[Post 1053] Re-designing A Heritage Food Stall Menu With Gouache, Watercolours & Food Photography | How Graphic!

Summary

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!

[Post 1052] This Indonesian Millennial Turned Odd Jobs Into An Online Jobs Platform Business | Money Mind

Summary

From odd jobs to creating an online jobs platform: Indonesian millennial Susanto is building a big business from small tasks.

[Post 1051] Millennials Fighting Stage 4 Cancer: How We Found Out | On The Red Dot | Fighting Cancer - Part 1/3

Summary

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.

[Post 1050] What Gen Z Teens Really Think Of Dumb Phones After Trying Them For 10 Days

[Post 1049] Can Timezone level up the arcade business? | The Business Behind

Summary

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.

[Post 1048] Treasure At Home: This family-run vintage store in Tai Seng is a hidden gem

Summary

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.

[Post 1047] Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore is now open: Here’s what to expect

Summary

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)

[Post 1046] A guide to taking loans in Singapore | Money Talks podcast

Summary

From home renovation to purchasing a car and buying a house, what types of loans are available in Singapore and what should you look out for?

Head of retail at GXS Bank Jenn Ong explains how to find the correct loan for your needs.

[Post 1045] How hard is it to find and eat local produce in Singapore? We tried it for a week

Summary

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. 

[Post 1055] Creating A Vintage-Style Ad Using Watercolour Paints & Other Old-School Tools | How Graphic!

Summary

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?

[Post 1044]Can the East Coast Rail Link be a game changer for travel in Malaysia?

Summary

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. 

[Post 1043] Japan Wants To Quit Its Toxic Work Culture: But Why Isn't It Working? | Insight

Summary

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?

[Post 1042] My Sample-Size Lifestyle: How China Consumers Are Saving With Mini Skincare Products | Money Mind

Summary

My sample-size lifestyle: why China's young consumers are buying mini versions of beauty products.

[Post 1041] Why Indonesia’s Gen Zs Struggle To Thrive: Poor Education Standards, Low Wage Jobs

Summary

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?

[Post 1040] How Global City-states Balance Economic Growth & Liveability | Singapore's Balancing Act

Summary

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.

[Post 1039] Retrenched At 30: Losing My Job Created A Business Opportunity For Me | Money Mind | Retrenchment

Summary

How do you bounce back when you are retrenched at age 30? For one young professional, losing her job became a stepping stone to a new career path.

[Post 1038] 2000s Hello Kitty Craze & Other Toys That Shaped Singapore Culture | On The Red Dot | 1-Hour Special

Summary

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?

[Post 1037] How To Create A Dividend Portfolio Earning $1,000 A Month | Money Mind | Passive Income

Summary

How can a young adult start building a stream of passive income? Tips on how to set up a dividend portfolio - and the risks you need to keep in mind. 

[Post 1036] We Confront HDB Corridor Clutter, And Declutter For 3 Families | Talking Point

Summary

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. 

[Post 1049] Budget 2025: Tackling cost of living, jobs, family is a delicate balancing act | Deep Dive podcast

Summary

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)

[Post 1035] [ENG SUB] Million-dollar HDB flats are not an easy sell

Summary

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.

[Post 1034] [ENG SUB] Why Younger Singaporeans are Choosing to be Nurses

Summary

"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?

[Post 1033] [ENG SUB] Hawker in his 80s, serving taste of home

Summary

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?

[Post 1032] [ENG SUB] Why Younger Singaporeans are Choosing to be Nurses

Summary

Why Younger Singaporeans are Choosing to be Nurses

[Post 1031] [ENG SUB] Why your kopi is getting expensive

Summary

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.

[Post 1030] [ENG SUB] Is it still going strong? | Behind Singapore’s CPF (5/5)

Summary

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!

[Post 1029] [ENG SUB] Are we stretching it too thin? | Behind Singapore’s CPF (4/5)

Summary

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!

[Post 1028] [ENG SUB] How to grow your CPF monies | Behind Singapore’s CPF (3/5)

Summary

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!

