Boosting domestic consumption is set to be one of the key topics at this year’s Two Sessions - an annual gathering of China's political elite. This comes as stimulus policies introduced by authorities since September last year have yet to yield their intended outcome. So what is holding Chinese consumers back? CNA’s Tan Si Hui follows a resident in Beijing to find out why she is keen on downgrading her spending.
Ever bought an insurance policy, only to have your agent ask if you would like to add on a rider for an extra cost? In this week’s Money Talks Explains, Samuel Low from Income Insurance tells Andrea Heng what to consider before adding an integrated shield plan (IP) rider to your insurance policy.
Live events and niche film festivals are starting to revitalise local cinemas, which have been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some operators have attracted a tenth more customers since last year, as they battle changing movie-watching habits. Unique experiences are becoming crucial to the cinema's survival, with consumers increasingly preferring the convenience of streaming services. Muhammad Bahajjaj reports.
An AI model developed by a little-known Chinese hedge fund that reportedly rivals OpenAI's ChatGPT at a significantly lower cost has triggered a deep “freak out” among the global tech industry. Why was there a big reaction to DeepSeek and what are the implications for Singapore?
Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore and Jianggan Li, founder and CEO of venture outfit Momentum Works break it down for Steven Chia and Crispina Robert.
Singaporeans love to talk about property. Many subscribe to the belief that housing prices will only go up. Is this really the case? Sing Tien Foo, Provost’s Chair Professor at the Department of Real Estate at NUS Business School, gives his take. Read his commentary: https://cna.asia/4gsIq1S
From a new airport to an extended rail network, IN FOCUS takes a look at Bali's plans to transform the northern part of the island to attract more tourists.
From the SG60 package, to S$800 worth of CDC Vouchers and the new Large Families Scheme, here’s all you need to know about Budget 2025, announced by Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in parliament on Tuesday (Feb 18). #budget2025 #singaporebudget2025
Financial analysts will tell you that you need at least S$600,000 (US$444,000) in cash when you retire. But for most people with heavy financial needs in their adult years, what's a reasonable plan?
Andrea Heng asks OCBC's group wealth management head, Tan Siew Lee.
Budget 2025 tackles immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for a resilient future. Take a look at the measures that help with the cost of living. Find out what the SG60 package, CDC Vouchers and Large Families Scheme mean for you. How will you be affected by changes to SkillsFuture, investments in technology and innovation, and measures to help companies use AI?
The three young patients need to adapt as the disease continues to shift their realities.
Eugene Lim, initially responding well to ADC (Antibody-drug conjugates that uses an antibody to deliver a potent drug directly to cancer cells), is eager to regain his life before the diagnosis. He starts training for his first marathon since the diagnosis, hopeful that he’s on the road to recovery. But just when he thinks things are stabilising, his doctor discovers that his cancer has adapted—the treatment is no longer effective, forcing him to confront an uncertain future.
Joseph Nair, having endured the loneliness of chemotherapy, finds comfort in his father’s care. Now in remission, he should feel relief, yet his cancer is incurable—it could return at any time. With no way of knowing when or how it will strike again, fear of recurrence and financial insecurity leave him unable to plan ahead, trapped in uncertainty.
After four years of chemotherapy, Lee Hwee Ling continues to fight with her family’s unwavering support. But during a routine stoma bag change, she and her husband discover a new nodule. What will the scans reveal? She prepares for yet another battle, knowing the disease remains unpredictable.
‘Arif’, an environmental journalist, is investigating the shark fishing trade in Surabaya, Indonesia. He speaks to industry insiders to understand the business - from the port where fishermen sell many varieties of sharks, to a drying facility where sharks are processed before exporters pick them up.
Shark fishing is legal in Indonesia, and sharks bring in good money. Some species are highly sought after. For example, leopard sharks are prized for their special skin. A fisherman revealed that he gets requests for up to 600kg of leopard shark in a month, worth about IDR282 million (US$18,000).
