Explore every episode of the podcast The Straits Times Podcasts

Dive into the complete episode list for The Straits Times Podcasts. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	S1E32: Ong Ye Kung's health tips, his love for Sembawang GRC and being lit on social media	25 Mar 2025	00:51:33
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In the lead-up to the expected general election that must be held by November 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung talks to Natasha about resetting the rules during the pandemic, his biggest challenge at the ministry now, and why he would love to be a Sembawang GRC MP till he retires. Natasha also looks back at his political career - he got his feet wet in the 2011 general elections running in Aljunied GRC, though he lost there - and what convinced him to join politics. He also takes on questions about politicians campaigning on anti-vaccine sentiments and Singaporeans’ desire for more opposition representation in Parliament. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:29 Did he feel the pressure to “walk the talk” as Health Minister? 16:25 Mr Ong on anti-vaccine sentiments seeping into society 22:34 His view on the PAP’s outlook for Aljunied GRC 35:44 Learning from his parents’ involvement in politics 41:50 He talks about why he struggles with social media 50:28 “Just remember, whatever it is, we have to be in it together.” Mr Ong reflects on the changing times Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Co-edited by: ST Video (Aileen Teo and Jamie Koh) Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E31: Grace Fu on S’pore’s climate change fight, changes to Yuhua SMC	21 Mar 2025	00:45:31
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending for different ministries, Natasha and her co-host Audrey Tan, ST assistant news editor for environment coverage, discuss how Singapore is pushing ahead with climate action. She’s also the host of Green Pulse on ST Podcasts. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu joins them in this episode. They talk about mitigation efforts versus adapting to climate change, Ms Fu’s thoughts on her long-time SMC being absorbed into the new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, and being a woman in politics for almost two decades. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:46 Why is S’pore persevering on climate action 13:17 With the US scaling back on its climate efforts, what can S’pore do? 22:05 MSE’s plans for the longevity of S’pore’s hawker culture 30:57 Will climate change and environmental issues be one of the GE2025 issues? 36:17 Being a woman in politics for almost two decades Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Co-Host: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) Read Audrey Tan's articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/MZne Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: ST Video (Azim Azman, Philip Cheong and Jacen Tan) ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr #gptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E25: Dr Anji Sinha: Trump's mystery pick for ambassador to Singapore	20 Mar 2025	00:31:39
Who is Dr Anji Sinha? Our US bureau chief finds that the key to this story lies in relationships. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. As of the publication of this episode on March 21, nothing much is known about the person recently nominated by US President Donald Trump to become the top American diplomat in Singapore beyond his or her name. The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar reveal the detective work involved in trying to uncover who US President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore is - from following the breadcrumbs laid out by contacts to dealing with dead ends and working the phones to reveal the Florida connection. Highlights (click/tap above): 03:00 The significance of the US Ambassador to Singapore 04:55 Uncovering who Dr Anji Sinha is 07:34 A tip-off and a subtle hint 09:53 Dealing with hesitant sources, sensitive diplomatic matters 14:17 Broadening contacts 17:28 The Trump administration’s cautious approach 19:46 The Florida Connection 25:02 Looking ahead: The confirmation process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62 Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E26: Why are so many mainland Chinese making Malaysia their second home?	20 Mar 2025	00:49:45
Thousands of mainland Chinese are choosing Malaysia’s laid-back vibes over their stressful lives back home. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For March, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, and special guest Dr Ong Kian Ming, both based in Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to settle down in multicultural Malaysia, as thousands of mainland Chinese on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa scheme have discovered. Affordable property, international schools, local food and a relaxed lifestyle are all draws, but are there drawbacks? As it is, signage in the Chinese language has already sparked off a war of words between politicians. Speaking of politics, the recent Democratic Action Party (DAP) election saw the Lim family influence diminished. Former deputy minister and party insider Dr Ong gives us the lowdown on what happened on March 16, and his predictions for the DAP’s future. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:21 MM2H: Why is it so popular with mainland Chinese? 06:43 Cultural shift, retail landscape change from influx of Chinese 11:19 How Chinese brands are adapting to local market 14:57 Furore over Chinese signage 19:43 DAP election: How the party’s evolved in Malaysian politics 26:56 Will DAP turn into MCA 2.0 30:49 Mood at party polls 38:02 Lim Guan Eng's future role and influence 42:38 News nugget: What’s your desert island Malaysian snack? Read more: MM2H scheme - https://str.sg/bsDx Malaysia’s DAP election - https://str.sg/Kiqx Heated exchange Malaysia’s MCA and DAP - https://str.sg/FS6T Dr Ong Kian Ming’s Are We OK? podcast - https://str.sg/63jG Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Dr Ong Kian Ming's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JzzwMmT2fl51wK4pgfqGH Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E30: Desmond Lee on housing, GE2025 and lessons learnt as a politician	19 Mar 2025	00:44:06
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Following Budget 2025 and the Committee of Supply Debate on government spending, Natasha invites as her co-host Isabelle Liew, a ST journalist who covers the housing beat. They welcome Minister for National Development Desmond Lee on their living room couch as he says housing affordability will always be a “top-of-mind” issue for Singaporeans, as the nation gears up for the upcoming general election. He explains how the Government’s measures, including the increase in supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and the injection of executive condominium (EC) units, will start to address this issue. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:50 What are 'brownfield' sites? Minister explains; on seeming ground sentiment that homeownership is slipping out of reach for younger Singaporeans 5:29 Differences between "willing buyer, willing seller" resale open market and new BTO flats; on supply projection 9:25 On property sales flyers hyping up million-dollar HDB resale flats; the FOMO (fear of missing out) effect, information and prudence 11:42 On possible government levers and measures on demand, how market can find stable baseline over the long term; advice to younger home-buying couples 18:20 On how his own West Coast GRC team fared since the last general election, and following the departure of Mr S Iswaran after corruption charges 24:00 On voter sentiments and housing affordability as an issue for the GE 34:00 What Minister Desmond Lee has learnt about himself as a politician so far, juggling portfolios? On what happens at his Meet-the-People Sessions 39:28 The deeper nuances behind converting the brownfield site for the upcoming new Mount Pleasant BTO housing estate Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Isabelle Liew on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/Lu6q Read Isabelle Liew's articles: https://str.sg/iqDq Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: ST Video (Jacen Tan) Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E5: Who needs a car when there is a driverless bus at 2am?	18 Mar 2025	00:45:48
Forget “car-lite”, go for “car-free”, an SUTD prof makes the case for drivers to hang up their keys. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. It turned out that capping fares for seniors can be a way to urge older Singaporeans to not only stay mobile, but also ditch their cars for public transport. Dr Samuel Chng, research assistant professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, believes that Singapore has the potential to be “car-free”. Also head of SUTD's Urban Psychology Lab in the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Dr Chng sees a future where autonomous vehicles can fill in the gaps left by existing public transport modes. Highlights (click/tap above): 7:42 Journey from fewer cars towards car-free 12:50 The shock of not being on public transport in decades 20:33 The opportune time to intervene and form new transport habits 24:34 The role of walk, cycle and ride in the overall transport system 28:59 Driverless technology as a solution for late-night hunger pangs Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #wheelinsights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E14: Can Asean step up on climate action?	17 Mar 2025	00:33:06