[Post 1027] [ENG SUB] Demystifying CPF contribution rates | Behind Singapore’s CPF (2/5)

Summary

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!

[Post 1026] [ENG SUB] The significance of turning 55 and 65 | Behind Singapore’s CPF (1/5)

Summary

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!

[Post 1025] Govt will continue to enhance CPF scheme to boost Singaporeans' retirement adequacy: PM Wong

Summary

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.

[Post 1024] New measures to support Singaporeans in starting and raising families

Summary

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.

[Post 1023] Money Talks Explains: Miles vs cashback credit cards

Summary

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.

[Post 1022] Will the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone be a success? | Deep Dive podcast

Summary

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.

[Post 1021] The millennials who are caregivers to their special needs siblings

Summary

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

[Post 1020] More than 3,000 F&B outlets in Singapore closed in 2024, highest in nearly 20 years

Summary

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.

[Post 1019] Gen Zs Are Rethinking 9-To-5 Work: Will Hong Kong Cope Without The Hustle? | Insight

Summary

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?

[Post 1018] Why I Left Manila To Work Remotely In My Hometown Aklan | Money Mind | Remote Work

Summary

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. 

[Post 1017] I Fly To Work 5 Days/Week From Penang To KL: My Life As A Super Commuter | Money Mind

Summary

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. 

[Post 1016] 4-Day Work Week In Japan Without Salary Cut: How Does It Work? | Money Mind | Work-Life Balance

Summary

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.

[Post 1015] DeepSeek shows that AI can be done on a budget: Expert

Summary

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.

[Post 1014] More Singaporeans choosing low-sugar, low-fat festive snacks

Summary

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.

[Post 1013] China's DeepSeek roils AI sector

Summary

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.

[Post 1012] What is DeepSeek? Low-cost AI model rattles markets

Summary

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.

[Post 1011] Johor Bahru's property boom: Are locals getting priced out?

Summary

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.

[Post 1010] Millennial Entrepreneur Helps Grandmas & Grandpas Invest In Their Health | Money Mind | Taiwan

Summary

Can you ever be too old to start investing in your health? We visit a gym in Taiwan where some of the heaviest lifters are over the age of 90.  

[Post 1009] A Financial Advisor's Top Budgeting Tips For Chinese New Year | Money Mind | Finance

Summary

Chinese New Year doesn’t have to be tough on the wallet. A financial advisor shares how her top money-saving tip starts with spring-cleaning.  

[Post 1008] How I Attracted Job Offers With A Viral Social Media Post: Gen Z Undergraduate | Money Mind | Jobs

Summary

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…  

[Post 1007] Unlicensed Delivery Drivers On Our Roads: Why Are They On The Rise? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summsry

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.

[Post 1006] Trump 2.0: How The World Is Preparing For The New US President | CNA Correspondent | Full Episode

Summary

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.

[Post 1005] Gen Z Are Testing Work-Life Boundaries: How Flexible Can Hybrid Work Be? | Money Mind

Summary

Work-life boundaries when you’re working from home – what are the do’s and don’ts?

[Post 1004] How I Make A Living Creating Customised Poetry For Strangers In Minutes | Money Mind | Poetry

Summary

How do you make a living as a typewriter poet? For Grace, it starts with three words and a piece of paper.

[Post 1003] How China’s Humanoid Robots May Replace Its Shrinking Labour Force

Summary

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?

[Post 1002] Iconic Singapore Movies That Captured & Shaped Our Culture | On the Red Dot | 1-Hour Special

Summary

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.

[Post 1002] How I'm Monetising My Backyard By Building A Granny Flat And Renting It Out | Money Mind | Rental

Summary

Can you make money out of your backyard, by constructing a granny flat? Sydney resident Charles Pillay goes through the sums.

[Post 1001] How Calm’s Founders Turned Rejection Into A $2 Billion Business

Summary

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.

[Post 999] Nissan Is Fighting To Survive But Its Future Looks Grim

Summary

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.

