Latest news with #HowieLim
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Data centres aren't sexy but essential and increasingly lucrative
With US$4.7 billion pumped into direct data centre investments in Asia-Pacific in 2024 alone, and momentum holding strong this year, investors are circling. AI and cloud computing are fuelling demand. But is this asset class really within reach for retail investors? In this episode of Money Hacks, a podcast by The Business Times hosted by Howie Lim, we find out what's driving the data centre boom and how individuals can get a piece of the pie. Daphne Tan from CMC Markets and Shun Endo from CBRE unpack the landscape, including how listed Reits especially those with 'hyperscaler' tenants like Google or Microsoft offer a way in, why modular designs are keeping things future-proof, and what to watch when it comes to power, scalability, and resilience. Why listen? Because data centres are the quiet overachievers of tech infrastructure Steady demand, long leases, and capital-sticky tenants make them a surprisingly defensive play. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Because investing doesn't always mean betting on the next app Data centres are how the internet stays on. Reits let you invest in the plumbing not just the party. Because risks exist—but they're being managed smartly Think disaster planning, power redundancy, and upgrades without full rebuilds. Because with AI exploding, someone's got to house the servers And chances are, it's one of the players mentioned in this episode. Money Hacks is the flagship personal finance podcast from The Business Times, hosted by Howie Lim. You can listen to past episodes including recent takes on gold, ETFs, and long-term investing on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at Have feedback or episode ideas? Drop the team a note at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@ With Daphne Tan, head of business development, CMC Markets and Shun Endo, head of data centre, capital markets, Asia Pacific, CBRE 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: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: 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 Market Focus at: BT Podcasts at: BT Branded Podcasts at: BT Lens On:
Business Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
When kids think credit cards are magic
Parents are their kids' first money managers whether they mean to be or not. The tricky bit? The kids might end up modelling your questionable financial habits. And you wouldn't even know it. In this episode of Money Hacks by The Business Times, host Howie Lim speaks with Dawn Cher, founder of SG Budget Babe and author of Budgeting for Families, and Janice See, financial literacy educator with Junior Achievement Singapore. The conversation tackles how early parents should start teaching kids about money, and whether modern tech and cashless payments are making it harder or just different. The moment our kids see us swipe our card or scan our phone, they're learning. The question is, what are they learning? Why listen? Because good habits beat good intentions Most parents want their kids to be smart with money. But many are unknowingly passing on emotional triggers, bad spending behaviour and a fear-based view of finance. Because children don't learn finance from lectures Cher shares how she turned supermarket trips into budgeting games, and why making mistakes young on small dollar amounts is the best kind of lesson. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 3 pm Thrive Money, career and life hacks to help young adults stay ahead of the curve. Sign Up Sign Up Because digital money makes things fuzzier See explains why cashless payments can disconnect kids from the concept of value and how to help them grasp that money is finite, even if it lives in a smartwatch. Because you might need a financial reset yourself If you're living paycheque to paycheque despite a solid income, it might be time to rewire your own money mindset before passing it on. Money Hacks helps listeners make sense of the dollars and cents shaping real lives. Listen now at Got an idea for a future episode? Drop the team a note at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@ With Dawn Sher, author & founder of SG Budget Babe; and Janice See, financial literacy educator with Junior Achievement 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: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: 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 Market Focus at: BT Podcasts at: BT Branded Podcasts at: BT Lens On:
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
BT Money Hacks: Are Stablecoins a Smarter Way to Hold Your Cash?
