The Business Times Podcasts

The Business Times
undefined
Mar 31, 2026 • 3min

S2E482: Energy crisis, Asia's steepest fall since 2022 as war rages

Market news for March 31, 2026: Energy crisis grips Asia as Mideast war drives oil to record highs and fears of inflation and recession mount. Asian shares plunged to their steepest fall since 2022, bonds declined, while the dollar surged as a safe haven. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 31, 2026 • 4min

S2E198: 82nd Airborne Lands as the War Enters a Dangerous New Phase

Headline news for March 31, 2026: US paratroopers land in the Middle East. President Trump renews threats against Iran. Oil heads for a record monthly gain. Spain closes airspace. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 30, 2026 • 16min

S1E1: Building for scale in South-east Asia’s new economy

Scaling a high-growth company internationally brings formidable challenges: global payroll, FX risk, and treasury management. How do you maintain agility across borders? Howie Lim speaks to HSBC Innovation Banking's Neil Falconer to uncover the three pillars which are essential for managing friction and accelerating your scale-up success in South-east Asia and beyond. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and news covering career, business, markets, investing, current affairs and tech. This episode is produced in collaboration with HSBC Innovation Banking. Highlights: 01:04 South-east Asia - from "potential" to genuine scale 05:17 The most consistent challenge for founders 09:00 The mandate of HSBC Innovation Banking 13:18 The three essential pillars for international expansion More about: HSBC Innovation Banking Singapore --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Neil Falconer, head of innovation banking, HSBC Singapore Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Podcasts: Channel: bt.sg/pcOM Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/pcAP Spotify: bt.sg/pcSP YouTube Music: bt.sg/giK9 Website: bt.sg/btpod Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 30, 2026 • 3min

S2E481: Oil's record surge, inflation spike and recession risk grip globe

Market news for March 30, 2026: Stock markets slid as a protracted Gulf conflict drove oil prices to a record monthly rise, fuelling a global inflation spike and raising recession risks. Asia, heavily dependent on Middle East energy, suffered significant losses. Brent crude soared almost 59 per cent for the month. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 30, 2026 • 4min

S2E197: A New Front Opens as the Houthis Strike Israel for the First Time

Headline news for March 30, 2026: Houthis widen the war with first strikes on Israel. Oil heads for a record monthly rise. Asian markets slump. Pakistan offers to host peace talks. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 29, 2026 • 22min

S1E262: Navigate job market caution; secure higher salary bumps

Feeling the job switch itch? Don't resign yet! The market is cautious, but salary bumps of up to 15 per cent are real. Hear legal experts on contract risks, from clawbacks to non-compete clauses. Howie Lim gets the fine art of negotiation—what to ask for, and when to start—to protect your career and maximise your next move. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:55 The state of play - job hugging 03:13 Job hopping: red flag or pay bump strategy? 04:49 Termination terms, the 'prenup for work' 10:28 The enforceability of the non-compete 19:28 What to do when the job scope creeps after you've joined --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Amarjit Kaur, partner, Withers Khattarwong; and Anurag Garg, country lead, Michael Page Singapore Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 27, 2026 • 15min

S2E37: Quarter-end gloom: Mispriced assets, gold's stumble and Asia's energy reckoning

Global conflict. Closed shipping lanes. Oil surged, gold stumbled. As the Middle East crisis whipsaws markets, where is the mispricing? Syfe's Ritesh Ganeriwal joins Howie Lim to dissect Asia’s structural energy shock, the dollar’s safe haven reign, and the disruptive forces reshaping portfolio strategy this quarter end. Highlights: 01:16 Mispriced assets thanks to the conflict 03:44 Gold vs. the dollar 07:40 Asia hardest hit by energy crisis 12:09 Japan and China trajectory --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Ritesh Ganeriwal, head of investment advisory, Syfe Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 27, 2026 • 3min

S2E196: US Extends Pause on Iran Strikes, but Tehran Calls Peace Plan Unfair

Headline news for March 27, 2026: President Trump extends his pause on Iran energy strikes to April. Tehran calls the US peace plan unfair. Oil dips but stays volatile. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.  Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt  WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 26, 2026 • 15min

S1E1: AI ready: How Singapore SMEs are turning anxiety into advantage

The AI future is here, but for many SMEs, adoption feels overwhelming. Discover how UOB FinLab's 'AI Ready' programme transformed this anxiety into competitive advantage for second-generation businesses. Hear how to turn operational bottlenecks—from repetitive tasks to client generation—into practical, de-risked AI solutions. Learn how to scale efficiently without a massive hiring spree. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and news covering career, business, markets, investing, current affairs and tech. This episode is produced in collaboration with UOB. Highlights: 01:21 Why AI is no longer optional for SMEs 04:08 UOB's Awareness-Action-Acceleration framework 07:49 From cold calls to AI lead generation 09:11 You don’t need an AI team, just AI muscle 12:15 Keeping the momentum More about: AI Ready SME Elevate UOB FinLab Community --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Eelen Lim, programme director, UOB FinLab and Ecosystems; and Elson Low, director at Events Partner Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Podcasts: Channel: bt.sg/pcOM Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/pcAP Spotify: bt.sg/pcSP YouTube Music: bt.sg/giK9 Website: bt.sg/btpod Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 26, 2026 • 3min

S2E480: Mideast turmoil: stocks fall, oil spikes, gold defies safe-haven status

Market news for March 26, 2026: Mideast turmoil sees Asian stocks slide, oil spike 2 per cent on Strait of Hormuz closure fears, while gold reverses course for its steepest monthly drop since 2008, defying safe-haven status. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus Amazon: bt.sg/mfam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt Website: bt.sg/mktfocus Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app