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is an ambitious project aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia while boosting regional growth. This CNA Correspondent episode delves into the opportunities the SEZ offers, including enhanced trade, investment and job creation, as well as its potential to develop cutting-edge infrastructure and technology hubs.
While the SEZ promises to create new industries and provide employment across various sectors, challenges such as infrastructure, rising costs of living and long-term viability present potential obstacles to the joint venture. This episode looks at some of the concerns of businesses and residents and how the authorities are managing them as the SEZ takes shape, to ensure a prosperous future for both nations and the Southeast Asian region.
In this episode of How Graphic!, we follow Syaqil, a freelance graphic designer, as he turns back the clock for his client. Uncle Saba’s flagship product - ready-to-eat poppadoms or lentil chips in a can, has been a hit in several countries. But they want to add a little oomph to their mall pop-ups with an ultra-Singaporean, vintage yet modern shop signboard and paper carrier bag that features an iconic mascot!
Join Syaqil as he digs out relic-looking paper bags at “By My Old School”, saws out acrylic letters vintage-style at Globe Art Studio and does some heavy lifting to get the perfect retro print at Papypress on a Heidelberg printing press. Will the sweat and pain be enough to put the pop into Uncle Saba’s poppadoms?
Pondok Abang, a halal food manufacturer and purveyor in Singapore for nearly 30 years, is looking to revamp their menu design for their hawker stall called ABANG By Pondok Abang. Brindha, a self-taught illustrator, needs to bring her quirky cartoony style to the table by creating a menu design that showcases heritage elements while celebrating the “Kampung spirit” with ABANG’s signature dish, Nasi Lemak Pandan.
Join her as she dabbles with gouache with food artist Siying, mull over brand stories with creative director Yah-Leng and dress up chicken wings for a photoshoot with C.R., a food stylist & photographer. Watch as she switches up her style and packs 30 years of heritage into one menu design!
With the ever-increasing amount of entertainment options at the palm of our hands, why are arcades popping up all over malls, and do people still visit them? What is their impact on the retail landscape in Singapore?
BT takes a deep dive into the business of arcades through the Timezone brand, Singapore’s largest family entertainment centre operator, and unpacks how they leverage community and cutting-edge tech to stay relevant in today’s experiential age.
With the ever-increasing amount of entertainment options at the palm of our hands, why are arcades popping up all over malls, and do people still visit them? What is their impact on the retail landscape in Singapore?
BT takes a deep dive into the business of arcades through the Timezone brand, Singapore’s largest family entertainment centre operator, and unpacks how they leverage community and cutting-edge tech to stay relevant in today’s experiential age.
What started as a hobby in 2012 has become a full-time family business, Treasure At Home. The store, run by Wak Sadri and their children, now attracts vintage enthusiasts in Singapore.
The highly awaited Minion Land section of Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is now open. The new attraction features 3 distinct areas: Minion Marketplace, Gru's Neighborhood and Super Silly Fun Land. Here, you can expect rides, shops and food stalls themed after the Despicable Me franchise. (Video: Joyee Koo)
Is it possible to eat only locally grown food in Singapore? CNA's Chew Hui Min took on the challenge for a week, sourcing ingredients from local farms, supermarkets and online platforms as much as she could.
In this episode of How Graphic!, we follow Shi-An, a young freelance graphic designer who is stepping into the past for her client. Tocco Toscano, a 30-year-old Singaporean bag brand, wants to launch a National Day campaign called WeCarryArt, a collaboration with three local artists to create a new line of bags. Shi-An needs to deliver a hyperlocal and vintage life-sized advertisement poster, which will be displayed in their store.
Join her as she stumbles through vintage print advertisements with the family of Phoenix Aerated Water Co., fumbles with tools like the scraperboard with veteran graphic designer Ronnie Tan, and gets awed by watercolour instructor Seah Kam Chuan and his techniques! Will she be able to bring her inspirations into the digital world and deliver a standout standee?