[Post 998] Why Americans Can’t Find Starter Homes

Summary

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.

[Post 997] Can The U.S. Economy Survive A Mass Deportation?

Summary

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?

[Post 997] Wealth Advisor's 20-Year Plan To Give His Kids A Financial Headstart | Money Mind | Wealth Planning

Summary

Strategies to give your children a financial headstart in life. 

[Post 566] Shanghai's Shrinking Expat Population: What Might This Mean For China? | CNA Correspondent

Summary

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?

[Post 565] How Talking Toes chief rakes in six-figure revenues from socks with cute puns, positive messages

Summary

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.

[Post 564] Why Food Prices Are Still So High In The U.S.

Summary

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?

[Post 563] I Started A Business With $400 — Now It Brings In $180K/Year

Summary

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.

[Post 562] How Shein And Temu Keep Prices Shockingly Low: Chinese Fast Fashion

Summary

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? 

[Post 561] What To Highlight If You Want Recruiters To Read Your Resume + Design Flaws To Avoid | Money Mind

Summary

What does it take to get your resume noticed by recruiters? Cheryl Goh gets a resume makeover from a career coach. 

[Post 560] How To Make And Keep Money Goals In 2025 | Money Mind | Money Goals

Summary

How to make and keep money goals in 2025.

 

[Post 559] Package deal: A day in the life of a delivery driver

Summary

It is the season for gifts, parcels and deliveries. But to get the packages to you requires a job with long hours and a lot of heavy lifting. The Straits Times follows deliveryman Don Ng to learn the ins and outs of the job. 

[Post 558] Why Restaurants Have Become So Important To Shopping Malls

Summary

Foot traffic to suburban shopping malls has returned to pre-pandemic levels and high-end malls are thriving. Yelp found that 17 out of the top 25 brands driving consumers to malls are restaurants, and the dining options for visitors have moved well beyond the traditional food court that would include chains like McDonald's, Chipotle and Panda Express. CNBC visited the American Dream Mall in New Jersey to see how dining has evolved at the mall.

[Post 557] Why Fed Rate Cuts Aren’t Making Mortgages Cheaper

Summary

Federal Reserve interest rate decision can affect the cost of mortgages. But that link from the Fed to your monthly payment isn’t direct.  Fed decisions affect the investors demand for debt products like treasury bills and mortgage-backed securities. The shifting demand will, in turn, affect the rates Americans pay for new mortgages. Meanwhile, the Fed is reducing its holdings of debt, which it accrued during recent economic emergencies. That reduction in the Fed's assets, particularly mortgage-backed securities holdings, could keep upward pressure on mortgage rates. The upward pressure may keep rates elevated even as the Fed reduces the federal funds rate heading into 2025.

[Post 556] How Employees Are Coffee Badging To Avoid Full Days At The Office

Summary

Experts indicate that workplace trends often reflect the current job market. During the pandemic, when there was high demand for workers, the concept of 'quiet quitting' became a dominant theme. However, as the job market tightens, especially for white-collar positions, 'coffee badging' is trending. Watch the video above to learn more.

[Post 555] Why Dollar Stores Are Struggling

Summary

Dollar General and Dollar Tree, which also owns Family Dollar, brought in about $70 billion combined in sales in fiscal 2023. Both companies have historically been Wall Street darlings, outperforming the broader market for much of the past decade. But the past two years have played out differently as the dollar store industry is facing an economic environment that has disproportionately affected the dollar store’s core, low-income consumer. Watch the video to find out why dollar stores are struggling.

[Post 554] Why 27 U.S. States Are Going Broke

Summary

27 state governments lack the necessary cash on hand to pay their bills, according to researchers. The debts largely relate to the public pension system, which provides lifetime benefits to state and local government employees. $800b in federal aid during the pandemic obfuscated the long-term challenges of states. As that extra aid expires, even economically powerful states have to tighten their budgets. That could mean more tax hikes or cuts to public services like education and transportation.