heavy or compliance-driven approach can do.

A new model appears to be emerging globally. Known as Security Operations as a Service, or SecOps-as-a-Service — companies rely on dedicated, always-on security teams to help them stay breach-ready round the clock.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Steve Hunter, Director of Engineering, APAC at Arctic Wolf to find out what businesses need to prepare for in 2026.

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The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) recently launched ALFIN — a new AI engine that delivers clear, verifiable insights for the financial industry. With banks, fintechs, and regulators facing more data than ever, ALFIN offers a transparent alternative to black-box AI tools.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) to find out what this launch means for Singapore’s role in financial innovation, and how ALFIN’s verified data could change the way institutions handle compliance and strategy.

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Caring for seniors is challenging. Active Ageing Centres work tirelessly, but coordinating requests and follow-ups can take time. 

And that is how SeniorSync came to be. A homegrown digital platform built to centralise and track senior support needs more clearly so that all requests are seen to.

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Tan Ee Herng and Jordan Mok, Co-founders, SeniorSync to find out how they digitised ground operations for elderly care without losing empathy along the way.

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We’re heading into one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year, better known as the Black Friday Sale. According to Amazon’s latest YouGov survey, nearly half of us now identify as Deal Optimisers — smart, strategic shoppers comparing prices and timing purchases to get the most value.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Peter Li, Head of Amazon Global Store APAC, Amazon Singapore Country Manager to find out how are global platforms like Amazon staying ahead of this curve, and what sort of shoppers can we expect in this upcoming Black Friday sale.

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Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group’s move to acquire a majority stake in Singapore-based kAIgentic signals a major shift in finance: banks are no longer just automating tasks — they’re building intelligence into the core of their operations.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ahmed Mazhari, Groupwide AI Transformation Advisor, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc and Kazuya Ikeda, Head of AI Transformation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to find out what this means for the future of banking as institutions race to embed reasoning systems that are both powerful and accountable.

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Streaming in Asia Pacific is booming — audiences are listening, watching, and bingeing more than ever. From Japan to South Korea and now to Singapore, the region is outpacing global growth, reshaping music discovery, and exporting culture worldwide. Yet despite record adoption, premium subscriptions still lag behind, revealing a vast untapped opportunity.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Scott Ryan, EVP Commercial, Luminate to find out what is driving the region’s streaming revolution, and how is Asia's streaming surge transforming business models.

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As digital assets move from speculation to utility, a new wave of platforms is emerging - helping businesses manage payments, payroll, and even treasury functions on-chain. Singapore is becoming a testbed for this next phase of digital finance, with regulated players offering crypto-native business accounts and stablecoin payment rails.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Hassan Ahmed, Country Director, Singapore, Coinbase
to find out what this could mean for SMEs, startups, and the future of everyday business finance in Asia.

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For many seniors, official letters can be confusing, even intimidating. But what if technology could step in to read, explain, and even guide them through what to do next?

That’s exactly what LetterKey is building. This group of people are creating a simple tool that scans physical letters and turns them into clear, spoken explanations — even in local languages and dialects.

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Owen Gan, Product Designer and Cham Li Hui, Product Manager and from Letterkey to how this is bridging the literacy gap among our seniors.

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What happens when AI starts writing the software that runs the financial system? As banks move from using AI to advise to using AI to build, a new blind spot is emerging: AI-generated code quietly making its way into core banking systems.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Harry Wang, Chief Growth Officer, Sonar to find out what that means for trust, regulation and competitiveness.

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With a weakening US Dollar, shifts in interest-rate cycles, and heightened geopolitical risk, ultra-high-net-worth investors are rethinking where and how they deploy capital. So how does a leading family office advisory connect Asia’s ultra-wealthy to exclusive private-market deals?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Marcus Sasse, CEO & Founding Partner, Club Estate to find out how Asia’s ultra-wealthy are reallocating billions, and what it means for investors.

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Singapore is working to connect fast payment systems across countries, making cross-border transfers as instant as sending a text, and Nexus is the project linking national fast-payment systems together. So how will this transform finance?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Andrew McCormack, CEO of Nexus Global Payments to find out why Singapore is leading this shift and what this means for banks, businesses, and everyday users.

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More travellers across Asia-Pacific are choosing to go it alone — but not in the way you might think. Back in July, Scoot released its Unpacking the Solo Travel Trend white paper which found that solo travel is a fast-growing, with Asia-Pacific projected to expand even faster at over 16 percent a year.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Agatha Yap, Director of Marketing, Communications, Marketing Partnerships and Loyalty, Scoot to find out what’s driving this trend and how will it determine the future of travelling within the  region.