Asean’s latest climate plans will face intense scrutiny as climate impacts worsen. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Fast-growing South-east Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change. As the climate risks grow, the region needs to lift its game to ramp up green energy investment and adopt stronger climate targets. This year is a key test of the region’s climate resolve. All 10 Asean members are obliged to submit updated and more ambitious 2035 climate plans to the UN this year. Only Singapore has done so to date. The question is, though, with the United States and Europe rolling back on climate finance and targets, does South-East Asia have the will to boost green investment? And where will the money come from? Green Pulse podcast hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss SE Asia’s climate plans with Ms Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Asean Studies Centre, at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:20 With the US and EU backsliding on climate commitments, are you seeing this in Asean, too? 4:21 Importance of Asean on global climate and energy policies 10:53 Efforts in in funding Asean net zero targets 17:10 Asean ambitions in new climate plans this year 21:54 Could China step in as a major source of climate finance for South-East Asia? 30:09 Why Asean should start showcasing climate investment opportunities with a pavilion at the annual UN climate conference Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E14: To enter the workforce with a diploma or not?	16 Mar 2025	00:21:02
Major shifts in the job market and employer practices make for more options but tougher decisions too. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Singapore’s tertiary education system has been shaken up in recent years, with polytechnics and universities among those seeing major changes. These include apprenticeships, structured talent programmes, industry attachments, longer-duration internships and even global exposure opportunities that raise the skills bar and prepare students for skilled roles from the outset. On one hand, some employers, especially in technical fields, seek for diploma graduates who enter the workforce earlier than others in their cohort and gain skills on the job. On the other, there is a push to grow the proportion of the cohort enrolled in university for further studies. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, a seasoned education expert on how to make sense of these different forces in charting out your own education and career path. His guest is: Associate Professor Jason Tan, who studies education policy, curriculum and leadership at the National Institute of Education Highlights (click/tap above): 2:10 Where are these shifts in the tertiary education system stemming from? 5:49 Does this mean there are more pathways to meet industry needs from an earlier age? 10:35 What are the challenges that come with these changes? 16:34 Pay structures that look strictly at paper qualifications may not reflect differences in skills 18:08 Keeping an open mind on the best choice Read about one such recent change: https://str.sg/ioJA Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E29: EBRC report: What the new electoral boundaries mean for GE2025	14 Mar 2025	00:37:39
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) dropped its report on March 11 and here’s the gist: Boundaries for GRCs have been rejigged, new SMCs have been carved out, and there are now more constituencies with double-barrelled names. Now that we have a clear picture of how the electoral map has changed, what do these changes mean as we head into a general election? To answer that question, Natasha speaks with former nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University, and Straits Times senior political correspondent Tham Yuen-C. The conversation also dives into the talk of gerrymandering, why the EBRC gave a more detailed explanation of the changes than in past reports, and what political parties have to do now. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:23 Dissecting the talk of gerrymandering 13:23 Voters are more concerned with everyday issues 17:43 What's with the double-barrelled GRC names? 23:42 The Jurong GRC split: what does it mean for parties with a presence there? 28:34 Will the electoral map changes affect "horse trading"? 32:19 Prof Tan and Yuen-C pick the 'hottest' GRCs or SMCs to watch Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E24: From pineapple farms to data centres: Johor’s changing landscape	13 Mar 2025	00:14:45
But Malaysians’ love affair with the fruit persists. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. Talk about what’s new with Johor nowadays and one usually ends up with a five-letter acronym - JSSEZ, or the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. But all the excitement about rising opportunities has also hastened the demise of what traditionally has juiced up Johor’s economy - pineapple farms. Land packed with the hardy, spiky fruits is making way for more profitable oil palm plantations, data centres as well as other commercial and industrial activities. Malaysia is not giving up on pineapples though, as it's the No 2 export fruit after the mighty durian. Sarawak has earmarked 20,000 hectares just for growing the fruit. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Malaysia correspondent Lu Wei Hoong about his love affair with pineapples and why it means so much to Malaysians. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:56 A special fruit to Malaysians 5:00 The closure of Lee’s Pineapple Juice 7:03 The rise of data centres 12:42 From Johor to Singapore: The pineapple connection Read Lu Wei Hoong’s article here: https://str.sg/zby2 Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa — 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E52: Using music to better reach out to seniors	11 Mar 2025	00:31:22
How younger social workers and social service entrepreneurs are exploring the use of music in the eldercare space. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at social issues of the day with guests. In this special edition of In Your Opinion - filmed in front of a live audience at The Foundry - a social service entrepreneur and social worker share how music can transform the eldercare space. Be it for their loved ones or as part of their advocacy, youths can now find more avenues to reach out to seniors, using the powerful tool in music. When it comes to engaging the elderly, music can reinvigorate and empower them - all while closing the gap between different generations. Studies have shown that music can amplify connections between the brain’s auditory and emotional regions, encouraging memory encoding and recall. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - STNow reporter Christie Chiu - speak with two guests who are harnessing the power of music to transform eldercare in Singapore. The two guests are: SanCare Asia founder Johnson Soh, who uses music-based technologies and services to help dementia patients; and Fei Yue Community Services programme executive Amanda Soon, who taps on music to get seniors more involved in their communities. Having studied in the UK and worked in the film industry there before returning to Singapore, Amanda now uses her creative skills to empower seniors and youths. At Fei Yue, she uses music to pilot various programmes and workshops with youth volunteers, youths and seniors. After working in the music industry for almost 30 years, Johnson founded SanCare Asia in 2016. The first elder-care service in Asia to offer person-centered reminiscence music programmes came about when Johnson's father developed dementia. "I actually used my dad as a guinea pig," he said, adding that he put together a playlist of songs which would resonate with him, songs which he grew up with during his formative years. "And yeah, it worked wonders, you know, to see him light up, to see him in a different mood just gave me the impetus to start the company." Over the years, Johnson has used reminiscence music to develop various programs as well. With his extensive research and deep music expertise, Johnson developed many programmes including Strike A Note©, a proprietary personalised music playlist programme for seniors. He also launched Return To The Tea Dance©, a silent disco-inspired music and movement programme, which became a finalist at the 2020 Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:41 How Fei Yue creates community for seniors by reviving lost dreams 7:20 How Fei Yue youth volunteers bring energy and ideas to do community work with seniors 9:03 Bridging inter-generational gaps through SanCare Asia’s person-centred care, creating a personalised music playlist for each senior 12:06 When music can also elicit adverse reactions; a delicate task for youth volunteers with seniors 15:50 Return to the Tea Dance, a silent disco programme for dementia seniors 22:41 Youth volunteers, social services and social enterprises empowering each other 25:20 How the Crdl can help the less-functioning dementia seniors Find out more about: SanCare Asia: https://str.sg/kEvE Fei Yue Community Services: https://str.sg/sAxH Listen to the other filmed live podcast at The Foundry: Saving our old buildings from obscurity: What can young people do? - https://str.sg/FKRb Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/3ESxU Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Christie Chiu (christiec@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E23: Trump is ‘doing a Mao Zedong’ on the US	06 Mar 2025	00:25:11
Why our expert guest speaker draws parallels with the chaotic Cultural Revolution in China in 1966. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode - recorded on March 4 - Ravi speaks with Wang Xiangwei, the eminent Hongkong-based China scholar and former editor-in-chief of South China Morning Post. Mr Wang, who currently teaches at Hongkong Baptist University, offers a Chinese perspective on the vast changes being brought to the United States by President Donald Trump. He draws parallels with the chaotic Cultural Revolution ordered by foundational Chinese leader Mao Zedong in 1966, and discusses what strategic openings this could present China. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:30 Comparisons with Mao’s chaotic Cultural Revolution 5:30 ‘The enemies are within’ 9:00 Trump popular despite chaos unleashed 14:40 China too needs to drain the bureaucratic swamp 17:50 China gains as Trump undoes Biden policies 20:30 Putin won’t burn China bridges to please Trump 22:40 US-China confrontation will continue until there’s a winner Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E28: Fighting cancer in their 30s: These are Hannah's and Samuel's stories	06 Mar 2025	00:38:04
