by | Mar 6, 2025 | Business
Metro Finance, one of Australia’s leading independent non-bank lenders for asset finance, has followed on from its recent consumer survey findings, sharing responses from Australian businesses and revealing a range of impacts as cost of living pressures continue to bite consumer spending.
The business survey, responded to by 1,000 Australian employed and self-employed workers, indicates a spread of both economic optimism and belt-tightening.
When it came to business spending, respondents earmarked two primary costs for their own business or their employer’s in 2025: 39.9 per cent cited human resources, which includes training and benefits programs, as a key cost for the year ahead, while 42.3 identified supplier costs of producing goods and services being the main consideration.
Despite the expectation that goods and services will cost more in 2025 (a sentiment shared with recent respondents of Metro’s consumer survey), 66.4 per cent of respondents did not think their business would seek financing in 2025. This figure, however, contrasts with the overwhelming majority of those surveyed who remain confident of securing business finance if needed, at 72.1 per cent.
42.3 per cent of respondents also suspected the need to improve business cashflow would be the main motivator to seek financing in 2025.
Metro Finance CEO, David Albest, commented on the latest trends in the business survey.
“As we saw recently with the results of Metro’s 2025 consumer survey, there is a general sense of the market cautiousness, as businesses and their customers both take a hard look at their budgets, and make prudent decisions based on some uncertain market conditions,” David said.
From an operational point-of-view, increasing revenue (32.1 per cent), improving cashflow (29.7 per cent) and reducing debt (27 per cent) were the primary business goals for FY25, with respondents’ businesses reacting to inflation, higher interest rates and slower consumer spending. 38.7 per cent of all respondents also acknowledged that their business was cutting costs in a bid to improve net profit.
Interestingly, while saving costs and conserving budgets were recurrent themes with those surveyed, sustainability and initiatives to tackle waste and energy consumption are appearing to be adopted by businesses around the country.
39.6 per cent identified recycling as a way businesses were including sustainability in their operations, while 27.6 per cent flagged solar energy technology.
19.6 per cent of survey respondents also acknowledged low or zero emission vehicles as a feature of businesses’ sustainability efforts.
David Hall, National Novated Manager at Metro, commented on the proliferation of low and zero emission vehicles being provided to employees through salary packaging.
“Metro’s novated leasing offering is contuinuing to experience growth, with over 18,000 cars, of which 11,000 were low or zero-emission vehicles, being leased by employees through their employers in 2024,” David explained.
“What we’re seeing from a market perspective is novated leasing is an increasingly popular way for businesses to retain staff and incentivise high-performers, while at the same time helping employees’ household budgets save money by reducing their tax liability and providing consistency and predictability in their repayments. At a time of market volatility, this can been extremely beneficial for both sides of the fence,” David continued.
Investing in sustainability, either by adopting new processes and initiatives, or updating business assets, is also generating positive residual benefits for businesses in 2025: 35.7 per cent of respondents believed their business was well-respected in the community because of its sustainability efforts.
26.4 per cent cited customers seeing sustainable business as industry leaders, with 19.9 per cent also attributing greater B2B engagement because of their respective company’s sustainability initiatives. 16.4 per cent, however, believed that customers saw sustainable businesses as being more expensive than competitors.
Recently, Metro’s MetroEco green lending program received an additional $50 million funding commitment from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) – this new investment doubles the CEFC’s total commitment to $100 million, highlighting the strong demand from businesses ready to embrace sustainability in a number of different ways.
Since launching MetroEco in July 2024, Metro has supported over 4,000 electric vehicles hit the road across 26 different brands, along with funding energy-efficient equipment and battery technology — all made possible with competitive interest discounts for eligible green assets.
As a partner of Greenfleet, the Metro business offset 2,134 tonnes of carbon in 2024, and contributed $49,968 to sustainability efforts such as revegetating 547 hectares of land which included 460 hectares of protected koala habitat. Since joining Greenfleet in 2023, Metro has offset 4,015 tonnes of carbon, and contributed $80,815.
Following the trends: consumers watch their pennies
As businesses take a conservative approach to FY25, consumers are no-doubt influencing the current trend of belt-tightening; also identified in Metro’s Australia-wide consumer survey, which also saw 1,000 respondents take part.