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Technology is transforming how advice, claims, and protection are delivered. But in an AI-driven world, can trust, the cornerstone of insurance, keep up?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Cassandra Wee, Managing Director (Singapore) of Poni Insurtech and CEO of Poni Financial Advisory, about how digital tools are reshaping the insurance experience in Singapore. Listen to the discussion that is focused on AI-powered advisory, faster claims, and why human connection still defines trust in a digital insurance world.

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As Singapore’s population ages, one of the biggest challenges isn’t just providing support — it’s making sure no senior slips through the cracks.

And SeniorSays is a home-grown innovation that is reimagining how community outreach works on the ground by turning conversations, emotional cues, and context from house visits into clear, actionable insights. 

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Pradnya Nirgun from SeniorSays to find out how this tech creates more empathetic volunteers, while giving staff real-time visibility to act faster and support seniors more meaningfully.

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Is the quantum era arriving sooner than we think? In Part 2 of our Quantum AI special, IBM Quantum Chief Technology Officer Oliver Dial explains why 2029 may mark the commercial turning point for quantum computing, moving it from research labs into real-world business impact.

We break down the promising early use cases in chemistry, finance, logistics and climate modelling, why Asia is emerging as a key proving ground, and how Singapore’s deep-tech investments are speeding up the timeline.

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In the first of a two-part special, we explore how the convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence - Quantum AI - is redefining industries, investment, and innovation. As the world races to merge quantum computing with artificial intelligence, Singapore is stepping into the spotlight.

In Part 1 of Quantum AI on Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Alexandra Beckstein, CEO & Founder, QAI Ventures to take a look at how Quantum AI is moving from theory to enterprise, and how a new accelerator backed by Enterprise Singapore is helping scientists and startups turn breakthrough ideas into scalable business.<...

As global aid and fiscal priorities shift, Singapore’s role as a regional leader in strategic giving is coming into sharper focus. Institutional giants like Temasek Trust and Tote Board are shaping the future of philanthropy as they join the ranks of Asia’s top givers alongside powerhouses like Tencent and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Gwendolyn Lim, Partner and Head of The Bridgespan Group (Southeast Asia) to find out what’s driving this new wave of giving, and how Singapore is redefining what it means to give with purpose, scale...

President Donald Trump called his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Busan a “12 out of 10”, signalling a desire to cool tensions with China. But beneath the warm optics, tech controls held firm and strategic rivalry remains. What does this moment mean for Singapore and ASEAN? 

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to William Choong, Senior Fellow for Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme at ISEAS to unpack whether Busan marks a genuine reset or just a tactical pause in great-power competition.

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From Lady Gaga’s concert to Coldplay’s Man In The Moon music video, Singapore has been making more appearances on the global pop-culture stage. As cities across Asia race to define the region’s cultural identity, Singapore is making a high-stakes play: to turn borrowed star power into lasting cultural capital.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive for the Marketing Group at Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to find out how can Singapore stand out in a crowded regional race, and make these cultural flashpoints count for the long term.

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From joint R&D and tech co-development to strategic alliances across ASEAN, international collaborations are reshaping how local companies innovate, adopt emerging technologies, and scale regionally. Singapore’s innovation story has long been told through the lens of startups, but a new chapter is being written through partnerships.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Michael Goh, CEO of IPI Singapore and Jumpei Harada, Open Innovation & IP Patent Attorney from Panasonic Japan to find out how this is fuelling Singapore’s next wave of industry transformation beyond the startup playbook.

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Financial stress can feel like a cycle that’s hard to break. But what if the real key to lasting financial stability isn’t just about money but about habits, values, and identity?

Enter Stride, a tool born out of a citizen engagement initiative that empowers people to make Singapore better through tech.

On Good Tech, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Fiona Ng, Co-founder of Stride to find out how they are using values and identity to build sustainable change.

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As AI takes on a larger role in cybersecurity, the balance between automation and accountability is shifting fast. Once designed to support security teams, AI is now making critical security decisions — from detecting threats in real time to deciding how to respond. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Royal Hansen, VP of Security Engineering at Google to find out how can organisations maintain trust, transparency and human oversight in an AI-driven security landscape.

