Are your business ambitions outgrowing Singapore's shores? You're not alone. In our latest episode, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing Singaporean SMEs looking to expand regionally.

Join our host Reggie as he discusses with industry experts:

- Jolin Nguyen, Managing Director of AYP Group, specialising in helping companies expand across 14 Asia-Pacific countries

- Debbie Yong, Founder, Atypical Media, former journalist and brand strategist who's covered Singapore's F&B and retail scene for over a decade, and

- Mr. Ang Yuit, President of ASME (Association of Small Medium Enterprises)

We'll explore:

- Why many SMEs struggle to move beyond "zero to one" thinking

- Surprising insights about regional expansion costs vs Singapore

- How some businesses are successfully scaling through strategic partnerships

- The truth about government support schemes—what's working and what's not

Discover why internationalisation might be easier (and harder) than you think.

Tune in now to learn how Singaporean SMEs can truly compete in the regional market!

Drop your questions below! Which Budget 2025 initiative are you most excited about for taking your business global?

Available on all podcast platforms. Drop your hot takes after listening

Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

05:09 What challenges do businesses face when trying to scale?

06:12 What stands out in this year’s budget for businesses?

14:38 Can you share examples of businesses expanding successfully?

24:08 Should SMEs take a different approach when entering new markets?

35:20 What’s your top advice for SMEs going international?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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We debate if current income ceilings make sense anymore and share some controversial thoughts on Budget 2025.

Joining us are:

- Professor Sumit Agarwal from NUS Business School, author of the popular Kiasunomics series. He brings 25 years of mortgage expertise to the table!

- Kuanyu Tan, 99.co CEO sharing his fresh perspective as a first-time homebuyer navigating the system.

- David Baey, CEO of Mortgage Master, an industry veteran who's been in mortgages for 15 years.

We'll be unpacking:

- Why this year's budget had surprisingly little on housing

- The impact of 20,000 new BTOs coming to market

- Whether HDBs should really be viewed as lottery tickets

- What's really driving property price increases across Singapore

It's a no-holds-barred discussion full of laughs, real talk and unique perspectives you won't hear anywhere else. Tune in now to get the inside scoop on Singapore's property market!

Available on all podcast platforms. Drop your hot takes after listening.

Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

00:00 - Introduction

03:14 - Given the budget’s limited focus on housing, are current policies sufficient to ensure affordability?

08:09 - How will the budget impact first-time buyers, homeowners, and property investors?

17:22 - How does the BTO system impact life decisions, and how should its profit mechanics be managed for affordability?

24:56 - How are current property market trends and mortgage rates evolving, given global interest rate influences?

30:26 - How do you see long-term interest rates evolving, and what impact will they have on homeowners and the housing market?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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A topic that's top of mind for many Singaporeans - retirement planning and what it really means to retire well in Singapore today.

Our panel of experts:

- Daphne Lye, Financial Planning Solutions Lead at MoneyOwl

- Dr Chong Poh Heng MD, HCA Hospice, who brings over 35 years of experience in end-of-life care

- Ashok Samuel, Ex GIC Head of Private Equity Risk with 30 years in private equity experience, now retiree in his late 50s, offers a personal perspective on the realities of retiring in Singapore and the wisdom he’s gained along the way

Episode highlights:

- Why traditional notions of retirement feel uninspiring to many millennials

- The evolving landscape of retirement planning beyond just CPF Life and insurance schemes

- How to balance living well now while preparing for future healthcare needs

- And some candid conversations about end-of-life planning that you won't hear anywhere else

03:59 What does hospice care actually involve?

05:56 What advice comes from those near the end of life?

09:51 How well do current retirement schemes support Singaporeans?

12:17 How can retirees manage rising healthcare costs?

18:29 How does Singapore compare to other retirement destinations?

21:03 How much should Singaporeans save for retirement?

29:28 What factors make retirees relocate from Singapore?