Key findings of the Metro consumer survey (Jan 2025):
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44 per cent of all respondents shop around for the best price on fuel, and will only buy on days where it is historically lower at the bowser
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48.9 per cent of households surveyed said that saving money on energy utilities would be their main interest in upgrading their home’s technology
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41.3 per cent said they would not currently purchase an electric vehicle (EV), with 41.5 per cent claiming that they do not consider EVs mobility to be durable, regardless of brand
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29 per cent, however, indicated they would opt for an EV made by an established mainstream brand already selling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the market
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66.2 per cent said they would consider either a plug-in or mild hybrid for their next vehicle
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33.4 per cent, would like to save as much as possible and would consider a loan on an electric vehicle if the rate was cheaper
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52.9 per cent cited concerns over petrol prices as being a key motivator for a hybrid vehicle purchase
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33.7 per cent have recently established a new household budget
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43.7 per cent said they would, or have already switched brands to more affordable options
by | Mar 6, 2025 | Business
On March 14, 2025, the PROTECT International Conference Series on “Doing Business Amidst New Threats” will take place at the New World Makati Hotel. 
The international community is facing an evolving different threat to global peace and security. While the global security risk and threat in 2024 may be described as “unprecedented”, 2025 may be described as “unconventional”. We see this in geopolitical tensions, gray zone warfare actions, AI arms race, rising insider threats, fragmented extremism and other developments. PROTECT 2025 conference on Doing Business Amidst New Threats will deep dive into these security challenges.
On March 14, 2025, the PROTECT International Conference Series on “Doing Business Amidst New Threats” will take place at the New World Makati Hotel.
The event will feature prominent speakers, distinguished panelists, and thought leaders from various sectors as they discuss key issues affecting businesses today. From cyber threats and health security to climate change and cross-border crimes, the conference will address how these complex issues intersect and how businesses can navigate these volatile landscapes.
For more information on the forum, contact the Secretariat: le******@*******************al.com
The Opening Address will be delivered by Secretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser to the National Security Council. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. PA, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will deliver the Keynote Address.
Digitalization And Cyber Threats will be featured in three panel discussions on Digital Identity, Cyber Threats, and The Legal Aspects of Cybercrime.
Digital technology has been changing the ways businesses are done and will continue to do so each year. Meantime, cyber threat actors are applying more advanced and sophisticated technologies to challenge cybersecurity. Understanding what is happening in the world now is therefore no longer an option but is an absolute necessity. The future is rapidly developing whether we like it or not. Adapting to change, if not done strategically can be disastrous.
A Session on Human and Health Issues aims to provide an awareness of human health security and the interactions of key issues and events. Moderated by Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, discussions will cross cut through health, education, and security.
Environmental/Climate Issues will be the subject of one session. The changing environment affects the business world. They impact on business practices from resources, to supply chain, to logistics, to energy sources, to customer behavior and demographics.
Cross-border phenomena concern both international and domestic security. Heightened concerns about transnational crimes are a consequence of advances in transportation and telecommunication. Many times, businesses become instruments or victims of such crimes.
A session on Transnational Issues will start with a presentation on Crime- Terror Nexus by Global Security Expert Prof. Rohan Gunaratna of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This will be followed by a Panel Discussion on cross-border phenomena.
The National Issues session will discuss two major security challenges confronting the Philippines today: state-sponsored cyber challenges and the country’s relations with the US and China.
by | Mar 6, 2025 | Business
Interior Diary, a top Singaporean interior design firm, has rebranded to focus on premium renovations, elevating its offerings to create sophisticated, bespoke spaces. With an emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and timeless design aesthetics, the firm caters to homeowners seeking refined living environments. The rebranding aligns with evolving homeowner preferences for thoughtful, luxurious interiors that balance function and beauty. Directors highlight this transformation as a natural evolution, reflecting their passion for pushing design boundaries and delivering curated spaces that tell each client’s unique story. By combining innovation with heritage, Interior Diary is setting new standards in the Singaporean design scene, solidifying its position as a leader in creating personalized, high-end homes.
Singapore, March 6, 2025 — Interior Diary, a distinguished interior design firm in Singapore, is proud to announce its strategic rebranding initiative, reinforcing its commitment to delivering premium renovation services. This transformation reflects the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and personalized design solutions that cater to the discerning tastes of homeowners and businesses alike.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 2016, Interior Diary has consistently positioned itself as more than just an interior design firm—it has become a trusted partner in helping clients achieve their dream spaces. With a portfolio boasting over 2,000 completed home renovation projects, the firm has garnered a reputation for crafting personalized interior design solutions that resonate with the unique personalities and lifestyles of its clients.
Embracing a Premium Vision
The decision to rebrand stems from Interior Diary’s aspiration to align its services with the evolving needs of Singapore’s sophisticated clientele. By focusing on premium renovations, the firm aims to elevate living and working environments through designs that seamlessly blend functionality with artistry.
” We decided to rebrand ourselves to focus more on higher end renovations in response to an demand for personalised thematic styles like Japandi, Scandinavian and Wabi Sabi after the Covid period, ” said Director Gary Ng.
