"Why invest in Singapore, when you can invest in the US?" Our guest expert counters this argument with facts and his opinion. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, senior columnist Ven Sreenivasan offers you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven hosts Thilan Wickramesinghe - regional head of research at Maybank Securities - to look at the investment outlook from our vantage point in Singapore, at the halfway mark of June, in 2024. This also comes against the backdrop of the new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong sworn in on May 15, taking over from Mr Lee Hsien Loong, now Senior Minister. They also cover opportunities that include bringing to fruition nascent projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Ideas mooted under the zone include a passport-free QR code system to speed up immigration clearance and a one-stop business and investment service centre in Johor to make it easier for Singapore businesses to set up shop there. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:11 What is the outlook for Singapore’s GDP for the rest of the year?  6:06 The 1Q 2024 results season just concluded: Major takeaways 8:32 There is a new PM and Cabinet for Singapore in place: How Singapore is benefitting from safe haven flows and a strong ecosystem for start-ups and innovation 11:10 On the Johor-Singapore SEZ: After previous attempts, what is different this time round and what are the opportunities? 13:55 "Why invest in Singapore, when you can invest in the US?": Is this a valid statement and how should investors think about South-east Asian markets? 16:26 Discover Thilan's top stock picks in Singapore at the halfway mark of 2024 and reasons for his choices Produced by: Ven Sreenivasan ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, and Teo Tong Kai Edited by: Teo Tong Kai Follow ST's Your Money & Career Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [email protected] Read Ven Sreenivasan's articles: https://str.sg/wuQe Get business/career tips in ST's HeadSTart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. #moneycareer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.