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From AI-powered trip planning and destination matchmaking to intergenerational holidays, travellers are curating journeys that reflect who they are and what they value. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report, next year marks a turning point — where travel becomes a deeply personal expression of identity, connection, and purpose.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Cyndi Hui, Travel Trends and Destination Expert at Skyscanner to find out how technology is enabling hyper-personalisation, and what can travel brands do to stay relevant in an era where every journey is tailor-made.

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Singapore has moved beyond crypto hype. At TOKEN2049, the world’s largest digital-asset event, thousands gathered to discuss how regulation and technology can finally work hand-in-hand — and Singapore stood out as a model of balance, trust, and innovation.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Gracie Lin, CEO, OKX (Singapore) on how regulation has become strategy, why trust is the new infrastructure, and what the next phase of digital assets means for Singapore and the region. 

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From voice-controlled devices to communication software, Assistive Technologies (AT) are transforming independence and opportunity for persons with disabilities (PWDs). As Singapore pushes ahead with its Smart Nation goals, what does digital inclusion really mean — and who might be left behind if we don’t get it right? 

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Chong Kwek Bin, Manager for Innovation Division (Accessibility & Assistive Technology) at SG Enable to learn how we can help persons with disabilities live, work, and connect more freely than ever before.

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As AI agents move from support tools to autonomous digital co-workers, they are introducing a new class of insider threat - one that most security frameworks weren’t built to handle.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kevin Kirkwood, Chief Information Security Officer at Exabeam to unpack how AI agents are reshaping enterprise security, why Asia Pacific leads the world in insider-threat growth, and what CISOs and boards must do to govern their AI workforce before it goes rogue.

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They were supposed to be the freedom generation - digital natives chasing flexibility, passion, and purpose at work. But a new study from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) reveals a surprising shift: Singapore’s Gen Z now ranks job security and financial stability above flexible work.

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS, to unpack why this generation is playing it safe in an uncertain world.From the rising cost of living to the growing gap between what employers want and what youths valu...

Singapore’s events management industry has long been known for its precision, creativity, and ability to deliver world-class experiences. But in recent years, an increasing number of local firms have been expanding their footprint beyond our shores.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Co-Founders of TFD Collective - Jasper Lim and Mark Van Cuylenberg (aka The Flying Dutchman) to find out what’s driving this push to go international and how Singapore’s event companies position themselves as global players.

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OCBC is breaking new ground in banking talent development with a first-of-its-kind upskilling programme that transforms mortgage specialists into certified wealth advisors.

This initiative empowers employees to offer both home loans and a full spectrum of investment and insurance solutions, deepening customer relationships while creating seamless, end-to-end service. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Tok Geok Peng, Group Head for Consumer Secured Lending, OCBC to find how this is reshaping frontline banking roles, and what this means for customers.

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From sharing pre-loved items to lending a hand to those in need, GoodHood.SG is reviving the modern-day kampung spirit—all through the power of technology. So how can a simple idea create stronger communities and why is this reshaping the future of Singaporean neighbourhoods?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Nigel Teo, Founder of GoodHood SG to find out more.

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In today’s fast-moving travel industry, experiences are everything — and technology is rewriting the rules. From AI-powered recommendations to predictive tools that anticipate every traveller's need, the line between human touch and automation is blurring. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President, International Markets at Trip.com Group to find out how is AI transforming the way we travel and what impact can this have on Asia.

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As Singapore firms increasingly operate in a global digital economy, data is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a board-level strategic issue.

From safeguarding against service disruptions and navigating geopolitical risks to complying with evolving regulations, businesses must rethink how they manage their data. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Nathan Hall, General Manager and Vice President of Pure Storage APJ to find out how companies can strike the delicate balance between data sovereignty and staying competitive.

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The finance industry is being reshaped at breakneck speed - from AI and ESG imperatives to the pressures of globalisation. Employers say technical skills are no longer enough; they want professionals who can adapt, lead and deliver impact from day one.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Mark Stabile, Dean of Degree Programmes, INSEAD to find out how must management education evolve to keep pace with a transforming finance sector, and what lessons does that hold for professionals at every stage of their careers?

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From long hours and manpower shortages to the unrelenting pace of daily operations, Singapore's F&B industry has long been defined by its intensity. But beyond the hustle, there’s a growing movement to put mental well-being on the menu.

That is why the Restaurant Association of Singapore launched a new RAS Wellness Day — an initiative designed to support F&B owners and operators through practical wellness tools, peer support networks, and collaborative partnerships.

