Episoder
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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
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Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmProduced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Filmed by: Studio+65
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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
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Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62
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Host: Lin Suling ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
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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 spaces18:57 How does SLA find the “right formula” for the spaces it manages?
25:09 No cookie cutter experiencesMore 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
Follow Wee Liang on social media (@ngweeliang_)
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav
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Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmProduced and edited by: ST Podcasts
Executive producers: Ernest Luis
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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
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Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected])
Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
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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?
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Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
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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 ([email protected])
Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow
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Feedback to: [email protected]
Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl
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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 ([email protected])
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:
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Why are some Singapore companies willing to bear the expense to implement pet-care leave as a form of benefit?
Synopsis: Every 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 ([email protected]) and Aqil Hamzah
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
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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 ([email protected])
Edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
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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 ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
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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
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Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu
Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
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Feedback to: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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+65Edited 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
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YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Feedback to: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected]) & Tan Tam Mei ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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 ChngEdited 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: [email protected]
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ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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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 ([email protected]) 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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
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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 ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl
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