Are we talking enough about health checks and the possibility of cancer for young adults? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. When she was about 35 years old, stay-at-home mother Hannah Seow discovered she had breast cancer after a self-examination. Her diagnosis came about two years after her youngest child, Caleb, died. For Samuel Ng, a month-long on-and-off fever was a sign that there was a deeper issue. In January 2024, after a blood test, he got the dreaded call. His report was “unfavourable”. Soon after, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. While dealing with cancer, he was laid off from his job. In this episode, Natasha chats with Hannah, now 37, and Samuel, 35, about how it feels to get cancer as young adults, their mindsets through their journeys, and if they want to be known as cancer survivors. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022, while cancer remains largely a disease of older age, more young people are being diagnosed with cancer. Between 2008 and 2012, the age groups with the most rapid increases in the age-specific incidence of cancer were all under 50 years old - with those aged between 30 and 39 registering the largest differences. This trend is also reflected globally, with Global Burden of Diseases data showing an increasing trend of cancer among younger age groups, with a 79 per cent increase in “early onset” – under 50 years old – cancer globally between 1990 and 2019. To celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and those still fighting against the disease, the Singapore Cancer Society has organised Relay For Life (RFL) once again. The annual overnight event from March 8-9 comprises a 100km physical relay event at the National Stadium, as well as a virtual challenge component. While registration for the physical relay has closed, donations to RFL remain open until March 23, 2025. Donate at www.scsrelayforlife.sg. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:32 How did Hannah and Samuel find out they had cancer? 10:39 What was it like telling people about their diagnoses? 15:35 How both of them stayed positive throughout 27:46 Should Samuel disclose his cancer diagnosis to a potential employer? 33:57 Do Hannah and Samuel want to leave their cancer story out of their identities? Follow Singapore Cancer Society: https://www.instagram.com/sgcancersociety/?hl=en Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E134: How loneliness affects mental health	04 Mar 2025	00:18:05
Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Loneliness – that social pain of not feeling connected, is widespread. Inadequate social connections or social isolation is also a growing problem today. Social isolation and loneliness have significant, yet often overlooked, consequences for our health and longevity. The health risks are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking and obesity, said the World Health Organisation. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, said WHO. Why do we feel lonely? Can we stop feeling lonely? What can we do about it? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out why we feel lonely and gets tips on how the young and old can combat loneliness from a mindfulness trainer. She is Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:18 Why do we feel lonely? 3:45 Letting go of judgement to free our minds 5:55 Feeling lonely in the corporate world? 7:10 Combating loneliness in old age 8:39 What can parents do to help their children cope with loneliness? 12:00 Loneliness in young adults Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E13: Can international agreements still help environmental goals?	03 Mar 2025	00:25:20
In a divided world, environmental treaties are still worth fighting for. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. President Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement for the second time, prompting other countries to ponder about their involvement in the multilateral climate treaty. At the same time, other environmental agreements are running into speed bumps. Talks at the UN plastics treaty in December 2024 fell through; while the COP16 biodiversity conference, postponed in November 2024, reached a deal when talks resumed in February 2025. In such an increasingly polarised world, are global environment treaties under threat? Do they still matter and how can they be strengthened as the impacts of climate change, nature loss and pollution worsen? Green Pulse podcast hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss why treaties still matter, some of the key problems they face and offer some solutions. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:54 Significance of environmental treaties in effecting change 5:52 Using climate data to measure success of international meets 9:23 The need for consensus to strengthen international environment treaties 18:06 Multilateral treaties can't be abandoned, but forming small groups with like-minded nations could alleviate climate problem 22:46 Bright spots amid the gloom - regulations for business driving positive change. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E13: What’s in the budget for me?	02 Mar 2025	00:31:29
CDC vouchers are welcome, but young people also want more housing, jobs and childcare help. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Budget 2025 has come and gone - the time we Singaporeans look for some free money and vouchers. This year, a big theme was around helping to alleviate the cost of living especially with inflation in the last few years. But exactly how much did the Budget have for us young people in our 20s and 30s, and what are the remaining problems that are untackled? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what the Budget gave and what young people might want from it in the future. Her guests are young financial literacy expert from DBS Shawn Lee, and investment strategy managing director Vasu Menon from OCBC. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:39 What were the top three Budget goodies for us? 6:15 Help for young parents and families 8:58 Feeling the cost of living pinch 12:21 No housing measures this Budget? 18:31 Help for young people looking for jobs? 25:10 What would you tell PM Wong given the chance? 27:44 Giving your Budget 2026 wishlist Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E22: Why Shenzhen still needs 'big brother' Hong Kong in its quest for growth	27 Feb 2025	00:19:42
The relationship may not necessarily be purely competitive only. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For February, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Chang May Choon connect with colleagues - Magdalene Fung based in Hong Kong, and Joyce Lim in Shenzhen. They wonder if Shenzhen has indeed eclipsed Hong Kong today, and look at how the two cities’ roles have evolved in recent years. Once a rural backwater that looked up to its richer, savvier neighbour across the border, Shenzhen underwent rapid development in the past four decades and flipped the power dynamics. But within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the reality is that both cities will need each other in order to have sustainable growth going forward. The GBA refers to the region comprising the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:50 Past history: When Hong Kong was less developed and Shenzhen was just a village 3:40 Light show comparisons: The Shenzhen light show, launched in 2018, and Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights - a tourist staple since 2004 5:35 Does Shenzhen represent the future, in terms of the tech edge? 8:35 Hong Kong is still the big brother that is the largest source of investment for Shenzhen 11:35 Why would one cross the border, to visit either city? 13:42 Understanding the Greater Bay Area concept Read more: https://str.sg/9Snd Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Hosts: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) & Chang May Choon (changmc@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E27: Workers' Party's Gerald Giam on how he sees politics	27 Feb 2025	00:34:49
The Aljunied GRC MP chats about his first term as an elected MP and being from an opposition party. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Also, in the lead-up to the expected general election that must be held by November 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves. In this episode, Mr Giam, who is an Aljunied GRC MP looking after the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol division, chats with Natasha about his journey to becoming a WP member, the challenges of being in an opposition party, and how his first term as an elected MP has been. The episode was filmed on Feb 14. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:10 “Sports is very much like politics in many ways.” 7:50 The most difficult speech Mr Giam made in Parliament 14:57 Is there a myth of opposition parties that he would like to debunk? 22:00 Will screening candidates deter people from stepping forward 29:43 What Mr Giam thinks will be different in the upcoming GE Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E26: How did Budget 2025 stack up? The Usual Place Podcast breaks it down	21 Feb 2025	01:06:50
