[Post 1269] Forget retirement, your most meaningful work can start in your 50s | Work It podcast

Summary

For many professionals, retirement is far from their mind and they want seek work that is fulfilling. Lim Kai Ning, co-founder of The Courage Chapter, shares how they help seniors return to the workforce, and why age can be a big asset.

[Post 1268] Inside Thailand’s unique luxury homes and workspaces | Remarkable Living

Summary

From a home in Bangkok with 17 gardens to a bunker-like home for a multi-generational family, we take a look at some of the unique luxury homes in Thailand - and a space designed for creatives to be a collaboration hub for art, design, food and culture. 

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[Post 762[ This 47-Year-Old Quit Her VP Job To Become A Cobbler In Brooklyn

Summary

Sung Roh, 47, is a cobbler that specializes in upcycling sneakers. She launched her business Cobbler Bushwick Co. from her Brooklyn basement in late 2022. Sung charges between $350 to $520 per pair. Her business brought in about $33,000 in 2024

[Post 761] I Moved From The U.S. To New Zealand For Love — Now We Make $132K/Year

Summary

Phoebe Merrick met Reuben Sandoy when she was interning at a winery on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. They fell in love and Phoebe ended up moving to the island permanently. The couple lives on a combined income of $132,000 a year and just bought a house for about $630,000. While goods on Waiheke are expensive, Phoebe says that she feels happier paying a little extra for the opportunity to live amidst the natural beauty of the island.

This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 760] This Mom Googled How To Repair Cars - Now Her Auto Shop Brings In $440K/Year

Summary 

In 2018, Desiree Hill was a medical assistant commuting three hours per day and barely seeing her kids. Hoping to earn extra income, she started a side hustle buying, repairing and reselling rundown vehicles. With no prior auto repair experience, she learned by searching the internet and watching YouTube videos. Today, the 39-year-old owns a 9,000-square-foot auto repair shop in Georgia that brought in $440,000 in revenue in 2024.

[Post 759] I Started A Handmade Jewelry Business In My Bedroom – Today It Brings In Over $500K

Summary

Kate Sullivan, 26, is the founder of The Sage Vintage, a handmade jewelry company that creates pieces using vintage charms and chains. The company, which brought in over $500,000 in revenue in 2024, began as a side hustle after Sullivan dropped out of college. The chunky charm necklaces have been worn by SZA and Gigi Hadid, and are sold on Anthropologie's website. Here's how Sullivan's side hustle turned into a profitable jewelry company.

[Post 758] What Does It Take To Retire Before 40?

Summary

Make It Marathon journeys to Dubai, Florida, and Arizona to connect with two individuals and one couple that have all retired under the age of 40.

Jamal Robinson, 40, retired early in 2024 after saving almost a $4 million nest egg. He held positions at companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon. Today, Jamal lives as an American expat in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Here's how he spends his money.

Nathanael Farrelly, 29, retired early in 2024 after selling his home infusion therapy business for $12.5M. He now lives off interest from his investments of $14M with his family in Pensacola, Florida. Here's how he spends his money.

Courtney Adcock, 36, and Steve Adcock, 39, retired in their mid-30s with a combined net worth of $870,000. This FIRE couple lives off the grid in the Arizona desert and spends $40,000 a year.

[Post 757] How I "Travel Hack" Around The World With A $78K/Year Salary

Summary

Over the last eight years, David Do, 33, has enjoyed "travel hacking," or the practice of maximizing rewards programs and credit card points to earn discounted travel. He has earned over a million credit card points across over 30 cards and has traveled to 33 countries. Earning $78,000 annually, David works remotely as a social worker, which allows him the flexibility to pursue his passion for traveling.

This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 756] This Chinese Company Turned Collectible Dolls Into a $1.8B Empire | WSJ The Economics Of

Summary

Chinese toy company Pop Mart’s stock exploded over 1,200% in the past year thanks to its success it built off blind box collectibles like Labubu. These hard-to-get toys drive the majority of Pop Mart’s revenue as unboxings have flooded social media and have fans flocking overseas to buy exclusive products. But how is the retailer making itself more than just a trend?

WSJ explores how Pop Mart is harnessing the craze to create IP longevity and looks at how the company has ambitious growth plans beyond this viral moment. 

[Post 755] Why This Disney-Inspired HQ for 13K Employees Still Has Individual Offices | WSJ Open Office

Summary

Epic Systems is the leading provider of electronic medical records in the U.S.—but its headquarters in Wisconsin looks nothing like a typical tech campus. The HQ has five different campuses and some take cues from stories like ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ There are features like treehouses, yellow brick roads and even air-tagged sheep.