From financial strategies to emotional considerations, we cover the practical realities of retiring in Singapore today while challenging conventional thinking.

This is one conversation about retirement you don't want to miss. Tune in now to get inspired and empowered to rethink your own retirement journey!

Available on all podcast platforms. Drop your hot takes after listening.

Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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Curious about how Singapore's budget impacts small businesses?

Join us and guests as we tackle crucial questions: How can SMEs maximise CDC vouchers? What's the real impact of grants and subsidies? And what innovative strategies are businesses using to attract both Gen Z talent and senior workers?

• Hasan Abdul Rahman, Managing Director or Pondok Abang, sharing insights from the F&B industry
• Celine Ng, Creative Director Fraction Design Pte. Ltd, discussing sustainable event solutions
• Junyi Lee, Creative Builder of Cammunity x Gram Videos, offering perspectives on creative media production

Our panel also explore internationalization efforts, digital transformation, and manpower challenges facing today's entrepreneurs.

Want to know how successful businesses are navigating these complex issues? Tune in for an engaging discussion full of practical insights and forward-looking strategies that could transform your business approach

Available on all podcast platforms. Drop your hot takes after listening.

Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

06:12 What are your thoughts on the latest national budget from an SME business owner’s perspective?

07:55 How have CDC vouchers affected consumer behavior and business revenue in your industry? 17:42 How have government grants, such as MRA, helped SMEs expand and improve productivity?

21:54 What are the key challenges SMEs face in international expansion?

28:00 How do you balance hiring local talent, automation, and outsourcing to improve SME productivity

34:00 What advice do you have for SMEs navigating grants, government support, and economic uncertainties?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is SkillsFuture really helping Singaporeans stay employable, or is it just a Band-Aid solution? Join us as we dive deep into the realities of Singapore’s job market, retrenchments, and whether the government’s policies are truly bridging the gap for workers in crisis.

Reggie (a.k.a. The Financial Coconut) is joined by:

- Adrian Tan, Author - “No More Bosses", Fractional CMO, sharing insights on self-employment and the gig economy.

- Kai Ning Lim, Co-founder & CEO of The Courage Chapter, a platform that helps senior professionals transition to their second chapters through meaningful flexible projects with companies, for greater business impact.

- Puay Lim Yeo, Partner, Talentkraft, and former business leader at Glint, offering a fresh perspective on career transitions and workforce challenges.

Key points teased:

- SkillsFuture Under the Microscope: Is it promoting lifelong learning or just a buzzword?

- Retrenchment Realities: How are middle managers and professionals coping in a shaky job market?

- Career Conversion Programs: Do they actually help people switch industries, or are they just a temporary fix?

- The SME Lifeline: Why small businesses might be the unexpected heroes in hiring returnees and older workers.

- AI vs. Humans: Is the rise of artificial intelligence making traditional jobs obsolete?

From heated debates about government grants to raw stories of career pivots, this episode is packed with unfiltered insights and actionable advice for anyone navigating Singapore’s ever-changing job landscape.

00:00 Intro

02:21 What key takeaways on employment did you get from the budget?

11:26 Does the SkillsFuture system need improvement?

13:44 How can we improve career conversion programs?

22:29 Thoughts on career conversion programs and how effective is it?

30:45 Is Singapore’s job market strategy too broad?

Don’t miss out—whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or just curious about the future of work in Singapore. Hit subscribe and tune in to this must-listen conversation.

"The job market is tough, but understanding it doesn’t have to be."

Available on all podcast platforms.

Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

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[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

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Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the 2025 Singapore Budget a lifeline for families, a gamble on nuclear energy, or a wake-up call for Singapore’s workforce? Tune in as we unpack the hidden layers of this year’s fiscal blueprint—no jargon, just real talk.

