Episodes
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Three experts give their post-mortem analysis on PAP’s lunchtime Fullerton rally
Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3.
Chatting with Natasha on The Usual Place are Dr Gillian Koh, senior research fellow from the Institute of Policy Studies, Dr Rebecca Grace Tan, a political science lecturer from the National University of Singapore, and Dr Felix Tan, an independent political observer.
Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:35 How the new PAP candidates fared in their speeches at the Fullerton rally
6:17 Was there a lack of specifics from new PAP candidates on their motivation to join politics?
15:57 Thoughts on PAP’s opposition to the opposition parties
22:50 Is DPM Gan Kim Yong in danger of losing Punggol GRC?
25:47 Did GST turbo-charge inflation in Singapore?
40:35 Will the PAP get a clear mandate from the ballot box on Polling Day?
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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
ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by: ST Video
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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PAP’s new candidates on cost of living and groupthink
Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3.
On the couch today are: Mr Shawn Loh, 38, part of the party’s Jalan Besar GRC team; Mr Foo Cexiang, 40, from the Tanjong Pagar GRC slate; and Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim, 40, part of the team contesting East Coast GRC.
Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:08 What does being a ‘millennial politician’ mean in this day and age?
11:19 As a former Budget director, Mr Loh responds on the feasibility of reducing GST
19:15 Diversity that helps in robust discussions when formulating policies35:03 How to help children cope with stress from social media and exams
38:41 Rojak, economy rice and nasi lemak - how these dishes represent their leadership style
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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
ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by: ST Video
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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Missing episodes?
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As the election campaign heats up with a week left to Polling Day on May 3, how is this General Election shaping up?
Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3.
Host of the Political Prude podcast Joel Lim and Assistant Professor Elvin Ong from the NUS Department of Political Science join Natasha in this live episode.
Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:25 Abandonment: Buzzword of the GE2025 campaign so far?
9:15 Rallies and democratic conversations in Singapore; how younger voters are also keen on studying political issues
11:10 Gloves truly off yet? What kind of punches have been thrown so far?
22:58 Which candidates have come across to Prof Ong and Mr Lim as most authentic so far, online?
25:43 Being a ‘Conviction politician’: What does it mean?
26:58 Why they both feel GE2025 is truly a “podcast election”, following on some trends from the recent US presidential election
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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
ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by: ST Video
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
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Three WP candidates, including party vice-chairman Faisal Manap, drop by The Usual Place.
Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3.
Apart from Mr Faisal Manap, 50, also joining Natasha Ann Zachariah for the second live episode of The Usual Place are: Dr Ong Lue Ping, 48 and Mr Jimmy Tan, 53.
Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:13 Response towards The People’s Power Party candidate Goh Meng Seng’s comment on the four-way fight in Tampines GRC
6:20 A feast of political buffet vs dilution of opposition votes?
19:50 The impact of groupthink within Singapore's highest decision-making bodies
23:06 WP’s sense of the response for them on the ground at Tampines GRC
28:32 Professional football player, police officer, and doctor - childhood ambitions of the three WP candidates
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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
ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by: ST Video
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
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These new faces are from three GRC teams.
Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3.
Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
But first up, on the living room couch with her in today’s (April 24) livestream are three candidates from PAP: Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, 50, part of the party’s East Coast GRC team, Mr Daniel Liu, 40, part of its Aljunied GRC team, and Ms Valerie Lee, 39, part of its team contesting the newly created Pasir Ris-Changi GRC.
On April 25 next - at noon - find out in our second livestream, which candidates from another party will appear on the couch with Natasha.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:37 Most unexpected experiences about Nomination Day for the trio
8:47 Is there a new vision for the ‘East Coast plan’, for the new team to potentially build on DPM Heng Swee Keat’s legacy?
11:43 Mr Liu on the PAP’s Aljunied GRC team having the 3Es - expertise, experience and energy - to lead the constituency, if elected
17:45 Ms Lee on how she plans to stand out in the newly-created Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, on negative comments about party new faces
21:00 How they are handling their initiation to negative online comments after being thrust into the spotlight suddenly
26:07 Ms Lee on her journey to motherhood and why she opened up on her two previous miscarriages
32:31 Get-to-know-you game time! If you could implement one fun law in SG for one day, what would it be?