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. On Feb 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered the Budget 2025 that has been called a “Budget for all Singaporeans”. Among the goodies were SG60 vouchers, CDC vouchers, and grants for parents who choose to grow their family beyond two children. Businesses and workers also received support in the form of credits, allowances and tax rebates, among other things. In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha sits down with three guests to dissect Budget 2025 - what it delivered on, what it means for Singaporeans, and what comes next. Her guests are: 1. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Indranee Rajah 2. Singapore University of Social Science Associate Professor and labour economist Walter Theseira 3. Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chief policy officer Musa Fazal Joining Natasha as a co-host is Claire Huang, senior business correspondent at The Straits Times. Were you expecting something for everyone, or did you feel more could be done? Listen to this episode and connect with Natasha after. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:20 We should see the Budget in a larger context, says Ms Indranee 18:34 Why give out CDC vouchers instead of tackling food prices? 43:30 “This Budget has something for everyone. You just need to know where to find it.”: Ms Indranee 50:41 The matter of becoming parents - or not - is a complex one, says Ms Indranee 56:31 With spending expected to rise, what’s the plan for Singapore going forward? 1:05:46 Is this an Election Budget? Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Filmed by: Studio+65 Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E21: America’s new enemies under Donald Trump: Allies, the deep state and the media	20 Feb 2025	00:34:57
Making sense of the domestic and foreign policy agenda of Trump 2.0 – and the implications of a new world order for Asia. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar and assistant foreign editor Clement Tan discuss the first month of Donald Trump's second term, focusing on his foreign policy in Europe, in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference and the implications of the muscular reshaping of the US federal government, led by Elon Musk. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:36 Trump's foreign policy and European relations 6:37 Domestic policy and government efficiency 16:23 Media relations and the Trump administration 28:50 Looking ahead: coverage and insights from Texas Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62 Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E25: Saving our old buildings from obscurity: What can young people do?	20 Feb 2025	00:31:38
Can young people revive Singapore’s old buildings? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. That was the question Natasha teased the audience with during the video podcast’s first live event. Held on Feb 12, the show was a part of ST Podcasts’ Live!, a series of six events this year to celebrate ST’s 180th-year anniversary. Organised by The Straits Times in partnership with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the event drew more than 80 people in an intimate setting at The Foundry in Prinsep Link, which was the former Elections Department building. The two guests on the show were SLA’s chief executive Colin Low and Mr Ng Wee Liang, a real estate university student, who creates social media content on Singapore heritage, arts and culture. As Mr Low sees it, buildings are not just physical structures. Instead, they are opportunities waiting to be unlocked, reflecting our past, present, and future, he says. But how do we get young people to care about old buildings they may not even know? Mr Ng, 25, says that unfamiliar buildings can become meaningful once young people form new memories in them. But he argued they should have accessible programming and business rather than catering only to a more affluent crowd, which might limit their appeal to younger Singaporeans. For SLA, the challenge is to find the “right formula” for each space, rather than going with the bidder offering the highest rent. Citing spots like The Foundry, Kada in Kadayanallur Street and Dempsey Hill, Mr Low says: “There's no one cookie-cutter (spot). The way we look at things…it's about multiple offerings, different locations (and) different experiences.” Highlights (click/tap above): 1:27 How do we get younger people to care about heritage spaces? 8:38 How would Wee Liang encourage his peers to look beyond the facade 14:38 Remembering the history of these old spaces 18:57 How does SLA find the “right formula” for the spaces it manages? 25:09 No cookie cutter experiences More on: SLA https://www.sla.gov.sg/ State properties for rent: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio Link up with SLA: https://sg.linkedin.com/company/singapore-land-authority Listen to the other filmed live podcast at The Foundry: Using music to better reach out to seniors: https://str.sg/FF9T Follow Wee Liang on social media (@ngweeliang_) Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Produced and edited by: ST Podcasts Executive producers: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E4: BYD eyes a quarter of SG car market in 2025	18 Feb 2025	00:36:01
From keen pricing to guaranteeing the resale value of its electric vehicle, BYD is bent on staying on top. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. BYD has been in Singapore for more than a decade before it became the country’s biggest selling car brand among authorised distributors. Mr James Ng, the managing director for Singapore and the Philippines, is doubling down on efforts to ensure that BYD extends its lead, not just for passenger cars, but also for public buses and commercial vehicles. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:44 BYD, the same company that made surgical masks during the Covid-19 pandemic 8:44 Eyes a fourth dealer to grow its retail network 14:00 Dealers are free to be creative with their services, but BYD prices are fixed 32:44 We will definitely not be starting a taxi company 34:41 Unsurprising if EV adoption comes up to 50 per cent in 2025 Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #wheelinsights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E12: UN fund hopes to cash in on nature's bounty. Is it a game-changer?	17 Feb 2025	00:28:23
UN Cali Fund aims to collect millions, and possibly billions, of dollars for the conservation of nature and to benefit indigenous people. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Nature’s bounty is vast and we all benefit from it. Think of the huge variety of plants and their timber, seeds and fruits – even the materials from them to make cosmetics. The immense variety, the huge number of different species and traits in nature, comes from genetics. And this has long been an intangible part of biodiversity, one that is hard to put a price on. But a new fund agreed at UN biodiversity talks at the end of 2024 is set to change this. Called the Cali Fund, the industry is expected to contribute money for making use of nature. Companies, such as pharmaceutical and cosmetics firms, will pay for their use of the genetic resources from nature. Money will flow based on either a share of profits or turnover. But how exactly will this voluntary fund work? And how are these genetic resources defined and tracked? Green Pulse speaks with Dr Siva Thambisetty, an expert in Intellectual Property Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She was closely involved in the negotiations for the fund. A special thanks to Aruna Chandrasekhar, who helped with research for this episode. She covers land, food and nature for the Carbon Brief news site. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:53 What is the Cali Fund? 4:16 What is genetic material and digital sequence information (DSI)? 8:15 “DSI can also accelerate our research for new drugs.” 19:52 What about the risks of rising inequality? For example, rich companies using free genetic data to create profitable products? 23:32 How will the fund flow into conservation and to indigenous groups? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E12: Hitting the ground running for the first job	16 Feb 2025	00:19:04
An expert shows how fresh entrants to the workforce can gain the prior experience employers increasingly seek. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It seems paradoxical for prospective employers to seek prior experience even for entry-level roles. This reflects the rising bar expected of fresh entrants to the job market. However, employers are becoming more open-minded towards what constitutes relevant prior experience. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, a seasoned career expert who has worked with tertiary students from different backgrounds, on the help at hand. His guest is: Ms Sarah Neo, head of the career development office at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:55 Why are employers increasingly seeking prior experience even for entry-level roles? 4:13 The forms such experience can take, from internships to hackathons 9:05 Is it realistic to expect ever more prior experience from students before graduation? 11:58 How can students who lack experience still land that first job? 14:15 What does Sarah recommend those who remain undecided about their future careers do? Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E20: Does Philippines need a China rethink in Trump era?	13 Feb 2025	00:29:41
Find out too, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, and lecturer at the international studies department at De LaSalle University. Dr McGill presents a primer on Filipino-China ties, the implacable nature of China’s approach to the South China Sea, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed, and also responds to the question: Did Manila overplay its hand? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:40 State of play in Filipino-China ties 5:30 Marcos started out wanting to improve relations 11:20 ‘Appeasement emboldened China’ 16:00 Did America prod Manila to be tough? 22:00 Trump will not undermine Philippine interests Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E51: Pet-care leave - do costs outweigh benefits?	11 Feb 2025	00:20:43