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Edward Chia, Management Committee Member, Restaurant Association of Singapore to find out more.

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In Singapore, there are hundreds of assistance schemes, covering everything from healthcare to education and financial support. But figuring out what help you qualify for, can feel like navigating a maze of websites, PDFs, and endless “Ctrl + F” searches.

But what if technology could change that?

On Good Tech, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Eugene Kim, Project Lead at Schemes SG to find out how this technology is making social assistance more accessible to Singaporeans who need it.

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From fan-powered business models and short-form content to even wellness-driven platforms, the media and entertainment industry is in the middle of a seismic shift.

One example is DIVE Studios, which has gone beyond producing content to innovating around fandom, audio, culture, and even wellness. By turning their audiences into communities, it’s scaling them into global businesses. 

On Industry Insight, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Brian Nam, Co-Founder and CEO of DIVE Studios to find out what lessons can Singapore take away from this evolving creator economy.

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From labour shortages to shrinking investment, Asia’s hotel sector is under strain. Hotels are increasingly betting on smart technology not just to cut costs, but also to unlock better guest experiences and boost long-term asset value. 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dirk Dumortier, Director of Vertical Partnerships, APAC, at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise to find out if tech can turn hospitality’s toughest challenges into its biggest opportunity.

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Self-storage in Singapore has quietly evolved from a place to stash barang-barang into a critical enabler of SMEs, e-commerce sellers, and the gig economy. With major sales peaks like 10.10 and 11.11 driving demand, storage spaces are now acting as mini fulfilment hubs, tech-enabled workspaces, and sustainable infrastructure for growth. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Danny Wong, CEO of Work+Store, about how this once-overlooked industry is powering Singapore’s hustle economy, and where it’s heading next.

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Timed with the F1 Grand Prix and SG60 celebrations, the inaugural Singapore Retail Festival is reimagining how we shop - moving beyond price tags and into immersive, pop-up–driven experiences. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Ernie Koh, President of the Singapore Retailers Association, about how this post-GSS reboot aims to draw tourists and locals back into stores, revive industry spirit, and reignite the joy of shopping in Singapore.

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Geopolitics has shifted from being background noise to a constant factor shaping business decisions. From US–China competition to changing global power structures, companies in Asia are navigating a far more fragmented and unpredictable world. Lynlee Foo speaks with Nicholas Redman, Director of Analysis at Oxford Analytica (a Dow Jones affiliate), to unpack how these geopolitical shifts are affecting Asia’s energy security, trade flows, and corporate risk planning, and the key signals business leaders should watch in the year ahead.

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In today’s digital world, a single forwarded message can spark confusion, spread scams, or mislead entire communities. But what if there was a way to fact-check that message before it spreads?

That’s where CheckMateSG comes in. As a volunteer-driven, AI-assisted WhatsApp fact-check service, it gives quick “skeptic or credible” signals, to help Singaporeans separate fact from fiction, and scam from truth. 

On Industry Insight, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Tan Bing Wen, Founder of CheckMate SG to find out more.

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What happens when AI stops running quietly in the background and starts performing live as a robot, as art, as an experience?

This October, during the F1 weekend, Singapore hosts the world’s first global AI festival, AI CON. At its heart is the unveiling of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, alongside conversations about the future of AI literacy, governance, and human impact.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr. James Ong, Founder & Managing Director, Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII) and Co-founder of AI Con 2025 to find out how AI moves from enterprise tool to ev...

Institutions are no longer just experimenting with digital assets. Banks and fund managers are beginning to tokenise bonds, funds, and even structured notes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Danny Chong, Co-Chairman of the Digital Assets Association, about how Singapore’s regulatory strength and financial depth are positioning it as a benchmark for institutional-grade digital assets, and whether clear rules can turn the city into a global hub for tokenised capital flows.

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Technology keeps businesses running. But what happens when supply chains for chips, software, or cloud services get disrupted overnight? A new tariff or export ban can throw things off course instantly, leaving companies scrambling to keep operations on track.

Is flexibility, openness, and resilience still just IT jargon or has it become a boardroom essential?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dirk-Peter Van Leeuwen, CEO, SUSE to find out how businesses in Asia can build resilience into their digital infrastructure. 