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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
ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by: ST Video
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
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They touch on why young voters should speak up now at this stage in their lives.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
In the lead-up to Singapore's next general election that will be held on May 3, 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves.
Progress Singapore Party’s Hazel Poa and Tony Tan have quite a bit in common.
They were both government scholarship holders who graduated from the University of Cambridge. They were both public servants, and both got their starts in politics with opposition parties.
They also happen to be married to each other. The other similarity between them is that they are both standing in the upcoming general election.
Ms Poa, 54, is part of the opposition PSP team that will be fielded in the newly formed West Coast-Jurong West GRC, together with PSP chairman Tan Cheng Bock, 84, and party chief Leong Mun Wai, 65.
Former National Solidarity Party (NSP) member Tony Tan, 55, will be standing in Kebun Baru SMC under the PSP banner.
Ms Poa and Mr Tan drop by The Usual Place Podcast to chat with Natasha a day before Nomination Day (April 23).
They discuss their political motivations and PSP’s thinking behind a change in plans on where to be fielded for GE2025.
They also share how they are trying to attract younger candidates to join the party, and why the couple are choosing to be foster parents now.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:00 Ms Poa on the party strategy to be fielded in a GRC instead of being in an SMC
5:00 Mr Tan on previously contesting under the National Solidarity Party banner in GE2011 and now representing PSP for GE2025
8:40 Why education is close to both their hearts
13:50 Being a former Singapore Armed Forces scholar could have led him down a different political path, so why did Mr Tan join an opposition party?
17:10 Ms Poa on leadership experience and roles in an opposition party
18:10 On becoming foster parents during this busy period besides having adopted sons
25:00 On the challenge of drawing younger candidates to PSP, what could be a gamechanger? On younger voters
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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/v6DNFilmed by: ST Video (Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza)
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by ST Video: Johnboy Iype John & Philip Cheong
ST Podcasts executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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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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
---
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He says a serious-minded person can come into the Singapore political system and make a difference.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
In the lead-up to Singapore's next general election that will be held on May 3, 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves.
Minister for Law and Home Affairs K Shanmugam is a seasoned politician about to head into his ninth election at the upcoming General Election.
The minister, who will be leading the Nee Soon GRC team at GE 2025, first became an MP in 1988 and later a Cabinet Minister in 2008.
In this episode, he speaks with Natasha and her co-host and editor of The Straits Times - Jaime Ho - about how he has seen Singapore and the PAP change in the almost four decades he has been in politics.
Also, what does he make of the public’s perception of him as a "hard politician"?
Highlights (click/tap above):2:18 Changes in Singapore society in that time
7:25 “My focus is on governance.”17:53 Mr Shanmugam on having more opposition politicians
40:35 On going into his ninth election: “I won’t be here if I didn’t think I could do it.”
50:42 His take on perceptions of him as a “hard politician”Follow ST’s GE2025 coverage here:
Unpacked newsletter: https://str.sg/JGMTq
Latest articles: https://str.sg/kkXQ
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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/v6DNFilmed by: ST Video (Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza)
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Shorts edited by ST Video: Johnboy Iype John
ST Podcasts executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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It has been a week filled with days and dates to remember.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
In the lead-up to Singapore's next general election that will be held on May 3, 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves.
Parliament was dissolved on April 15. Nomination day is on April 23 and Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3 to elect 97 MPs across 33 constituencies.
This episode is a download on how political parties have been introducing their slate of candidates in the lead-up to Nomination Day.
Natasha hosts news editor Royston Sim and reporter Ng Wei Kai to get their take on what voters can expect in the coming days.
They also talk about how The Straits Times will cover the election such as across multiple social media platforms, a live blog, interactive graphics and a daily show of this podcast.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:33 What should voters look out for in the lead up to Nomination Day
4:12 Why are some parties more cautious than others about revealing candidates?
5:27 Will we see surprises on Nomination Day?