Why are some Singapore companies willing to bear the expense to implement pet-care leave as a form of benefit? Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. While fewer people are keen on having children, more are becoming pet owners, based on statistics from the Animal and Veterinary Service and an Euromonitor International report. But what happens if you have a full-time job and your pet is sick? Instead of requiring their employees to take urgent leave, some firms in Singapore have begun rolling out pet care leave, for "pawrents" who need to take their furkids to the vet. Only a small number of firms have started implementing it, but the response from employees has so far been overwhelmingly positive. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - journalist Aqil Hamzah - ask their two guests whether having a separate leave category the caring of pets is ultimately a good thing, and whether it’d affect the morale of those without pets. The two guests are: Emilyn Ang, founder of public relations and marketing agency Brave Communications, which provides three days of “pawrental” leave a year; and Diane Lee, a senior HR business partner for South-east Asia at recruitment firm Robert Walters. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:34 Considerations behind implementing pet care leave 06:45 Advantages of having pet care leave 09:12 Why employees with no pets shouldn’t feel resentment 14:30 Leave days as an expense, and how firms can balance out the cost 17:30 Are more Singapore firms ready to roll out pet care leave Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Aqil Hamzah’s articles: https://str.sg/Cc85 Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Aqil Hamzah Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E19: In a home in India’s Trichy, a laminated photo of Lee Kuan Yew hangs	06 Feb 2025	00:21:09
The choice of decor by a Tamil Nadu resident whose father was a bus conductor in Singapore speaks of the ties between both cities. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. Trichy in southern India has no direct flights to the capital city New Delhi, but it has five daily flights to Singapore. The planes are packed, underscoring the rich flows of people both ways. It is a relationship that stretched back to the early 19th century, when migrants from Tamil Nadu settled down in Singapore. Today, there are some 200,000 Singaporeans of Tamil origins. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to India Correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta about those from Trichy who continue to make their way to Singapore - and other destinations - in search of opportunities. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:55 Looking out from India 03:48 Bungalows, cars and lavish weddings 08:56 Reverse migration 13:50 The Singapore Dream 15:25 The global competition for Indian talent 17:00 New frontiers Read Debarshi’s article here: https://str.sg/eoRm Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa — 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E133: Can a child become constantly distracted after too much screen use?	04 Feb 2025	00:31:50
Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Too much screen use can lead to a child having issues with sustained attention. Tasks like homework may become a challenge to complete. Indeed, as more evidence emerges on the impact of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive development and executive functioning, the authorities have updated its screen use guidance. It comes under a new health promotion strategy called Grow Well SG, which is currently aimed at supporting families of children up to the age of 12. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites a clinician scientist specialising in developmental and behavioural paediatrics to discuss the impact and the rationale behind the changes. She is Dr Evelyn Law, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, who is part of the research team for the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort study (Gusto). This Gusto study has been going on for 14 years and had contributed to the evidence behind the various guidance in Grow Well SG. Dr Law, a senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, is also a member of the expert group that led the development of the screen use guidance in children. Highlights (click/tap above) 2:35 What is executive function, and can frequent use of digital devices cause a child to be easily distracted? 7:46 What’s the difference between having executive function deficits and a condition like ADHD? 11:46 What’s the difference between recreational and educational screen use? 16:01 Is there a gaming addiction problem in Singapore? 21:41 What’s the rationale behind restricting access to social media services for children below 13? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E11: Taking charge: Can China step up to become a climate leader?	03 Feb 2025	00:21:52
From coal power to green power, China’s clean energy vision could put the world on the right climate path Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As climate change impacts worsen, the world seems more divided than ever in tackling the climate crisis. US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw, for a second time, from the United Nations’ Paris climate agreement is just the latest setback for global climate diplomacy. Trade disputes and tariffs on China’s green tech goods have also damaged global cooperation and so have bitter arguments over climate finance. Is there a nation that can fill the climate leadership gap? Can China step up? It has already been steadily increasing its leadership, says Mr Li Shuo, director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington. He tells Green Pulse that China’s dominance of the green energy sector, in the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery storage, has made these goods cheaper and helped the adoption of emissions-cutting technologies, including in South-east Asia. And China has become a leading provider of climate finance and top investor in renewable energy at home and globally. But big questions remain for China, the world’s top CO2 emitter and coal consumer. To be a leader, big political decisions lie ahead of China on how fast it can reduce its dependence on polluting coal, Mr Li Shuo says. Listen in to our conversation with Mr Li Shuo to learn more about China’s potential as a global climate leader. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:10 With climate change impacts worsening, the world needs stronger leadership. Is China that leader? 5:15 China is a green energy superpower. But it is also the top CO2 emitter and coal consumer. Isn’t that a contradiction? 8:26 We’ve seen bitter trade disputes over China’s green tech goods. But isn’t access to more affordable green energy good for global climate action? 11:50 What about China’s climate investments in SE Asia? What are your views? 14:00 Are we seeing the decline in Western powers in the climate space and the rise of alternative voices? 19:07 Is there a risk of a climate backlash in China as we’ve seen in other countries? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E11: How to pick good stocks in 2025	02 Feb 2025	00:36:10
Do your homework and hold for the long term - these are among expert tips for stock picking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. There are so many different methods to invest these days - from buying roboportfolios, to exchange traded funds or index funds benchmarked to certain indices. But there are also investors who wish to pick their own stocks because they are convinced of their increasing value. This particularly occurs when it comes to tech stocks that might be rapidly rising, or when certain industries show strong potential for growth. But how does someone go about stock picking and what are the risks involved? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how people can choose solid stocks in the volatile environment of 2025. Her guests are young investor Troy Cheng and ex-ST journalist and veteran market watcher Ven Sreenivasan. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:42 What is stock picking and how to go about it? 6:00 How to decide if stocks are overvalued or undervalued? 8:10 Where do you get your stock picking recommendations from? 11:41 Which industries are promising in 2025? 15:47 What to know before jumping into overseas stock markets? 20:14 Looking at the Chinese stock market 25:09 Opportunities in the Singapore market Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E24: At The Usual Place with Sun Xueling	31 Jan 2025	00:36:06
The MP for Punggol West SMC first joined the People's Action Party as a member 25 years ago after becoming a volunteer to help with Meet-The-People sessions. Synopsis: On Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Also, in the lead-up to the expected general election that must be held by November 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves. In this episode, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development, chats with Natasha about her experiences from 25 years of Meet-The-People sessions since she first got involved on the ground at the age of 20. They talk about Ms Sun’s latest efforts to combat family violence and scams and why we should work together as a community to halt any family violence and child abuse in Singapore. She also highlights the challenges of tackling scams, which exploit human emotions like trust and greed, making it harder for authorities to do their jobs. Besides juggling her roles in two ministries and as the MP for Punggol West SMC, Ms Sun is also an author who has written books for children. The mother of two girls shares her thoughts on balancing work and passion, along with advice for anyone looking to pursue a side hustle. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:41 The need to raise the alarm with the authorities 12:06 Why do Singaporeans keep getting scammed? 22:08 Why Ms Sun started volunteering at Meet-The-People sessions 25 years ago 27:49 “I just feel like I'm just an ordinary person...” 34:15 Her advice for those who want to pursue a passion on the side Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E18: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: What will make it a success?	30 Jan 2025	00:36:30
