Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

Characterized by hiring freezes, funding gaps, and layoffs, the ‘tech winter’ that we are familiar with has now evolved into what experts now term a ‘tech fog’. Marked by funding gaps and slower investment cycles, this new phase is widely expected to redefine the startup playbook. On this episode of Mind Your Business, The Breakfast Show invites Jecky Pelaez, Partner at Kickstart Ventures to discuss practical strategies businesses can employ, to ensure resilience and adaptability as they tide through this complex ‘tech fog’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the very first time - Elon Musk, who is now a top advisor to US President Donald Trump, has just joined Trump in the Oval Office to take questions from the media. This comes as Trump signs a new executive order seeking to "significantly reduce the size of government" by instructing heads of federal departments and agencies to undertake plans for "large-scale reductions in force". In the first few weeks of Trump’s presidency, Musk has led an effort to dismantle federal agencies, buy out hundreds of thousands of federal workers from their jobs and take over payment systems within the Treasury Department and other agencies. This has sparked several lawsuits and pushback from Democratic lawmakers, state office holders and unions representing federal works. Unlike traditional government figures, Musk rarely holds news conferences or speaks to reporters, and instead opts to use his social media site, X to do so. What does 'Muskification' bode for the US government? On this episode of Morning Shot, Bryan DeAngelis, Partner & Head of Washington Office, Penta Group shares his insights.  Presented by: Emaad Akhtar Produced by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)Photo credits: Andrew Harnik / Getty ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In remarks before the Senate Banking Committee, Fed Chair Jerome Powell called the economy “strong overall” with a “solid” labor market and inflation that is easing but still above the Fed’s 2% goal. He also reiterated the central bank’s commitment to bringing inflation down and signaled that policymakers aren’t in a rush to get interest rates lower. Rick Polsinello, Senior Market Strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute shares his insights on Powell's latest comments on interest rates, where the Fed could be heading in coming days, whether companies are set to beat earnings expectations this quarter and if gold is priced to perfection for a future inflation surge. Presented by: Ryan HuangProduced by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re 2 months into 2025 and BYD has yet again broken records. After its recent launch of a new driver-assistance software called ‘God’s Eye', shares of the EV maker soared to an all-time high of HKD$345, outperforming the world's largest electric vehicle-maker Tesla on the stock market. Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they cruise through BYD’s latest revolutionary innovation and find out how this is set to shift dynamics in the automobile industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Hug Day! If you are not the hugging type, that’s totally fine… but some of us (like me!) are big huggers who love to give and receive them.  Apparently, besides brightening someone else’s day, there are also some actual health benefits of hugs! Audrey, Ryan and Emaad chat about these perks, different traditions around the world, and whether or not they’re huggers. Bring it in!   Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Produced and Edited by Audrey Siek Music and picture credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the first thing you do when you prepare to eat a banana? You probably peel it. But should you? Research has shown that the peel of a banana, like that of many other fruits (apples, carrots, oranges, mangoes) is not only edible but contains nutrient-dense properties! Emaad and Audrey shed light on some of these properties as well as a few simple recipes you can try at home. Who knows, you might like it!   Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Audrey Siek Photo and music credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditionally, the Chief Financial Officer’s role is predominantly focused on helping companies improve cash flow and profitability. But amid the monumental shift in the landscape of C-suites, today’s CFOs are increasingly being challenged to respond to a much broader definition of value. Christine Tan, Chief Financial Officer, APAC, Cytiva joins The Breakfast Show to discuss what’s driving the evolution of the role of a CFO, how they can overcome transition related barriers and successfully navigate complex challenges in today’s dynamic business environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a 10% charge on all goods imported from China to a 25% on all goods entering from Canada and Mexico, US President Donald Trump had just added another one to his list: a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports! Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Asia at Mizuho Bank joins Dan Koh on the Bigger Picture to discuss the reactions and impact of Trump’s latest trade tariffs on markets and what it means for the currency market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s one of the 3 biggest banks in Singapore, the largest bank in Southeast Asia by assets and among the largest banks in Asia, and was named Safest Bank in Asia for the 15th consecutive year by Global Finance. To call DBS’ exponential growth since its inception might even be an understatement. And it shows in their latest financial report card. Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they make ‘cents’ of DBS’ stellar delivery of earnings for the Q4FY2024 and find out how they are rewarding shareholders and employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latest in a slew of Trump tariffs - a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States with no exceptions or exemptions. This comes just after the US introduced 10% tariffs on goods from China, which has hit back by announcing similar charges on some US products. Meanwhile, Trump has hit the pause button - for now, at least - on imposing tariffs against imports from US neighbours Canada and Mexico. EU goods could also face tariffs "pretty soon".  What effects could these tariffs have on prices of goods? On this episode of Morning Shot, Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Economics and Real Estate, NUS Business School shares his insights. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar & Audrey SiekProduced by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)Photo credits: Drago / Bloomberg / Getty ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.