This renewed focus ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds client expectations, setting new benchmarks in the interior design industry.
Design Philosophy: Where Functionality Meets Artistry
At the heart of Interior Diary’s success lies its dedication to creating spaces that are both visually stunning and highly practical. The firm’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every space should tell a story—one that reflects the owner’s personality, lifestyle, and needs. This philosophy is further brought to life by their deep expertise in Japandi and Wabi-Sabi design principles, two styles that have gained immense popularity in Singapore for their minimalist and harmonious aesthetics.
Comprehensive Interior Design Solutions
Interior Diary offers end-to-end interior design solutions, encompassing conceptualization, space planning, material sourcing, renovation, and project management. The firm’s team of experienced designers and project managers work closely with clients to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process from start to finish.
Mr Steven Loh, the one of the company’s chief designers, said “The difference between interior designers and contractors is that we focus on balancing aesthetics, functionality and space planning to meet the home owner’s needs, while contractors mainly do the execution of the renovation. Therefore, we make the renovation process smoother and worry free for the client.”
Whether it’s a cozy HDB apartment, a sophisticated condominium, or a dynamic commercial establishment, Interior Diary’s designs reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their clients.
Commitment to Sustainability
In line with global trends and environmental responsibility, Interior Diary integrates sustainable practices into its design and renovation processes. By sourcing eco-friendly materials and implementing energy-efficient solutions such as Air Conditioning and Lighting integrated into a Smart Home System, the firm ensures that its projects contribute positively to the environment while providing clients with healthier living spaces.
Client-Centric Approach
Understanding that each client has unique needs and aspirations, Interior Diary adopts a personalized approach to every project. The firm strives to fulfill client requirements and beyond with quality services and sustainable materials.
A former client, Ms YH Kwang, on her Facebook, said that one of the designers “was incredibly professional and easy to work with. He took the time to understand what I needed and provided very good advice that helped me make decisions every step of the way”.
By bridging the knowledge gap, Interior Diary helps homeowners and business owners navigate their renovation, incorporating their lifestyles and work into their internal home or commercial setting.
Industry Recognition and Accreditations
Interior Diary’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been recognized through various industry accolades and accreditations. It has achieved awards like Asia Excellence Award in 2021/2022, Star Merchant award and Three Best merchant award.
The firm is a CaseTrust-Accredited Interior Design Firm, reflecting its adherence to fair consumer policies, transparent communication, proper staff training, and quality assurance. Additionally, Interior Diary is listed on the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC), signifying its licensing to carry out renovation works on HDB projects.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
To serve clients better, Interior Diary maintains regular collaborations with reputable suppliers like Blum, kompacPlus, providing more value and maintaining high industry standards. Partnerships also result in cost savings, which the company
Coordination and organization are integral parts of their work, requiring teamwork and communication with clients and suppliers to take an initial idea into fruition in a timely fashion.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Interior Diary is committed to continuous learning and discovering new innovations, technology, and materials. The firm acknowledges that trends evolve and is dedicated to upgrading itself to stay ahead in the industry. With a vision to convey the passion they feel about their craft, Interior Diary aspires to change the bad reputation of interior designers in Singapore by creating works of integrity.
Website: https://www.interiordiary.com.sg/
by | Mar 5, 2025 | Business
President Trump is set to announce a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, marking a historic shift in U.S. cryptocurrency policy. Discover how this move, along with new crypto regulations and market trends, could position the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets.
In a move set to redefine the U.S. stance on digital assets, President Donald Trump is expected to announce a significant shift in cryptocurrency policy, including the establishment of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve.
This landmark decision, revealed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, signals a new era for crypto regulation and adoption in the United States.
The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve: A Game Changer
Speaking ahead of the first-ever White House Crypto Summit, Secretary Lutnick emphasized Trump’s commitment to positioning the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets.
“The President definitely thinks that there’s a Bitcoin strategic reserve,” Lutnick stated. “There will be the question of how we handle other cryptocurrencies, and I think the model is going to be announced on Friday.”
This reserve is expected to grant Bitcoin (BTC) unique status within the financial ecosystem. While other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA), may be included in the broader framework, Bitcoin appears to be at the heart of Trump’s crypto vision.
Trump’s Vision for Crypto Regulation
President Trump has been vocal about his support for digital assets, contrasting sharply with the stricter regulatory stance of the previous administration. In a Truth Social post, he outlined his plans:
“A U.S. Crypto Reserve will elevate this critical industry after years of corrupt attacks by the Biden Administration. My Executive Order on Digital Assets directs the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA. I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World. We are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump also highlighted Bitcoin and Ethereum’s importance, stating, “I also love Bitcoin and Ethereum!”