They promise stability, speed, and low-cost transfers so what's not to like? But behind the slick branding, stablecoins are far from a sure bet. In this episode of Money Hacks by The Business Times, host Howie Lim speaks with Amy Zhang, head of APAC at Fireblocks, and Koen Hoorelbeke, investment strategist at Saxo, to demystify what stablecoins really are and what role, if any, they should play in a typical investor's portfolio. Singapore's Monetary Authority has just rolled out one of the most advanced stablecoin regulatory frameworks in the world, far ahead of peers like Hong Kong and the US. That's fuelling optimism but also raising questions about risks, use cases, and whether stablecoins are truly as 'stable' as advertised. Why listen? Because stable doesn't mean safe Stablecoins can still fluctuate in value, depending on demand and the exchange you're using. Because Singapore's regulatory edge matters Clear rules mean more trust and opens the door to institutional adoption and better retail platforms. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Because they're a payments game, not an investment Think low-cost, cross-border transactions. Not passive income or capital gains. Because retail adoption is growing fast Especially in emerging markets, where stablecoins can offer dollar exposure in places where banking access is limited. Because due diligence still matters Who issues the coin? How are reserves held? What happens when regulation shifts? These are the questions investors should be asking. Listen now as Howie Lim cuts through the crypto gloss to help listeners understand how stablecoins work, where they fit into the financial landscape, and when to approach with caution. Find more great content at . For feedback or episode ideas, email the team at btpodcasts@ --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@ With Amy Zhang, head of APAC at Fireblocks and Koen Hoorelbeke, investment strategist at Saxo Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: 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 Podcast at: WealthBT at: PropertyBT at: BT Market Focus at: BT Podcasts at: BT Branded Podcasts at :
Business Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
BT Money Hacks: Is private equity finally opening up to regular investors?
For decades, private equity and private credit were invitation only clubs of high returns, high barriers, and no entry without serious capital. But 2025 is different. Fund structures are evolving. Minimums are dropping. And Singapore regulators are starting to explore ways to let retail investors in. In this episode of Money Hacks by The Business Times, host Howie Lim speaks with Ritesh Ganeriwal, managing director and head of Investments & Advisory at Syfe, to unpack what's changed, what hasn't, and how to navigate the noise. Why Listen? Because private credit is now a US$2 trillion market and it's no longer just for institutions. Because the barriers to entry may be lower, but the complexity? Still sky-high. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Because if you're tempted by returns of 8–10%, you need to understand the lock-ups, the fee layers, and the liquidity traps first. Because manager selection isn't a bonus. It's the whole ball game in an opaque market. And because diversification is no longer just about stocks and bonds. The 60/40 portfolio is being reimagined, and private markets might be part of that future. Whether you're an accredited investor weighing your options or just curious about how the world of high finance is evolving, this episode gives you the tools to think critically without the jargon. Listen to the full episode of Money Hacks now. Because democratising access sounds great, but knowing what you're signing up for? That's even better. And if you've got thoughts or questions, host Howie Lim welcomes them at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@ With Ritesh Ganeriwal, managing director and head of investments and advisory at 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 BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: 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 Market Focus at: BT Podcasts at: BT Branded Podcasts at: BT Lens On:
Business Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
BT Mark to Market: Independent Financial Advisors —The Gatekeepers of Singapore's Corporate Takeover
Dive into this week's episode of the 'Mark To Market' podcast for an in-depth analysis of the pivotal role independent financial advisors (IFAs) play in corporate Singapore. Discover why their work is both crucial and often criticised. Learn about recent high-profile delistings and the outcomes that hinged on IFA evaluations. Join Ben Paul, a senior correspondent at The Business Times, as he delves into the contentious world of exit offers and delistings under Singapore Exchange (SGX) Listing Rules. This episode promises to offer insightful commentary on why IFAs hold a critical position in determining the fairness and reasonableness of these offers. Find out how these gatekeepers protect minority shareholders and the ramifications of their opinions. Great Eastern's Extraordinary General Meeting Slated for July 8, this crucial event will decide whether the insurer goes private with OCBC's exit offer or resumes trading. Learn about the two key conditions that an exit offer must meet to be deemed acceptable, and how IFAs influence these deals. Delve into past instances where IFA recommendations, such as those for Great Eastern and Boustead Projects, led to improved terms for minority investors and the ensuing market reactions. Major Shareholders vs Minorities BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Understand the inherent tension in take-private offers and why IFAs often find themselves in the crossfire. Get acquainted with the guidelines that stress the need for IFAs to maintain objectivity and transparency in their evaluations. This episode of 'Mark To Market' is a must-listen for anyone interested in corporate governance, market regulations, and investor protection in Singapore. Whether you're a market watcher, a minority shareholder, or simply intrigued by the dynamics of corporate takeovers, Paul's expert analysis will leave you with a clearer understanding of these complex processes. Listen now to the full episode and stay ahead of market trends and corporate developments with Ben Paul. 'Mark to Market' is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring wealth editor, Genevieve Cua. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ Written and hosted by: Ben Paul (benpaul@ Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Ben Paul, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: 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: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