Join host Reggie (aka Chief Financial Coconut) and guests:

• Anthony, co-host of TFC Market Updates, and Energy Infrastructure Lawyer
• Sher-li Torrey, Founder of Mums@Work Singapore, championing women’s rights and caregiver struggles
• Imran Johri, Marketing Director at BigFundr, dissecting investment trends and economic realities

Episode highlight:

• AI vs. Ageism: Can reskilling save mid-career workers, or is it just lip service?
• Cash or Community? The CDC voucher debate—helping households or fueling inflation?
• Nuclear Power on the Table: Why Singapore’s sudden pivot to atomic energy is raising eyebrows.
• Caregiver Crisis: New grants for families—are they enough to ease the burnout of “sandwich generation” parents?

From heated debates about fiscal prudence to raw stories of balancing kids, careers, and aging parents—this isn’t your typical budget analysis.

Don’t miss out—whether you’re a policy wonk, a stressed parent, or just curious where your tax dollars are going. Hit subscribe and join the unfiltered conversation now.

Available on all podcast platforms. Drop your hot takes after listening—we dare you. Also, ask us anything today! and best questions will be selected to be personally answered by our expert network! Send us your questions here: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/ask-us

03:28 - What aspect of the Budget stood out to you in terms of its impact on the economy?

12:57 - Do you believe Singapore’s emphasis on energy independence through nuclear power and small modular reactors is a realistic solution?

18:55 - Given the government's focus on sectors such as finance, high-end manufacturing, research, and logistics, how should Singaporeans prepare for potential structural shifts in employment?

24:50 - Do you think the government's proposed tax incentives for SGX listings will significantly enhance Singapore’s position as a financial hub?

29:24 - From your perspective as a parent, were there any family-related policies in the Budget that particularly stood out to you?

31:54 - At what point would state spending on families be considered "sufficient," and should the government aim to cover basic needs or enable families to thrive?

40:24 - How do you view the adequacy of support provided to caregivers, particularly those balancing childcare and elderly care responsibilities?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is “Forward Singapore” more of the same talk and no action? With cost of living on the massive rise, and our island becoming increasingly dense, success feels out of reach for some. Or is it a phenomenon of the next generation of Singapore, redefining what success means to us? We casually roll our eyes at “the Singaporean dream” and be like, Sian. But what do we really want? What does success mean to us today and what is a Singapore we want to create for our kids? it is not always the government, let’s talk.

This episode is brought to you by TFC & RICE Media! Join us for the coming 2 weeks as we discuss our hopes and dreams for Singapore and give you the a different view of Budget 2023. We seek the expand the discussion and allow more perspectives to thrive as our nation decide how we spend our moolah! Actively comment on our telegram, Reddit and socials! We want to hear from you too!

Discover more from the team at The Financial Coconut (including all our other shows): https://linktr.ee/thefinancialcoconut

Check Out RICE Media too! https://www.ricemedia.co

Check Out @SGBudgetBabe too!

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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Would you say it’s affordable to live in Singapore? Most would say living in Singapore is rather expensive and costly but can the new elements introduced in the latest Singapore Budget 2023 make a difference in the lives of Singapore’s residences?

In this episode we ask the question “Is it affordable to live in Singapore?” where we touch on various different topics from HDB Prices to is Singapore a place for you to pursue your dreams?

For all other links mentioned, or to discover more from the team at The Financial Coconut (including all our other shows), go to https://linktr.ee/thefinancialcoconut

00:00 Intro

01:36 How Singaporean are you?

05:52 Will HDB prices ever come down?

10:25 Is living in Singapore affordable?

28:41 What is the Singaporean dream?

40:08 Is HDB fair?

46:46 Is Singapore still a place you can pursue your dream?

50:38 Is sharing the future of affordability in Singapore?

55:17 What is the Singapore you want to leave for next generation?

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The Financial Coconut started out as a reaction to online fake gurus who are propagating over simplified get rich quick programs. A Podcast that grew out of a desire to share best practices regarding personal finance turned into a network of content championing this idea of “Creating a life you love, while managing your finances well”.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

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