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Formula 1 isn’t just about speed on the track - it is also one of the most complex live broadcasts on the planet, moving race data and video to millions of fans worldwide in split seconds. Beyond the race itself, F1 has become a testbed for the technology powering global live events.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dhaval Ponda, Global Head, Media & Entertainment Services at Tata Communications takes us behind the broadcast curtain. From subsea fibre networks and remote production hubs to AI-driven highlights and personalised feeds, he explains how Formula 1 showcases innovations that are sha...

Consumers expect seamless, mobile-first retail experiences - yet many F&B and retail businesses remain stuck in offline processes or reliant on platforms that erode margins and strip away customer data. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with David Brunier, Founder and CEO of Cata, a retail technology company, to explore the global digital gap and why reclaiming customer ownership is critical for SMEs. From the rise of white-label SaaS to Singapore’s role as a retail tech launchpad, we ask: can businesses close the gap before platforms define the future of retail?

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At 17 years old, most students are buried in textbooks and homework. But one Singapore teen has been busy solving a problem that even seasoned professionals struggle with - the burden of medical note-taking.

His creation, SGScribe is an AI-powered transcription tool designed to take the pain out of paperwork for doctors and medical staff. So how does it work and how is he doing it all while balancing his studies?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to John Tow Zhi Chong, student from ACS (Independent) and the creator of SGScribe to find out more.

Asia Pacific accounts for more than 41% of global corporate travel spend, and is projected to nearly double in 2033. But beyond the numbers, as costs rise and companies face pressure to go greener, is travel just another line item on the budget or a business advantage that drives growth?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI Asia to find out more.

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Investors are rethinking real estate in Asia Pacific. Beyond offices and malls, living sectors like multifamily housing, co-living, student accommodation and senior living are emerging as the fastest-growing asset classes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Emily Fell, Senior Director at Savills Asia Pacific Capital Markets, about the demand drivers behind these sectors, the cultural and demographic shifts shaping them, and why global capital is increasingly moving into this space.

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The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and AIA Asia Employee Benefits Report 2025 revealed how rising costs, digital transformation, and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping employee benefits across Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. But what are the biggest forces shaping benefits strategies? 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to May Leng Kwok, Head of Market Development, Global, CIPD to find out what this means for the future of work in Asia.

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Category A COE premiums have surged to a record $119,003 (17 Sep 2025), sparking new debate about affordability, inequality, and whether younger Singaporeans are giving up on the dream of car ownership. In this candid Viewpoint conversation, Lynlee Foo speaks with Money FM 89.3's Dan Koh of the Breakfast show and Friday Night Live, and host of the Gear Torques podcast. As a rare younger Singaporean who owns both a Ducati and a second-hand car, Dan shares his personal journey, the trade-offs he’s made, and what the car dream really means for his generation.

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K-pop is no longer just South Korea’s cultural export. It is evolving into a global training and talent pipeline. From Seoul to Los Angeles, academies are shaping the next generation of performers, and now Singapore is home to the first SM Universe K-pop Academy outside Korea.

So why was Singapore chosen, and what does this mean for Southeast Asia’s role in the global K-pop ecosystem?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Jonathan Ang, Regional Director at SM Universe, about the business of training idols, Southeast Asia’s potential as a creative hub, and ho...

Deepfakes are no longer science fiction. They are emptying bank accounts, impersonating CEOs, and undermining trust in digital identity. On Industry Insight, iProov Chief Technology Officer Dominic Forrest explains how businesses and governments can fight back. From SingPass logins to global border control, he reveals how biometric authentication and liveness detection are being used to prove a person is genuinely present, and why that matters as over 130 deepfake tools spread online. This is Part 2 of our special series on deepfake fraud, focusing on the technology protecting digital identity.

(*Part 1 of this deepfake fraud series, 'AI fraud and d...

Scheduling shifts may sound routine, but for hospitals it can mean the difference between burnout and balance. Enter NurseShift.ai, an AI-powered rostering solution from IHH Healthcare Singapore that’s winning awards and winning over nurses.

So how is it cutting rostering time in half and reducing overtime? And what does it mean for our healthcare workers?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kavitha Dhanabal, Project Lead of NurseShift.ai, Mount Elizabeth Hospital to find out more. 

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Deepfakes are no longer a niche concern. They are fuelling scams across Asia Pacific, from Singapore to Hong Kong, and eroding public trust in financial institutions. On Industry Insight, Christophe Barel, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), explains why AI-powered fraud is now a systemic risk to the region’s financial sector. He shares how phishing and synthetic identities are evolving, why fraud cases have surged by over 1,500% in Singapore, and what happens when consumer confidence in banks starts to crack. This is Part 1 of our special series on deepfake fra...