7:05 Speculation on whether WP chief Pritam Singh will move out of Aljunied GRC
9:30 Political parties showing their cards
11:07 How will geopolitical concerns factor at the ballot box
13:21 Royston shares ST’s GE2025 coverage plans (links below)
18:54 The Usual Place podcast goes daily during the hustings
Follow ST’s GE2025 coverage here:
Live Blog: https://str.sg/ge2025-live
Latest articles: https://str.sg/kkXQ
Daily GE videos from the ground: https://str.sg/HyNx
Unpacked newsletter: https://str.sg/JGMTq
The Usual Place daily GE wrap (day after Nomination Day till day before Cooling-Off Day): https://str.sg/wEr7u
Which constituency are you in?: https://str.sg/eMRkx
Filmed by: ST Video (Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza)
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by ST Video: Johnboy Iype John and Philip Cheong
Executive producers: Ernest Luis
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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He first stood for election with WP's contesting Marine Parade GRC team in 2020.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
In the lead-up to Singapore's next general election that will be held on May 3, 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves.
Lawyer Fadli Fawzi, 44, first stood for election in 2020 under the Workers’ Party banner in Marine Parade GRC. However, his team did not win that year.
While the party has not confirmed where their deputy organising secretary will be standing in the upcoming election, he has been spotted walking the ground in the same area.
He dropped by The Usual Place to share with Natasha what drives someone to stay the course in politics, even though the results haven’t always been in their favour.
Also, he dishes on how the 2020 election led him to connect with his wife, and which Workers’ Party member is Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s lookalike.Highlights (click/tap above):
1:45 What were some of the lessons he learnt from his first GE?
6:15 How Mr Fadli met his wife because of the election
9:24 A soft spot for the underdog.: Mr Fadli on why he joined WP
21:00 Will he recite another pantun (poem) during Nomination Day?
26:48 Who does Mr Fadli think is the “Shah Rukh Khan” of the WP?
Filmed by: ST Video (Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza)
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by ST Video: Jacen Tan, Samuel Ruby
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast 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]
---
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
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She cherishes her MacPherson memories and reflects on her rough start to politics.
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.
MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling was PAP’s youngest candidate at 27 years old during the 2011 General Election when she was put in the spotlight – remember the Kate Spade bag episode? – it’s never quite left her.
Since then, she has had, arguably, one of the most closely watched political journeys among MPs. From her pregnancies to career moves, she has drawn much public and media attention.
In this episode, Ms Tin, 41, tells Natasha about how she deals with hate comments, her perceived job-hopping in the past few years, and why she hopes to be the MP for her current ward for a long time to come.
And given the current geopolitical climate, she makes a case to young voters why her party would be the best choice now.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:09 Is Ms Tin sick of people talking about her Kate Spade bag?
9:41 Putting aside her feelings to deal with her residents’ issues
19:38 Ms Tin’s advice for new candidates
38:28 Does she think the spotlight on her career was unwarranted?
51:29 Her pitch to young voters to support PAP
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])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/v6DNFilmed by: ST Video
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh
Edited by ST Video: Azim Azman, Samuel Ruby Rianto
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: [email protected]
---
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
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She was elected during the 2020 general election.
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.
In this episode, Ms Mariam Jaafar, who is a managing director and senior partner at Boston Consulting Group, shares about her time in politics and what success can look like for young women.
She tells Natasha about why she still recalls the nuggets of wisdom her late father shared with her, why she is a diehard Liverpool FC fan and her recommendations for the best chocolate croissant in Singapore.Highlights (click/tap above):
4:49 How young women can define success for themselves
13:35: Why she still hears her late dad’s voice through his "Jaafarisms"
19:43 Why “intent” should matter for those who go to her Meet-The-People sessions
29:22 Being caught in the spotlight, and why her husband made her read the comments
Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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/v6DNFilmed by: Studio+65
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & 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: [email protected]
---
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
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-
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 timesHost: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])
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/v6DNFilmed 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: [email protected]
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
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ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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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 ([email protected])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/v6DNCo-Host: Audrey Tan ([email protected])
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: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
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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/iSXmFollow 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: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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 issues17:43 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+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
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Feedback to: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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 throughout27:46 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+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
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Feedback to: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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 GEHost: 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
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Feedback to: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN
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
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: [email protected]
---
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
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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
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 ([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/iSXmProduced 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: [email protected]
---
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
---
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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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
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Feedback to: [email protected]
---
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
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