Insights on Asean's beachside pow wow, the Johor-Spore economic zone and ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For January, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, based in Kuala Lumpur. There are high expectations for Malaysia as it assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025. But there are hard questions too. How will it navigate economic turbulence? And tackle Asean’s tricky issues from disputes in the South China Sea to unrest in Myanmar? Meanwhile, excitement over the freshly-signed agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone continues to buzz among business folk on both sides of the Causeway. But what will make it work? Teoh also lists the JSSEZ’s ingredients for success, and suggests a snappier acronym for it. He also tells us what’s in store if ex-PM Najib Razak wins his fight to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:21 Takeaways from the Asean foreign minister’s meeting, the first major gathering of 2025 7:00 A possible appearance by China’s Xi Jinping at this year’s Asean summit? 8:42 A catchier name for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone 11:52 Solving the pain points of doing business between Johor and Singapore 22:00 Made in Singapore or made in Johor? 25:08 What happens if former PM Najib gets his request for house arrest? 30:38 Why Najib continues to fight for house arrest 32:45 Fit for duty: Malaysia’s policemen must get in shape to get promoted Read more: https://str.sg/EQBu https://str.sg/nkbG https://str.sg/i7Se Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E17: Trump's blistering start - why the rush and its impact on Asia	23 Jan 2025	00:28:56
Making sense of the blitz of executive orders, announcements and rhetoric from the new US President - and what Asia should take away. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief based in the United States to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar discuss the big announcements, power moves and ambiguous comments from the 47th US President - pulling the brake on the TikTok ban, the threat of tariffs and the outlook for trading partners among other pressing issues. Which will be policy and which are simply rhetorical opening positions? How soon could Asian countries be caught in the cross-hairs? And what’s behind Donald Trump's pronouncement of wanting to visit China in his first 100 days? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:50 What the moves say about Mr Trump’s communication style and policymaking preferences 5:00 Is there disagreement within the Trump administration? 8:30 What does Trump want from Asia? 11:23 The Marco Rubio factor in US foreign policy 15:20 What’s behind Trump’s desire to visit China in the first 100 days? 16:30 On TikTok: Will Trump make a deal with China? 18:30 What the change in US policy on TikTok says about its view of China 23:28 What’s behind Trump’s blistering start - why the hurry? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E23: Bringing home your (fur)baby: Ready to be a first-time pet owner?	23 Jan 2025	00:39:04
If you’re toying with the idea of getting a pet, the first question to ask yourself is: Are you ready for the time, financial, and emotional commitment? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah found out what blindspots first-time pet owners may have and what they should anticipate when getting a pet. Dibashini and TheAsianPawrent manager Jamie Wong dropped by to share their views about how to assess if you’re ready for a furry companion, the differences between adopting and buying pets, and the financial and emotional commitments of a pet owner. They also brought their furkids with them – Dibashini with her shiba inu, six-year-old Zuko, and Jamie with Yoko, a Bernedoodle (a mix of Bernese mountain dog and poodle), and Bowie, a kerry blue terrier pomsky. The starting point of a pawrent’s journey should start with deciding whether an animal’s personality, type and its age, among other factors, would be a good fit for the family, said Dibashini. Before anyone becomes a pet owner, they should do a lot of research about the breed or type of animal they want to adopt, and what their specific needs are, said Jamie. His advice: Ask yourself honestly if you’re ready for a long-term commitment with a pet. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:40 How will I know if I’m ready for a pet 14:03 Could you be neglecting your pet unknowingly? 22:22 The protocol for petting other people’s pets 26:20 Would you pay US$45,000 for a flight ticket for your pet? 37:42 What is the first step in your pawrent journey? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: ST Video, Marc de Souza & Joel Chng Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E50: Is Singapore ready for more male pre-school teachers?	21 Jan 2025	00:27:14
Can stereotypes of male pre-school teachers be reduced to ease more men into the profession that is seeing shortage in Singapore? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. There is less than one man for every 10 early childhood educators in Singapore - surprising given that the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) estimates the need for another 1,500 more educators to support the sector’s expansion in the coming years. As male pre-school teachers conventionally face more scrutiny, could MSF’s new set of guidelines spelling out appropriate boundaries help ease tensions? The new set of guidelines for primary caregivers include expression affection, bathing practices and exposure to nudity. Amid a spate of abuse cases at various pre-schools in Singapore being reported in 2024, these guidelines could help pre-school teachers and parents set their mind at ease, especially when it comes to male pre-school teachers, said guests in this episode. The two guests are: Sajit Sesikumar, 30, a senior English pre-school teacher, who shares his six-year experience at MindChamps Preschool; and Yeo Shufang, 42, a mother of four kids, with her youngest attending preschool at age 4. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - STNow reporter Christie Chiu - ask their two guests whether setting guidelines can ease the tensions male pre-school teachers have to navigate at work, and encourage more to the early childhood education profession. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:50 How pre-schoolers can learn better from a diversity of teachers 11:24 How MSF’s healthy family guidelines can ease the work of pre-school teachers 13:25 How Sajid deals with physical affection from students 16:37 How Shufang teaches her children about personal boundaries 21:28 Is Singapore ready to normalise male preschool teachers and how can stereotypes be reduced? Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/LfQG Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Christie Chiu Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E10: Red alert! Majority in Asia-Pacific at increasing risk from heatwaves, says Red Cross	20 Jan 2025	00:26:46
With global warming increasing heat risks across the world, early warning systems and early action can be a lifesaver, especially in densely populated Asia-Pacific. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. More than six billion people are now exposed to heat waves and this will increase in coming years because of climate change. And the Asia-Pacific region is at great risk because of its high population densities and exposure to heat, says Dr Luis Rodriguez, lead for climate and environmental crises for the Asia-Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). He tells The Straits Times’ Green Pulse podcast the Asia-Pacific region has 66 per cent of the global population at risk of the impacts of heat waves. He explains why it is so important to have early warning systems and early action. Doing so can save many lives. Take a listen to the latest Green Pulse episode to learn more about the risks from extreme heat and efforts to reduce the danger. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:31 Why is the Red Cross sounding the alert on heat in the Asia-Pacific? 6:22 How are the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies raising the alarm? 9:20 What are some of the best solutions for dealing with the growing risks from heat? 15:18 Just like other hazards, reaching everyone at risk is a “monumental challenge”. 24:47 What are the key takeaways? What can individuals do to prepare for extreme heat? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E10: Neurodivergence: Not merely a “superpower”	19 Jan 2025	00:30:24
Conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, as well as the ways one lives with these conditions, can provide fresh ways of thinking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Neurodivergence: A big word, but one imbued with the simple promise of progress. It means to recognise that brains may be wired differently between different people, causing perceptible differences in information processing and social relations, impacting both work and personal life. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi, who was himself diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aged 27, talks about the emerging consciousness of neurodivergence and the importance of supporting the neurodivergent to fulfil their potential with his guests. His guests are: Mr Rumi Mohd, associate director for sales and marketing hiring at Randstad Singapore, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child Mr Himanshu Chaudhari, a finance professional diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and board member of awareness group Unlocking ADHD Highlights (click/tap above): 02:30 How did the guests find out about their condition? 05:31 How did their conditions affect them at work? 10:34 What can employers do to meaningfully support neurodivergent team members? 14:33 Is it a good idea to disclose one’s neurodivergence to employers? 20:33 Has anyone ever dismissed the guests’ neurodivergence? 25:17 Is neurodivergence a “superpower”? Read more about neurodivergence in the workplace: https://str.sg/CZz6 Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E132: Schizophrenia, the misunderstood condition	19 Jan 2025	00:26:21