WSJ visited Epic’s HQ to figure out why this medical record company built its version of Disneyland in Wisconsin. 

[Post 754] Apple Execs Defend Siri Delays, AI Plan and Apple Intelligence | WSJ

Summary

Apple’s AI rollout has been rocky, from Siri delays to underwhelming Apple Intelligence features. WSJ’s Joanna Stern sits down with software chief Craig Federighi and marketing head Greg Joswiak at WWDC 2025 in Cupertino to talk about the future of AI at Apple—and what the heck happened to that smarter Siri. 

[Post 753] How the Trump-Musk Feud Risks Billions for SpaceX and NASA | WSJ

Summary

As President Donald Trump and Elon Musk threaten to cut ties, the U.S. government heavily relies on SpaceX to support NASA. Musk’s private company has received more than $20 billion in funding for it.

Here’s what the Trump-Musk feud would mean for the U.S.’s space ambitions.

[Post 752] When Does US Debt Become Genuinely Bad? | WSJ

Summary

One of the core issues between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s feud is over Republican’s “big, beautiful bill” in Congress. Musk is concerned about how much it raises the national debt. 

The U.S. national debt is on its way to $30 trillion dollars and is projected to be more than 100% of GDP at the end of this year. So is that… bad? Let’s look at what the debt is, how it affects the economy and how much is too much.

[Post 751]The $135M Race to Prep Your Flight for on-Time Departure | WSJ Booked

Summary

British Airways has invested some $135 million into improving punctuality in order to reduce flight delays. The airline’s playbook for prepping each flight is called the Precision Time Schedule and involves a fleet of teams, from cargo and baggage to cleaning and catering. Behind BA’s new punctuality records lies a suite of AI tools and high-tech operations centers. 

WSJ explores the logistics behind the vital aircraft turnaround. 

[Post 750] Musk Promised $2T in Cuts. How Much Did DOGE Actually Save? | WSJ

Summary

Elon Musk is officially done with DOGE and is no longer a special government employee. The Department of Government Efficiency has laid off thousands of federal workers, claims to have cancelled more than 10,000 contracts and has dismantled entire agencies. But have the DOGE cuts lived up to Musk’s promises?

WSJ analyzes what DOGE and Musk have actually accomplished and what’s next for the agency after Musk’s departure. 

[Post 749] How Southeast Asia Became Scam Hub For China-Linked Syndicates | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

There is a human trafficking crisis in Southeast Asia. The UN estimates that 120,000 people have been trafficked to scam centres in Myanmar and another 100,000 in Cambodia. Many of them are brought through the border with Thailand. The victims are often forced to work as scammers, defrauding billions of dollars from unsuspecting targets across the world. These scam syndicates have been linked to the Chinese mafia as well as local rebels in Myanmar. 

How do these scam centres operate? Who are the trafficking victims and how did they end up in this predicament? How is Thailand’s economy suffering from these trafficking networks, and what is being done to stamp them out? Insight investigates.

[Post 748] Why Everyday Singaporeans Should Care About US Tariffs (& How It Might Affect You) | Talking Point

Summary

In April 2nd, US President Donald Trump shook global markets with a surprise move: sweeping reciprocal tariffs. Even close allies like Singapore were hit with a baseline 10% tariff — despite a long-standing Free Trade Agreement. 

Just days later, the U.S. announced a 90-day pause on the higher tariffs. While this temporary stand-down has eased tensions, the clock is ticking: the pause is set to expire in a month. What happens next is unclear — but the uncertainty is already raising concerns about the future of global trade and whether steeper tariffs could make a full return.

In this episode of Talking Point, host Diana Ser breaks down what tariffs really are — and why they matter. From the price of everyday goods to jobs and the broader economy, we unpack how U.S. tariffs could affect all of us here in Singapore.

[Post 747] 84-hour Work Week, Low Pay: Why Malaysia’s Doctors Are Leaving | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

Malaysia’s public healthcare system is under immense strain due to the shortage of doctors and nurses. The number of healthcare professionals has not kept pace with the increasing demand for medical care. For example, the country only has 14 cardiothoracic across 7 public hospitals. The number of housemen has also plummeted by half between 2019 to 2023. The nursing shortage could hit 60% by 2030.

 

As a result, public healthcare doctors are overwhelmed and overstretched. Meanwhile, patients face prolonged wait times for treatments. Many healthcare professionals have chosen to leave the country and pursue opportunities abroad, contributing to the ongoing brain drain.