Expected to start operating in January 2027, Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link is a mega-project that aims to cut travelling time between the west and east coasts and boost local businesses. But it has not come without challenges.
In 2018, Japan passed the Work Style Reform Law, aimed at improving conditions for its shrinking workforce. From punishing firms that flout overtime caps, to encouraging companies to raise salaries, Japan is trying all methods to nudge the country towards a healthier work attitude. Yet, more than five years on, over 94% of Japanese workers report feeling unengaged or actively resentful at work. Now, the government is proposing a 4-day work week to improve its work culture. With the country's labour shortage expected to swell to 11 million in 2040, and workloads blamed for declining birthrates, where does the key to change lie?
Indonesian Gen Zs are opting for low-skill, short-term jobs even if they are qualified for office, retail or hospitality sector work. The gig economy is more lucrative but the long-term prospects are limited.
Indonesia is also facing an education crisis - the country has consistently placed close to the bottom of PISA rankings.
Is the future as bleak as it seems for these youths? How can they break out of their low-wage jobs?
Host Kelly Latimer embarks on a multi-city journey to explore Singapore’s unique challenges as a global city-state. By comparing Singapore’s strategies to the city-states of Venice, Monaco, and the Vatican, the documentary reveals how these city-states navigate the trade-offs between openness to wealth, talent, and diversity, and the need to preserve equality, liveability, and identity.
From Singapore’s innovative urban planning to Monaco’s luxury-driven economy and Venice’s rise and fall as a financial and innovation hub, Kelly uncovers how these small states adapt to global pressures while facing distinct risks and opportunities. Experts and insiders provide insights on key issues like inequality, housing, and social cohesion, offering a deeper understanding of the balancing act required to thrive in a globalised world.
Through these cross-comparisons, the film highlights the high stakes and strategic decisions that shape Singapore’s survival and success in the 21st century.
Gasing was popular in the 60s, with matches held between kampungs. In the 70s, toy factories popped up, in tandem with Singapore’s industrialisation strategies. By the 80s, kids in Singapore were clamouring for action figures from America, like the indefatigable He-Man. Video games arrived and a generation of children had their first brush with digital culture.
But nothing can beat the frenzy for McDonald’s Hello Kitty toy collection in 2000, a saga enmeshed in the national consciousness for the ‘ugly’ behaviours it brought out.
Putting the spotlight on locally created games, the documentary also looks at how the Singapore edition of Monopoly came about. Who’s behind the satirical card game, The Singaporean Dream? And how did a video game bring Singapore to an international audience?
Despite clear guidelines on the amount of clear space we need in the corridors, why do we continue to struggle with keeping them clutter-free? Corridors are intended to be safe passageways that lead to residents’ homes. Yet, many still use them as convenient spots to store daily items. In this episode of Talking Point, host Munah Bagharib teams up with experts to address this issue. Together, they help three households tackle their corridor clutter, offering practical advice and solutions to ensure these spaces remain clear, safe, and accessible for everyone.
It’s an SG60 Budget in an election year with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong set to lay out some priorities for this year. What could be on the list?
Business owner Pulse Tan, parent of two and elderly caregiver Serene Chew, and labour economist Walter Theseira give their take in a conversation with Steven Chia and Crispina Robert (Video: Try Sutrisno Foo, Eugene Goh)
Resale HDB flats that have been transacted for more than one million dollars continue to emerge, and recently there have been advertisements for three-room HDB flats worth one million dollars. Are HDB flats really worth that, or are they asking for prices that are too high?
A housing agent interviewed said that only HDB flats with "X elements" are likely to unlock a million-dollar treasure chest, allowing homeowners to cash in huge profits.
"When I was a soldier, I could speak loudly and directly, but now I have to use another way to let patients and their families feel my kindness."
39-year-old Feng Yaoquan switched from a professional soldier to become an emergency room nurse. The work intensity is no less than that of a military camp.
"I decided to become a nurse. My father was firmly opposed to it at first and now he has become my number one supporter."
