Business Daily

Indonesia's economy faces turmoil as the president's populist promises clash with rising food prices and austerity measures. Businesses report dwindling sales, while families struggle to afford groceries. A jobs fair reveals fierce competition among the youth for limited opportunities, sparking student-led protests over economic hardships. The government responds with a stimulus package aimed at immediate relief, but can it fulfill its ambitious growth targets amidst these challenges?

Canada's recent decision to drop tariffs on U.S. goods marks a significant shift in trade relations, ignited by Prime Minister Mark Carney's new economic framework with President Trump. With small businesses struggling and job losses in Ontario, the stakes are high. Public sentiment oscillates as Canadians reconsider their buying habits. Amid escalating tariffs, exporters seek new markets to reduce reliance on the U.S. Meanwhile, there’s cautious optimism for future negotiations as stakeholders push for innovation to strengthen the domestic economy.

Jie Ae Nattarin, a local private money lender in Thailand, discusses her controversial role in a community plagued by high consumer debt. She shares her experiences of borrowing from a loan shark and the motivation to help others in similar situations. The conversation delves into the struggles of villagers reliant on informal lending, the challenges posed by banks, and the ethical dilemmas of charging high interest rates. JA defends her practices amidst legal scrutiny, highlighting a complex relationship between lenders and borrowers in an economy facing significant turmoil.

Fani Titi, CEO of Investec, shares his inspiring journey from a farm in apartheid South Africa to leading a global banking group. He reflects on the lessons learned as a middle child in a large family and how education became his escape route. Titi discusses the daring leap he took to switch careers, nearly cashing in his pensions for an MBA. He also talks about steering Investec through the 2008 crisis and the challenges of becoming CEO during COVID, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and long-term strategic choices.

Switzerland faces a startling rise in US tariffs, now at 39%. Officials struggle to negotiate a deal as the economy slows. Key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and watchmaking, are feeling the pinch. The podcast delves into how Swiss precision manufacturing ties into advanced medical tech, highlighting innovations like an artificial heart pump. With strategic diversification in new markets underway, Switzerland opts not to retaliate, while both nations confront the potential losses of this trade clash.

Travelers are experiencing more delays as airport and airline IT systems falter. Discussing the roots of these outages, experts point to cyberattacks, aging software, and staffing shortfalls. Public frustration is rising, prompting political scrutiny. Best practices in software updates and recovery plans are essential for future resilience. Innovations like AI for baggage screening might offer hope, while discussions on air traffic control reveal critical staffing issues. The need for investment in technology and personnel looms large to prevent systemic disruptions.

A government shutdown brings major challenges for federal workers, who face unpaid essential work and financial strain. The podcast highlights disrupted services, with parks closed and refunds halted. As political blame shifts between parties, experts discuss the shutdown's economic toll, including potential recession risks and rising inflation linked to labor shortages. The shutdown's impact on public confidence is examined, revealing wider consequences for the economy, travel, and benefits, leaving essential workers uncertain about their future.

Cyprus is rolling out an initiative to attract expatriates back, specifically in science and tech sectors. The country offers tax breaks and highlights the advantages of returning home. Discussions include balancing career motivations against living costs. Concerns arise about a potential two-tiered system and housing barriers for returnees. The government aims to use returning talent to entice foreign firms. Comparisons to other nations' diaspora strategies reveal a trend in global talent acquisition. Will these measures convince enough professionals to relocate?

Explore the struggles of Afghan women as they navigate life under the Taliban regime. Hear personal stories of lost ambitions and the fight for education. Shopkeepers and tech workers share how they adapt to severe restrictions while seeking income. Discover the challenges faced by NGOs and the emotional toll of working in a hostile environment. Despite adversity, women demonstrate resilience and maintain hope for a better future, all while addressing the international community's response to ongoing abuses.

Join award-winning Thai chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij, also known as Chef Pam, as she shares her incredible journey from childhood in a Thai-Chinese-Australian family to becoming the best female chef in the world. Listen as she takes a vibrant tour of Bangkok's Chinatown, explores the cultural significance of Thai-Chinese cuisine, and reveals the challenges and triumphs of running her Michelin-starred restaurant, Potong. Discover her passion for sourcing local ingredients and the heartfelt story behind the restaurant's historic setting.