 

What has led to Malaysia’s medical staffing shortage? Can the country avert a looming healthcare crisis?

[Post 746] Railway Network Connecting Southeast Asia For Trade, Tourism: To ASEAN & Beyond | CNA Correspondent

Summaty

In the next 20 years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN hopes to integrate its member economies by enhancing greater connectivity. The bloc's approach is not just about physical infrastructure but also includes people-to-people links. The launch of the Laos-China Railway three and a half years ago sparked a renewed push among member states to upgrade and link their rail systems.

Laos, which is the only land-locked country in ASEAN, has benefited significantly from the Laos-China Railway. Not just in terms of trade and investment, but also for tourism which has received a much-needed boost. Malaysia, which is the chair of ASEAN this year, hopes to bring member countries on board to create a real ASEAN Rail Corridor. It wants a single transit protocol to streamline and standardise customs clearance for all goods originating from ASEAN. 

[Post 745] This Syrian Moved To Singapore For Love: His Journey From War To HDB | On The Red Dot

Summary

Why do foreigners want to call Singapore home? And what does it truly entail to become Singaporean? For Hadi Al Saadi, who fled from war-torn Syria, Singapore is the home country of his wife and their three children who were born here, so it makes perfect sense for him to want to go from being Permanent Resident to Singapore Citizen. 

But Singapore’s reputation of being a “Fine City” has preceded it! After a five-year stay in Malaysia where he was comfortable, there were things about Singapore that took some getting used to for Hadi who moved here in 2020. 

And having left his home country at age 16, it is clear that Hadi’s booming Syrian food business is his commitment to holding on to his Syrian culture. So will Singapore be the forever home for Hadi? Can he adopt the Singaporean identity without losing his Syrian roots? Theatre and TV actress Oon Shu An, a born-and-bred Singaporean, seeks out these answers and explores this newcomer’s journey in becoming Singaporean.

[Post 744] Fake Honey: Why It's More Common Than You Think | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

Golden, sweet, and natural – or is it? Honey has long been prized for its health benefits, but how much do we really know about what’s inside the jar? In this episode of Talking Point, host Steven Chia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind supermarket honey, testing its purity and traveling to bee farms in Australia to investigate the issue behind honey adulteration. With honey being one of the top three most adulterated food worldwide, this investigation dives deep into what’s really in your honey jar and why it matters for your health and your wallet.

[Post 743] Chasing Viral Desserts At Jakarta’s Blok M: From Salt Bread to Cake ATM | Lunch With Us: Indonesia

Summary

Why are Jakarta’s Gen Z spending their lunch hours and weekends queueing for viral bites at the hip and trendy Blok M? Young professionals Yasmin and Niken check out some of these shops - Artirasa, Little Salt Bread and Mack’s Creamery - that are drawing FOMO crowds eager to keep up with the latest social media sensations. 

[Post 742] Letting My 70yo Dad Try Halal Western Fusion Café Food | Lunch With Us: Singapore

Summary

In recent years, hip halal cafes have exploded onto the SIngapore scene offering a wide range of cuisines and fusion food. Gen Z food vlogger Nur Hidayah Selamat brings her 70-year-old father to check them out, as a bonding activity – but do they suit his traditional palate? Today, they hit Brunch Club on Jalan Pisang in Kampung Glam, which serves Western-Italian fare with an Asian twist. 

[Post 741] S$6 Michelin Meals at Indian-Pakistani Hawker Stall in Tekka | Lunch With Us: Singapore

Summary

Tekka Centre in Singapore’s Little India has long been associated with good budget South Asian food. Cafe chef Rathakrishnan helps us discover the variety of regional cuisines at the heritage hawker centre.  

The highlight is the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Delhi Lahori, where owner Naseer Ahmed Khan has combined the tastes of India and Pakistan together in set meals that cost just S$6 (US$4.60). 

[Post 740] Affordable Five-Star Dim Sum Tucked Away In Industrial Estate | Lunch With Us: Singapore

Summary

In the heart of a Sims Drive industrial estate is Five Star Dim Sum restaurant, where the dim sum is hand-made fresh daily in its central kitchen, concocted by its Hong Kong head chef.

The comparatively lower rentals in such estates means that F&Bs like this can keep prices affordable. Security officer Tan Tan Chin An, 72, who works in the building, has lunch there almost daily. He shares with us his favourite dishes, and what his work is like. 