Less than a year after entering the industry, he has overcame family resistance and now takes care of elderly patients in the nursing department, making his family feel grateful for him.
The nursing industry is understaffed and under great pressure, so why can they persist?
At the age of 80, he still cut vegetables, stir-fry, wash dishes , works 15 hours a day and offers frequent discounts to customers. Why does he continue to work?
The price of traditional coffee in Singapore is rising due to increased costs for coffee beans, wages, and rent. Vendors are struggling to maintain affordable prices, but some are finding ways to absorb the costs, while others are forced to raise prices. The video explores the challenges faced by coffee vendors and the potential impact on the future of traditional coffee.
Singapore’s CPF system has been in place for nearly 70 years. Even though it’s been widely recognised as Asia’s top pension system, it has also faced a fair share of scepticism from time to time. Is CPF still going strong? Watch the video to find out more!
Some of our major milestones in life like buying a home and having children can be financed with CPF savings. While CPF was originally established in the 1950s with the primary goal of providing retirement safety, its uses have gradually expanded to homeownership and healthcare expenses. With so many uses, are we spreading our CPF too thin? Watch the video to find out more!
34-year-old Jocelyn Tay has been working for 10 years and already has $110,000 in her CPF Special Account! She’s not alone. Some Singaporeans have even accumulated more than half a million dollars of CPF savings by their early 50s. How did they do it? Watch the video to find out more!
Most Singaporeans are familiar with monthly CPF contributions - 20% from their salary and 17% contributed by their employer. How were these numbers determined? Besides helping Singaporeans save for retirement, what other crucial role do these contribution rates play? Watch the video to find out more!
Singaporeans will have a CPF Retirement Account once we turn 55, and 10 years later when we turn 65, we can choose to start receiving monthly payouts. Why can’t we get our payouts earlier instead? Watch the video to find out more!
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government will continue improving and enhancing the Central Provident Fund scheme "very carefully" to ensure it boosts retirement adequacy for Singaporeans. In an interview with Chinese local daily Lianhe Zaobao to mark 70 years of CPF, he said this will be done in consultation with Singaporeans. Mr Wong added that the government is also studying the idea of an opt-in retirement investment scheme. He also assured Singaporeans that, as long as they contribute to CPF from young, there should be enough protection for them when it comes to their retirement. Jeraldine Yap reports.
Current and aspiring parents can look forward to new measures to support them in their familial journey — with details to be announced at this year's Budget and Committee of Supply. They include a new scheme to help large families with household expenses. The Manpower Ministry will also update details of its work with tripartite partners in having companies implement flexi-work arrangements. These updates come after over seven hours of debate in Parliament today, as over 20 members rose to discuss policies in building a Singapore made for families.
When choosing a credit card, which reward system should you go for – miles or cash rebates?
On the brand-new segment called Money Talks Explains, where we break down your financial questions, Tim Phillips from TimTalksMoney explains the pros and cons of each, the trade-offs and key factors to consider before choosing your next credit card.
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will sit on an area four times the size of Singapore, with nine zones covering everything from manufacturing to financial services. What are the opportunities and challenges of this ambitious agreement?
Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research in Singapore and regional head of financials at Maybank Investment Banking Group and Serina Rahman, lecturer at the department of Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.
Karasi Chandramogan is 34 and she's the main caregiver of her elder brother, Bala, who has autism, for the rest of her life - while juggling financial concerns and her own hopes of starting a family with her husband. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Rachel Boey is learning to look after her sister, Rebecca, who has an intellectual disability, among other conditions, knowing that the responsibility will one day fall entirely on her. Read their stories: https://cna.asia/4jRXj0P
Food and beverage outlet closures in Singapore reached the highest level in nearly 20 years in 2024 — affecting all types of businesses from bars to fine dining. Over 3,000 F&B outlets closed in the past year, marking the highest number since 2005. Experts attributed the trend to the strong Singapore dollar, which has made the city state more expensive for tourists. But new restaurant openings continue to outpace closures — with 3,793 new establishments last year.