Research on the serious brain disorder paves the way to new treatments. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. Some people may associate the disorder with just hallucinations or delusions, but it is more than that. Those with the illness can experience cognitive and motivational problems that have no pharmaceutical solution, though other strategies, like therapy, may help. Schizophrenia affects one in 116 people in Singapore, and is the most common disorder seen at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can go on to lead fulfilling lives. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to psychiatrist Jimmy Lee about the complexity of schizophrenia and the research that is being done to help individuals who have this illness. Associate Professor Jimmy Lee is a senior consultant at IMH’s Department of Psychosis. He has been conducting research to help advance the understanding of schizophrenia for more than 15 years. This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. Highlights (click/tap above) 3:18 It’s not a disease of multiple personalities 5:45 So how do people know that they have schizophrenia? 12:56 What’s happening on the research front? 14:43 What are the possible causes of schizophrenia? 19:28 IMH brain stimulation trial aims to improve schizophrenia symptoms 22:53 Will newer drugs for schizophrenia emerge soon? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E16: Restoring the Great Wall of China - and keeping it authentic	16 Jan 2025	00:12:32
The Great Wall of China was built for protection, but now it's in need of guardians to preserve the 2,000-year-old structure. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. When a part of the Great Wall section in Liaoning started to crumble in 2016, authorities paved it over with cement to keep it safe, sparking outrage. Other sections had been transformed into tourist attractions complete with cable cars. But China’s approach towards restoration has since been marked by a saying - “to go along with the layers, the slopes, the curves, the old and the dilapidated” - one tended to carefully by local villagers-turned-craftsmen. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei about how China’s attitudes towards historical heritage restoration have shifted, and why. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:45 Three men, one mission 2:58 Thinking about heritage preservation 8:08 What the Great Wall means to younger Chinese 10:16 A China correspondent’s Great Wall climbs Read Dawn’s article here: https://str.sg/FofV Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E22: Desmond Tan on life - and lessons - as a first-term MP	16 Jan 2025	00:34:49
Now that we’re in 2025, one thing’s for sure – a General Election is on the horizon. Synopsis: Out on Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. When exactly? That’s anyone’s guess. But political parties are already up and about, ramping up efforts to touch base with voters. And, judging by the recent episode between some volunteers of Progress Singapore Party and People’s Action Party in Bukit Gombak in Chua Chu Kang GRC, the political temperature is rising. In the lead-up to the polls, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah looks at how MPs, and others involved in the GE, are preparing themselves. In this week’s episode, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan stops by to talk about his experience so far as a first-term MP. Mr Tan, who has been an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2020, said he “won’t call it a job because... it’s an elected role that has no fixed job description and no fixed terms of reference”. The 54-year-old, who spent almost three decades in the Singapore Armed Forces before joining the People’s Association, said that he had to “level up very quickly” when he joined politics and took on positions in the government. When he ran for office in the last GE as a rookie, he lost 3.5kg during the hustings. In anticipation of this year’s campaign, he’s gaining some weight, and is also more emotionally ready for the work. For one thing, he has built relationships with the residents in his ward, and has put in the work since the last election to serve them. And how does Mr Tan, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, deal with criticism over a hot potato issue like, say, the failed Allianz-Income Insurance deal? “Sometimes there may be disagreement (in) opinions, but we have to continue our path,” he said. “As long as I speak the truth and I’m clear about my conscience, I have nothing to worry about.” On a lighter note, Natasha asked him what he thinks of the nickname some voters bestowed on him in 2020 – “Down-To-Earth Desmond” – and what nickname he would pick for himself, if he had to. Watch or tune in to the episode to find out what he said. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:24 Politicians must accept that they won’t always be right 10:18 “I have no strategy for social media.” 14:35 “You can’t just give an order, like in the army.” 21:34 Being labelled “Down-To-Earth Desmond” 29:25 He lost 3.5kg during the 2020 GE Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E3: Tales from a “repo” man on towing back vehicles	14 Jan 2025	00:29:53
From parents of newborns to riders who dismantle their motorcycles to evade repossession, this man has seen them all. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. What happens when a hire-purchase car goes missing or when a marriage turns sour and the fighting parties want their assets back? They call on repossessors like Mr Jim Koh, who has been in the repossession-cum-towing trade for nearly 20 years. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:31 The difference between a towing service and repossessing a vehicle 5:10 Repossessing a vehicle can turn nasty 14:41 Job hazards of being run over or pelted with eggs 21:54 When Jim is compassionate when repossessing vehicles 27:39 Advice for those looking to join the trade Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #wheelinsights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E15: Why Myanmar’s military will not fall in 2025	09 Jan 2025	00:21:59
We look at what is happening on the ground with a Myanmar watcher. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Pichai Chuensuksawadi, former group editor of Bangkok Post and observer of Myanmar affairs. They discuss the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the role of outside players in the conflict, prospects of the junta holding elections and the fate of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:50 Myanmar military won’t fall in 2025 5:00 Chinese pressure on Rakhine 9:00 Elections on the junta’s mind 11:00 Thai diplomacy 15:00 Where’s Aung San Suu Kyi? Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E21: Where are Singaporeans travelling to in 2025?	09 Jan 2025	00:43:58
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and… Central Asia? Could these be the next big holiday destinations for 2025? This week on The Usual Place, Straits Times Life travel journalist Sarah Stanley and co-founder of The Travel Intern Hendric Tay share why they think these lesser-known spots might see more tourists this year. Drawing from industry conversations and their own observations, “new adventures in lesser-known spots” seem to be the 2025 motto of Singaporean travellers. Social media, Hendric explains, has nudged people to step out of their comfort zones. But, he cautions, “they also need to make the right preparations for it.” In this episode, the talk of travel dives into whether sustainable travel is just a gimmick for charging more and why solo travel continues to be a big draw for young adventurers. The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues. The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free. Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues as an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits (It’s not always a bad thing, she explains.) Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences. With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, Natasha wanted to know which country these seasoned travellers would visit over and over again? Watch till the end to find out their picks. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:35 The Outdoorsy Person vs. Outsidey Person: being in the right camp 11:47 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword? 19:38 What’s a good country to do solo travel? 22:44 Listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed 34:55 Should you travel with your colleagues? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E9: What’s hot in 2025: Green Pulse’s top themes to watch	06 Jan 2025	00:23:37
We take the pulse of the planet for 2025 with our key themes on climate, nature and nuclear. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. New year, new format, where we spice things up with a deeper look at the challenges and opportunities in the environmental sector, controversies and differing points of view. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty dive into three key themes for 2025: Climate, nature and nuclear. They examine key questions, including: After the hottest years on record in 2023 and 2024, what will 2025 bring? Will the worsening extreme weather jolt governments into action? Or will it be another year of missed opportunities? Will the resurgent interest in nuclear really take off? Or will the realities of high costs and long construction timelines cool interest? Is this the year for nature conservation – on land and the oceans – to finally get a big boost in funding? Or are we leaving things too late given the ceaseless destruction of forests, overfishing and the pollution of air, rivers and seas? Audrey is more hopeful, David is more cautious. But both agree: We really have to talk much more about climate change and nature despite all the other gloomy news out there. It really is a matter of survival. So take a listen as we tell it like it is – the good, the hopeful and not so good. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:05 Should we continue with Green Pulse in 2025. If so, why? 1:52 David's thoughts on nuclear? 7:45 Why will nature protection be a big topic for SE Asia in 2025? 13:19 New wave of hope for the oceans: Rising interest in blue finance plus major UN oceans conference in June. 16:37 The forecast is hot and getting hotter – and yet the world seems unable to really cope with the climate crisis. Is it all doom and gloom? 21:06 Power to the people: More climate finance could finally bring to life the Asean power grid. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E9: How to start a start-up in your 20s	05 Jan 2025	00:37:18