White House Crypto Summit: Defining the Future of Digital Assets
The upcoming White House Crypto Summit, chaired by David Sacks and Bo Hines, represents a crucial step in the administration’s efforts to clarify regulatory guidelines, encourage financial innovation, and expand economic opportunities in the digital asset landscape.
The summit follows Trump’s Executive Order 14178, signed in his first week in office, which laid out a framework for the responsible growth and adoption of digital assets.
This move starkly contrasts with the previous administration’s regulatory actions, which led to increased scrutiny and legal battles within the crypto sector.
Market Impact: Bitcoin Volatility and Future Predictions
Bitcoin has experienced significant price swings recently. After dropping from nearly $100,000 to $78,200, BTC briefly surged to $95,000 before settling at $87,829 on March 5, 2025. Analysts predict that Bitcoin will continue fluctuating between $70,000 and $90,000 due to prevailing market uncertainty.
A crypto analyst forecasted, “Bitcoin’s price will remain within this range for the foreseeable future, given the current market conditions.”
Bitcoin’s market capitalization has now reached $1.73 trillion, with trading volume decreasing by 13% to $61.83 billion in the last 24 hours.
Potential Catalysts for Bitcoin’s Growth
Several factors could drive Bitcoin’s price higher in the coming months:
1. Regulatory Clarity: The White House Crypto Summit is expected to provide clear guidelines, reducing uncertainty in the market.
2. U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR): If the government begins accumulating Bitcoin, demand could surge, driving prices higher.
3. Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy: Declining bond yields suggest a potential interest rate cut, increasing market liquidity and benefiting Bitcoin.
4. SEC Lawsuit Developments: The SEC’s recent decision to drop lawsuits against major firms like Uniswap and Coinbase has boosted investor confidence in the crypto sector.
Technical Analysis: Risks and Opportunities
While Bitcoin’s long-term outlook remains bullish, technical indicators highlight potential risks. BTC recently fell below the 50-day and 200-day Weighted Moving Averages (WMA), raising concerns of a possible “death cross”—a bearish technical signal.
Bitcoin also dipped below the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, suggesting that if BTC breaks the $78,200 support level, further declines toward $71,500 (61.8% Fibonacci retracement) are likely.
However, if BTC surpasses the $95,000 resistance level, it could regain bullish momentum and push towards a new all-time high.
The National Cryptocurrency Association: A New Resource for Crypto Users
In tandem with these regulatory shifts, the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) has officially launched. Led by Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, the NCA aims to educate the public, provide resources, and simplify the complexities of digital assets.
With a $50 million grant from Ripple, the NCA will fund awareness campaigns and learning materials to highlight practical crypto applications.
The association’s neutral stance ensures that it remains a valuable resource for industry participants without favoring any specific company or blockchain.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S. Crypto Policy
The Trump administration’s efforts to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and revamp crypto regulations mark a defining moment for the industry.
As the White House Crypto Summit approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate clearer regulatory guidelines and a strengthened position for the U.S. in the global digital asset market.
With the potential for regulatory clarity, increased institutional investment, and macroeconomic catalysts, the crypto industry stands at the precipice of a new era—one that could solidify the United States as the global leader in digital finance.
by | Mar 5, 2025 | Business
From Practice Room to the Performance Stage
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music International Masterclasses Program
Applications are NOW OPEN for young and emerging musicians (individuals and in ensembles) from across the country to register for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s (AFCM) International Masterclasses Program, led by music maker, clarinettist, chamber musician, collaborator and educator Lloyd van’t Hoff, who is a past ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year.
Photos: The Andromeda Quartet which took part in the Masterclass Program in 2024, and the program leader Lloyd van’t Hoff in Townsville
Held in Townsville-Gurambilbarra in North Queensland from 18 July – 1 August, before and during the AFCM, the International Masterclasses program is an immersive experience for young chamber musicians, offering direct mentorship from world-class artists, chamber music training, and professional development opportunities through lessons, public and private masterclasses, and performances, while also providing industry insights from leading musicians and arts professionals.
Program highlights include individual lessons from artists including AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck (violin), Ana-Maria Vera (piano) and Lloyd Van’t Hoff (clarinet), group instrumental classes and coaching sessions led by AFCM artists and faculty members, interactive group discussions and review sessions in the Chamber Music Forum, professional development seminars from industry experts, individual career guidance from mentors, public Masterclass participation and a final showcase performance – the International Masterclasses Concert at the Townsville Civic Theatre. Through support from the Ian Potter Foundation, limited funding is available to assist with participation costs, on application.
Interested musicians can apply at afcm.com.au, by calling 07 4771 4144 or by emailing ni*******@******om.au
Applications CLOSE ON MARCH 31, 2025.
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