In one July 2024 survey, over a third of Hong Kong youths who are not working or studying had no intention to find a job. There is a term for them - NEETs - people not in education, employment or training. At the same time, a growing number are content with part-time or gig work, eschewing longer-term stability. The youth's ennui can be linked to Hong Kong's economic doldrums, high real estate prices and political apathy.
But there is also a mismatch between Gen Zs’ perception of labour and Hong Kong's prevailing work culture. Over 40% of young workers often think about quitting. Are Hong Kong's youth checking out of work, and what will that mean for the Special Administrative Region's future?
Do you have to choose between your job in the city, and the comforts of home in the province? How one young Filipino managed to get the best of both worlds.
Racheal Kaur is a frequent flyer. But she doesn't fly for work. The Malaysian flies to work in Kuala Lumpur, five days a week, from her home in Penang around 300 kilometres away.
Would you like to work a full time job, but only have to go into the office four days a week? That's the appeal of the four-day work week currently being trialled by some workers in Japan. We find out how one Japanese office worker is getting the most out of his new work-life balance.
Competition in the global tech scene has been redefined, as advances by Chinese start-up DeepSeek appear to undermine Washington's lead in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. US President Donald Trump has called DeepSeek's strong showing a "wake-up call" and said that it could threaten American dominance in AI. Associate Professor Bryan Low from the National University of Singapore discusses the impact of what the AI model by DeepSeek could mean for the AI community and how Singapore can learn from the use of resources to promote research in the area.
Some bakeries in Singapore that offer seasonal treats with less sugar and fat are seeing demand rise as much as 30 per cent this Chinese New Year. This is as more people are choosing to eat healthier even while celebrating the festive season. Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, President of the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association, discusses how it can be all too easy to go over board when feasting during Chinese New Year.
Competition in the global tech scene has been redefined as advances by Chinese start-up DeepSeek appear to undermine Washington's lead in the artificial intelligence race. Rival OpenAI has vowed to deliver "much better models" and accelerate product releases, after DeepSeek's AI model overtook ChatGPT to become the top rated app in the US. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the Chinese start-up's product "impressive" and said it was "invigorating" to have a new competitor.
A low-cost AI model from Chinese startup DeepSeek had surpassed US rival ChatGPT in downloads from Apple's app store by Monday (Jan 27) after its free AI assistant was launched last week.
The new model's sudden rise sent global technology stocks crashing overnight, with leader Nvidia losing US$592.7 billion in market capitalisation, the biggest one-day loss for a Wall Street stock.
Property prices in Johor Bahru have surged, with demand being driven by buyers from Singapore and China. It's forced some locals to look for options far from the city centre.
How do you get ahead in the job market when you’re a Gen Z undergraduate without a history of full-time employment? Sydney student William Nguyen decided to start on social media. What happened next came as a pleasant surprise…
In this episode of Talking Point, Diana Ser investigates the troubling rise of unlicensed drivers on Singapore's roads. As home delivery demand surges, more drivers are taking to the streets without proper credentials. Through insights from the logistics sector and authorities, Talking Point uncovers the dangerous consequences of having unlicensed drivers on the road and the risks they pose to public safety.
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, along with his American First policy, countries and organisations are assessing the potential impact of his next four years in office. Ahead of his inauguration, Mr Trump’s comments on pursuing the acquisition of Greenland and the Panama Canal, as well as floating the idea of making Canada a US state, have sparked concerns. The President has also suggested implementing widespread tariffs on goods being imported into the US. Some countries fear the worst if more protectionist Trump policies take effect, but others see potential benefits for their own economies.
China already leads the world in industrial robots, accounting for 52% of all new robots installed in 2022. Now, the focus is on humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These robots look and move like humans; and are capable of doing tasks just like us - or even better.
Why is China betting big on robots? President Xi Jinping wants to boost the economy by focusing on new quality productive forces, which includes robotics, flying electric vehicles and biotech. With China’s shrinking labour force, could robots be the answer for future economic growth?