After years of debate over hybrid work, APAC’s office market is bouncing back. Companies are tightening return-to-office rules, expanding again, and competing for the best CBD locations. In Singapore, resilient rents, limited supply, and strong investor appetite are keeping the CBD firmly in focus.

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Ada Choi, Head of Research for Asia Pacific at CBRE, about what’s driving this rebound; from stricter workplace policies to the “flight to quality” shaping corporate real estate strategies, and what it means for investors, occupiers, and Singapore’s role as a regional hub.

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Singapore’s nightlife scene has always been about the music, the energy, and the night out. But a new generation is changing the game. Known for being budget-conscious and wellness-minded, the Gen Zs are redefining what it means to party. 

So what is driving the Gen Zs to change how Singapore’s nightlife is like? And to what extent is it really caused by the younger generation?

On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Teo Kai Xiang from The Straits Times and Patrick Lewis (DJ LeNerd), Founder of Revelry Entertainment to find out more.

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With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone expected to spur cross-border business, travel and investment, what role will hospitality play in anchoring that growth?

Ascott’s newly announced flagship in Coronation Square Johor Bahru, directly connected to the RTS, offers one of the first real tests. How are hospitality players positioning themselves to capture rising demand? And what does it mean for the future of cross-border stays? 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited to find out more.

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Digital payments are booming in Singapore - the Monetary Authority of Singapore reports that e-payments more than doubled to S$1.25 trillion in 2023, with over 90% of adults now registered for PayNow. Yet for many SMEs in sectors like F&B, retail, and beauty, digital adoption remains patchy.

As Southeast Asia’s SMEs race to catch up, why is Singapore emerging as a hub for PayTech innovation? And how are partnerships and cross-border expansion reshaping the competitive landscape across the region?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Christopher Yu, President & Chief Financial Officer, KPay to find out...

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond chatbots and algorithms - it is being embedded into the backbone of global markets. With $55.8 trillion in assets under custody, global financial giant BNY is at the centre of this shift. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo sits down with Leigh-Ann Russell, CIO and Global Head of Engineering at BNY, to find out how the bank has scaled 80+ AI solutions, trained nearly its entire workforce in generative AI, and is balancing innovation with regulation while preparing Asia’s markets for an AI-enabled future.

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For someone living with visual impairment, even the simplest daily tasks like picking the right carton of milk at the supermarket, can be a challenge. Enter AiSee, an AI-powered wearable that is akin to a “visual companion”, created at the National University of Singapore to help people better connect with the world around them.

So how exactly is it reshaping accessibility? And how could it pave the way for more inclusive innovation in Singapore and beyond?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Co-founder of AiSee, from the Department of Information Syst...

Data and AI giant Databricks has surpassed a US$100B valuation with over US$1B in AI revenue. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Adam Conway, SVP of Products at Databricks about what’s fueling this momentum, how Asia’s AI adoption differs from the US, and why agentic AI could be the region’s next big leap.

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Findings from a report by financial compliance software firm Fenergo show that regulatory penalties for financial institutions jumped 417% in just the first half of 2025, the sharpest rise in years. Fines surpassed US$1.2 billion worldwide, with crypto and sanctions in the spotlight.

So why are penalties soaring, and what does this mean for Singapore’s financial sector?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Cengiz Kiamil, Managing Director at Fenergo to find out more.

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Anime has surged from subculture to a US$30B global industry, with streaming, merchandising, and fandom driving growth far beyond Japan. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Kendrick Wong, CEO of Singapore-based Kasagi Labo, a pioneering anime venture studio about why anime resonates with global audiences, the business model shifts powering its expansion, and how Singapore is emerging as a launchpad for this billion-fan future.

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Nearly a billion people around the world depend on remittances - and Asia Pacific is at the heart of this money movement. And Visa's latest research shows app-based remittances have overtaken traditional channels as the most popular way to send and receive funds. 

So what does this mean for banks, money transfer operators, and fintechs as well as consumers across the region?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Debarun Roy Choudhury, Vice President, Head of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions (Regional SEA) at Visa to find out more.

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Imagine needing to make a call to your doctor, bank or even the emergency hotline but not being able to communicate directly. And that is the reality for many in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Singapore.