[Post 739] Gen Z Student Works Holiday Jobs To Travel, Gains A New Side Hustle & Travels For Free | Money Mind

Summary

Jaedyn Choo wanted to see the world but as a full-time student, her resources were limited. Scaling up her holiday jobs gave her a ticket to fly - and led to the start of a new and even more lucrative side hustle.

[Post 738] Avoid Job Scams, Fake Listings: Red Flags When Looking For A Job | Money Mind | Work

Summary

These are the top red flags to look out for when you're job-hunting.

[Post 737] Investing In ETFs For Beginners: What To Know About Fees, Timing & Diversification | Money Mind

Summary

Investing in ETFs for beginners: what you need to know about fees, timing and diversification.

[Post 736] Will Vietnam Deepen Ties With China Because Of Trump Tariffs? | China & The Global South

Summary

China has set its sights on the Global South, and on ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asia Nations - one of the fastest growing regions in the world. 

ASEAN’s fastest growing economy is now facing serious headwinds from Trump tariffs. As Vietnam sent a team to Washington to negotiate, China stepped up its diplomatic efforts here. Trade and investment between the 2 countries had been steadily growing despite differences in the South China Sea. Is this a new chapter in complex Vietnam-China relations? 

[Post 735] Taiwan-style Bento Meals With Old-School Touch & Retro Vibe | Lunch With Us: Taipei

Summary

What makes Taiwan-style bento meals different from the Japanese original? And how did it become a national obsession? Literary writers Hsieh Yi An and Chu Yu Hsun take us on a retro lunch experience at Dong Yi Pork Chop in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City – a surreal old-school venue that once served as a glitzy dance hall. We chat with its 75-year-old co-founder to find out why they’ve kept their bento meals as retro as the decor. 

[Post 734] How Trump Tariffs Hit US Allies Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan: Beyond Imports & Exports | Insight

Summary

Donald Trump's second term as President has upended trade flows, as a mercurial tariff strategy leaves trade partners and rivals guessing, 

In Asia, traditional American partners like Taiwan and South Korea are left scrambling after tariffs were announced on steel, auto parts and agricultural exports. Taiwan may also face restrictions on semiconductors. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's status as a free port did not shelter it from tariffs applied to China. And as the tit-for-tat tariffs with China escalates, in the background is the opioid crisis that had swept through America. 

As Asia grapples with an upended global trade order, Trump's tariffs may end up realigning trade in the region. China is already seeking closer ties with its East and Southeast Asian neighbours. What happens to American and Asian trading relations once Trump's tariffs truly begin to bite?

[Post 733] USAID Out, China Aid In: Is US Foreign Policy Pushing Laos Towards China? | China & The Global South

Summary

China has set its sights on the Global South, and on ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asia Nations - one of the fastest growing regions in the world. 

The exit of USAID in Laos has created a vacuum that is being filled by China. China is also doubling down on investments in the country - including the Lao-China railway, special economic zones, and property development projects. But is Laos overdependent on China for its economic growth? With national debt piling up, how will Laos pay China for its infrastructure project bill?

[Post 732] Taiwan’s Karaoke Cabbie Takes Us To Comfort Food ‘Club’ | Lunch With Us: Taipei

Summary

We hop on a ride with cabbie Tu Ching-liang, 61, whose unique taxi is an entire karaoke booth. Some of his passengers have even gone viral on YouTube for crooning in his cab.  

He takes us to the old-time Drivers’ Club in Songshan District, Taipei City. It was started to service busy motorists as a lunch stop nearly 40 years ago, with meals costing as little as US$0.30. These days, foreign hostel guests are part of the clientele too. 

[Post 731] Budget ‘Fast-Food’ Hopping In Taiwan: From Vegetarian to Pork Cheap Eats | Lunch With Us: Taipei

Summary

Fast-food Taiwanese style consists of cheap and satisfying meals that are served double-time quick. Food entrepreneur Matt Chen is our guide to the best value-for-money food in the district of Banqiao, in New Taipei City.  

We sample everything from vegetarian chicken, to pork innards, to delicious MSG-free pork ball soup simmered for 16 hours at a mere US$0.60 a bowl! And of course, we can’t forget the ubiquitous bubble tea. 

[Post 730] Viral Scooter Coffee Vibes: Indonesia Gen Z Travels 1,000KM To Sell Slow Bar Coffee | Money Mind

Summary

How far can you go with US$185 in your pocket? One young Indonesian’s journey took her 1,000km from home – and to a new life of being a business owner. And all, on just two wheels.