The Singaporean identity is ever-evolving, reflecting a nation's quest for pride and purpose. Films serve as a lens for self-reflection, sharing stories that define who we are and the society we live in.
12 Storeys explores loneliness, alienation, and societal pressures within an HDB block, while Mee Pok Man depicts a hawker's unfulfilled love, symbolising the struggles of those overlooked by progress. Money No Enough and I Not Stupid offer humorous yet poignant insights into societal issues, from financial struggles, societal expectations to the education system’s impact on students and families. Ilo Ilo captures the bond between a family and their domestic helper during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. A Yellow Bird delves into loss and tradition, while Sayang Disayang celebrates the connection between a caregiver and her elderly charge.
These diverse films capture the essence of Singaporean life, providing a deeper understanding of who we are as a nation.
Michael Acton Smith and Alex Tew founded Calm, an app that offers mental health resources like guided meditations, sleep stories and mindful movement exercises. Today, the app has a valuation of $2 billion and has been downloaded 150 million times.
Nissan’s pending merger talks with its archrival Honda may give be its best shot at surviving. The third largest Japanese automaker by volume is struggling in multiple regions around the world, including the US and China. Cheaper, fresher alternatives are pushing it out of developing markets, while US dealerships day they are plagued with stale product and troubles around service and counterproductive sales incentives. Merging with Honda would create the third largest automaker in the world and give the combined company US market share comparable to Toyota and the Hyundai Motor Group.
Starter homes are typically modest in price and under 1,400 square feet. These units accounted for 40% of new residential construction in 1982, and just 9% in 2023. Economists say starter homes are disappearing as home builders contend with rising costs for land, labor and materials while navigating increasingly thick layers of regulation. As a result, many new homes are for high-end buyers in more remote locations. Meanwhile, the age of the first-time buyer rose to 38 from age 29 in 1981.
According to the latest estimates, approximately 11.7 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the United States, which amounts to roughly 3.5% of the total U.S. population. The United States has more international migrants than any other country in the world, surpassing the total of the next four countries combined. But in recent years, the United States has not deported more than half a million immigrants with a formal removal order in a single fiscal year. If President Trump follows through on his promise of deporting all undocumented immigrants over his four-year term, the country could see a deportation operation on an unprecedented scale. So how exactly will the mass deportation be carried out? And what impact will it have on the U.S. economy?
Being the gateway of China, Shanghai suffered during the Covid lockdowns. But it also benefited when the country pushed to re-engage with the world. As China offers longer visa-free entries to more countries, Shanghai’s attractions are filled with foreign tourists again. But the tourist numbers only tell half the story.
Since the draconian Covid lockdowns, Shanghai has been fully open for business for more than two years now. But the chunk of the expat community it lost has never really returned. Are Shanghai’s heydays on the international stage as a cosmopolitan global hub behind it?
Home-grown socks brand Talking Toes was once dead in the water. Its director Lucas Saw tells CNA TODAY how he revived the business by seeking to warm not just people's' feet, but their hearts as well.
As inflation cools considerably, prices for items like gasoline, used cars and energy have all declined accordingly. But food prices continue to outpace inflation, increasing by 28% since 2019. 86% of consumers reported feeling frustrated with rising grocery prices, and over a third said they have resorted to buying fewer items to save money. Despite campaigning on grocery prices, President-elect Trump also acknowledged it might be ‘hard’ to bring down grocery prices. So why are food prices still so high? And can anything be done to bring the cost down?
Sarah Cloes, 27, lives in San Marcos, California with her husband, Bret. In 2021 she founded Flora Flora Co., a brand that specializes in selling sustainably packaged shampoo and conditioner bars. In 2024, the business brought in about $180,000.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
Super affordable products have enabled the Chinese online shopping apps to dominate the US market - Shein, for example, surpassed Amazon in downloads to become the top shopping app in 2021. But just how do Shein and Temu keep their price tags so competitive? And do their low prices come at a cost?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)