Enter Callbridge, an app that enables the deaf and hard-of-hearing users to make direct phone calls. So how are they bridging the communication gap using speech-to-text and text-to-speech technology?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Tan Yeo Shi Lee and Cody Tan De Xuan, Co-Founders of Callbridge to find out more.

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ASEAN’s power demand is surging, and the region needs cleaner, more reliable energy. Could nuclear, in the form of small modular reactors, be the answer? 

So what role will Singapore play in this and how can small modular reactors reshape Southeast Asia’s energy mix? 

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities Practice, Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia to find out more.

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Once viewed primarily as crisis managers, interim executives are increasingly stepping into strategic roles across AI adoption, supply chain transformation, and post-merger integration. This model is growing globally with Singapore emerging as a hub.

So why are companies turning to contract leaders to drive strategy? And how will this reshape executive recruitment in Singapore?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Mike Magee, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at X-PM to find out more.

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From cooking oil to jet fuel, Singapore is leading Asia’s green shift.

With Southeast Asia’s first large-scale alkoxides facility now open at Jurong Island, what does this milestone mean for the future of clean fuels, better nutrition, and sustainable manufacturing in the region?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lauren Kjeldsen, COO and a Member of the Executive Board, Evonik Industries to find out more.

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As Singapore continues to evolve its urban landscape, AI and data are becoming central to how new estates are designed and developed.

From predicting traffic flows and optimising transport networks to reducing environmental impact and enhancing liveability, technology is reshaping the way cities grow. So how are smart planning tools are helping Singapore build more sustainable, efficient, and people-centric estates for the future?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Maurizio Garavello, Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan, Qlik to find out more.

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As Singapore turns 60, the construction sector faces a defining moment: how to build smarter, greener, and more resilient for the decades ahead. 

New technologies — from remote-controlled machinery to carbon-capturing concrete — signal how innovation could transform both the way cities are built and the future of work in the industry.

So what are the trends that are reshaping construction? And how are partnerships and R&D are driving impact?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lee Aik Seng, Managing Director of Obayashi Singapore to find out more.

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Hesyra is an ambitious healthtech project aimed at transforming how healthcare providers manage administrative tasks, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care. 

But how does it leverage on digital solutions to streamline hospital workflows? And how can they make healthcare more efficient, patient-centered, and innovative?

On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks Co-Founders of Hesyra, Xie Qihuang, and Alexander Shao-Rong Pang to find out more.

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Doing a search on Google is no longer just about finding answers — it’s about discovery, prediction, and personalisation. 

From consumer behaviour shifts to marketing in an AI-first era, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people search, discover, and engage online.

But how is Search evolving into an AI-powered discovery engine? And what does this mean for businesses rethinking their digital strategies?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore to find out more.

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Jobs and reskilling were front and centre at this year’s National Day Rally. But ADP’s latest People at Work 2025 report shows a striking confidence gap: only one in three Singapore workers feel they have the skills to progress in their careers. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR APAC at global HR and payroll solutions provider ADP, to unpack what this means for employers and employees - from supporting early-career talent and easing AI anxiety to addressing financial stress and building a culture of trust. 

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Recently, Rockwell Automation surveyed over 1,500 manufacturers in 17 countries, including China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

According to their survey, almost half of APAC manufacturers use AI, while others prioritize automation and cybersecurity to augment talent, repurpose roles, and build future resilience, not replace workers.

So what do these trends mean for Singapore’s manufacturing sector?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Scott Wooldridge, Regional President, Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation to find out more.

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Asia’s factories, ports, and supply chains are entering a new era that is powered not just by AI, but by the networks that connect everything together. 

Now with private 5G and edge computing, it processes data right where it is needed, are helping industries move faster, work smarter, and stay ahead.

So how are these fast, secure networks shaping Asia’s industrial and enterprise landscape?

On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Robert Le Busque, Regional VP, Verizon Business to find out more.

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Pawnshops have always held a unique place in society. They’re one of the oldest financial services — places people turn to in moments of need, but also places where family heirlooms, gold bars, and luxury treasures change hands.

Today, that traditional image is being redefined. With gold prices soaring and younger consumers embracing pre-owned luxury, pawnbroking is transforming into a modern retail and financial ecosystem.

On Industry Insight, Money FM 89.3’s Lynlee Foo speaks with Lim Chun Seng, Group General Manager of MoneyMax, one of Southeast Asia’s largest pawnbroking and luxury resale groups. From innovati...