A young start-up founder talks about quitting his job to take the path less trodden, and discuss with DBS the ingredients for success. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Gen Zs are embracing the entrepreneurial life. Instead of working for someone, they want to start their own companies, sometimes fresh out of school. There are also more entrepreneurial programmes for them even in secondary schools. Online platforms also let them start businesses online and have a wider audience for their products and services. But what exactly is involved in starting a start-up? Is it something only for the rich kids or is it within reach of everyone? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how people can start their own business even in their 20s, and what’s involved in the process. Her guests are Accredify founder Quah Zheng Wei, who started his business aged 27, and DBS Head of Corporate and SME Banking Koh Kar Siong. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:52 The steps to starting a start-up 5:33 Quitting his banking job to venture out on his own 8:39 Entrepreneurs as young as 12 14:40 How to get funding 21:16 What defines a successful start-up and what’s the survival rate? 24:28 What are your ingredients for success? 28:05 Will starting my own business make me rich? Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E14: Previewing Trump 2.0	02 Jan 2025	00:31:43
What are some of President Trump’s likely policy priorities after he takes office for a second time? Will he do exactly as he threatened? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to talk about President Donald Trump’s possible policy priorities in his second term. In this episode, they discuss the cabinet appointees President Trump has already announced, his China policy and the war of words that has already erupted between Trump’s “bro-in-chief” Elon Musk and Trump’s MAGA base supporters. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:38 Trump's inauguration and immediate priorities 6:09 Internal conflicts within the Republican Party 12:32 Trump's approach to China 24:26 The future of TikTok in US and Trump's influence Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62 Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg) & Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E131: Using spirituality to improve mental health	31 Dec 2024	00:26:42
Finding meaning and purpose in life. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. In this New Year’s day episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Adj Assoc Prof Angie Chew about the importance of spirituality in our lives. They also discuss how to harness this source of strength to improve our mental health and find meaning, purpose, and happiness in life. Prof Chew is the Founder, CEO and Mindfulness Principal of Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living. This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. The December package on combating holiday blues was released on Dec 16. Highlights (click/tap above) 2:24 What is spirituality? 6:08 Coping with irrational fears and jealousy 10:23 Creating a distance between you and your thoughts 14:57 Parents predicting that their children won’t do well in school 18:25 What if spirituality becomes a source of stress for you? 22:32 It’s time to forgive someone Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E13: Thailand’s domestic politics needs revival to spark economy, regional influence	26 Dec 2024	00:23:51
Political stalemate is diminishing Thailand’s international stature and economy Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Thailand, once seen as a rising middle power, is now stuck in political and economic stagnation that are affecting its international standing. Its years of political turmoil had caused its economy to underperform, with GDP growing by 1.9 per cent in 2023. While economists expect around GDP growth at 2.7 per cent in 2024 and 2.9 per cent in 2025 - the growth is inadequate to satisfy demands and expectations. Thailand is currently under the relatively new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. But its “old guard” institutions have not allowed the country to progress politically, which are controlling political outcomes through agencies like the constitutional court, the election commission, the anti-corruption commission and the Senate, says Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science. Meanwhile, Thailand's international standing has diminished - though the country’s size and geographic location mean it remains a key player in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is also divided on contentious issues such as the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. While former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has been appointed an informal advisor to next year’s Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expectations are low. The former premier, as well as Prime Minister Anwar himself, are from an older generation - but Asean needs a younger generation to lead it forward, says Professor Thitinan, who is currently a visiting professor as well at the London School of Economics, in this episode with host Nirmal Ghosh. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:02 How the military coup in May 2014 'sank' Thailand 10:29 Thailand lost out on tech revolutions like AI 15:07 Why Asean is currently at its weakest 19:22 How Thailand can play a regional role in the Myanmar crisis, and curb transnational crimes like scams 21:39 Msia PM Anwar picks Thaksin Shinawatra as informal Asean adviser Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S1E20: Abs like Thor, curves like Kim K: are unrealistic expectations holding us back in the gym?	26 Dec 2024	00:36:34
As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting “losing weight” on your list of resolutions - for the nth time? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year’s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging. Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails. On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore. The new year usually brings them new clients - it’s a ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up. Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations. Like one of Jerome’s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira’s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience. That’s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track. Watch this week’s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:18 “New Year, New Me” vibes 5:48 How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL 11:58 Can you achieve your goals with your TikTok fam? 30:51 Facing social sabotage - “Are you sure you can do it?” Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	S2E12: Mountains of debt deepening human and environmental crises	19 Dec 2024	00:18:04
Developing countries are in a vicious debt cycle with little relief in sight, undermining social progress. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Some 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments in their debt, than on either education or health. In 2023, a record 54 developing countries allocated 10 per cent or more of government revenue just to pay off interest on their debt - reducing funds available to provide basic services from schools to hospitals, for their populations. Public debt thus becomes a human rights crisis, as well as an environmental crisis as most debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Countries then often have to export their way out of debt - which in many cases, such as in that of Laos, means exploiting their natural resources. The crisis is worsened by the fact that for many developing countries, it is more costly to borrow than for rich countries - because their credit ratings are worse. For example, the average African country may be paying almost 10 per cent while the United States and Germany may be paying less than 3 per cent, because the latter have higher credit ratings. In Laos' case, there is a geopolitical dimension as well; about 50 per cent of Laos's external debt is owed to China. There is wide consensus that this is a full blown crisis, but the solutions to it are hard to implement. Part of the reason is many creditors are private lenders. Yet solutions are critical if developing countries are to be able to dig themselves out from under the mountain of debt they are burdened with. In this episode of Asian Insider, Olivia De Schutter, professor of law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Keith Barney, Associate Professor at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy, share with host Nirmal Ghosh insights into the fundamentally unjust situation many developing countries are trapped in. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:52 Global debt: From $51 trillion in 2010 to $97 trillion in 2023 4:01 The Pact for the Future acknowledges the issue, but much public debt is owned by private creditors 5:53 Why Laos debt crisis is also an environmental crisis; China's role in this 10:04 Since the debt is in foreign currencies, countries must export to repay it 13:59 China offers debt deferrals, not relief, just delaying the issue 16:01 Debt burden is driving the international community to consider debt-for-nature or debt-for-climate swaps Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Methodology Contact Support me Privacy Policy Legal Notice