Episodios
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On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically.
Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.
For our June episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow at RSIS, as they unpack Malaysia’s showing at global forums.
From hosting a landmark Asean Summit and joining BRICS, his diplomatic engagements with leaders from China, Russia, and the Middle East, PM Anwar has advanced Malaysia on the world stage.
But domestically, challenges are mounting. With talk of nepotism and several movements within the unity government, what could come next?
How will this reshape the political field as the country inches closer to its 16th General Election that must be held by early 2028?
Highlights (click/tap above):
6:58 Malaysia as Asean chair and PM Anwar’s showing
9:44 How can PM Anwar and Asean effect change, especially in Myanmar?
14:20 Translating Malaysia’s international appearance for the domestic audience
18:20 Malaysia’s diplomatic balancing act between the US and China
23:09 Nurul Izzah’s rise to PKR No.2 post, Rafizi Ramli’s exit from Cabinet
31:08 Timing, motivations and implications: Why Tengku Zafrul Aziz is joining the PKR
41:50 Quelling Umno’s upset; what to expect at the next Cabinet reshuffle, moves ahead of next general election
47:08 News nugget from Malaysia: Penang’s new char kway teow champion
Read more:
Malaysia’s showing at Asean - https://str.sg/Gp5Q
Fallout from Malaysia’s PKR election - https://str.sg/mbjY
Zafrul’s jump to the PKR - https://str.sg/kbSe
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: 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
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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Hear from the home-grown composer and producer behind recent National Day Parade songs.
Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio.
In this special episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts award-winning Singaporean composer, producer, and music director Evan Low.
A recipient of the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in 2024, Low has worked on over 200 songs.
He is best known for being a co-composer and musician on recent National Day Parade songs The Road Ahead (2021) sung by artistes such as Linying, Not Alone (2024) by Benjamin Kheng and the 2018 remake of We Are Singapore.
The artiste also known as Evanturetime has also toured with international pop star and Taiwanese singer A-mei and has performed to massive crowds in venues such as the Beijing National Stadium in China.
Low, who first took piano lessons at the age of five, graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Music and Audio Technology. He then honed his skills at famed American music school Berklee College of Music, thanks to scholarships from the school as well as the Media Development Authority.
This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of nearly 80 attendees on June 3 - at swish nightspot Rasa at Republic Plaza, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:43 Realising the impact of music: How Evan cried during piano practice when he was a kid
3:54 How he ended up choosing to further his studies in music instead of science
6:36 On developing his own set of ‘special skills’ while studying music in the US
10:56 The pressure of coming up with NDP songs
18:20 How he got singer Benjamin Kheng to venture outside his comfort zone on NDP song Not Alone
26:46 How he balances his finances as a full-time musician
29:25 On helping others achieve their dreams of pursuing music as a career
Watch the full podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/b3tL
Discover Evan Low’s music at:
Spotify: https://str.sg/9ALG
Instagram: https://str.sg/oKkAJ
Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa
Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi ([email protected])
Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast:
Channel:
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB
Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6
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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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week.
Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis ([email protected])
Edited by: Elsa Goh
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Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Feedback to: [email protected]
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Special edition series:
Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra.
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra.
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
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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
#stpodcasttr
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As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late?
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.
The world is in a very dangerous place, says Singapore climate scientist Professor Winston Chow. Right when nations need to be united in fighting climate change, we seem more divided than ever, more focused on what are perceived to be more pressing issues, from cost of living to hot wars and trade wars.
But climate change is exacting an ever greater toll and is a today problem, not the “tomorrow problem” that many policymakers believe, Prof Chow tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty.
Scorching heat, increasingly costly climate-linked disasters, melting ice caps and rising sea levels – these are threats that need much greater attention from policymakers, including in SE Asia.
The good news is that many nations and businesses remain committed to investing in climate adaptation and cutting emissions, such as green energy investments. And sustainability isn’t dead – it’s just good economics to factor in the cost-benefits of greener investing, he says.
Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
2:27 What is your feeling right now given the dark clouds on the climate and policy fronts?
8:41 What is the one thing that has alarmed you?
13:37 Does the average person really understand how serious things are?
18:24 How worried should we be in SE Asia?
20:55 But there is reason for optimism, too, isn’t there?
25:59 What’s your message for those in the climate space? “Don’t lose hope.”
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 ([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]
---
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
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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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Find out how developing crucial career skills can help you triumph over times of turmoil.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Developing a vibrant, resilient career in this age will require consistent effort to make deeper and more frequent changes.
Mastering what we do in the here and now, does not suffice. Instead, we need to cast an eye towards what our jobs may become and even consider entirely new ones.
In the third ST Podcast Live session recorded on June 3 at swish nightspot Rasa at Republic Plaza, we touch on what it takes to thrive at each stage of our careers, against a backdrop of economic upheaval.
This special episode of Headstart On Record is in partnership with Workforce Singapore, in support of Career Health, a SkillsFuture initiative.
We speak to a young engineer - Mr Noel Png - who did not let poor school grades deter him from an engineering career that took him to Britain and back home, where he also contributed to putting a satellite in space.
He is now a telecommunications system engineer at ST Engineering. Oh, he's also met Elon Musk.
He shares about his unorthodox approach to networking, how he found mentors who helped him find his direction in life and his thought process to take uncertainty in his stride.
Joining him with host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi is veteran senior career coach Parameswari Seenivasan.
A trained counsellor with over 15 years’ of experience from Workforce Singapore, she has helped over 2,000 clients in her work. She helps us draw principles and good practices from Mr Png's career experiences.
The ongoing series of ST Podcast Live sessions are being held to celebrate 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with three more events planned for the rest of the year.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:13 How a chance encounter led Noel to work in the space industry
5:41 Taking stock of your strengths and values
10:37 How career coaching can help you gain clarity on next moves
16:43 The broader range of options you can explore
18:58 Making sure each transition builds on the next
24:38 Parames’ and Noel’s proudest moments in their careers
Find out more from WSG about Career Health SG: https://str.sg/H8Ko
More about WSG: https://www.wsg.gov.sg/
Read how the live podcast went down: https://str.sg/uJ4C
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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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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A conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran.
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.
South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from cars to even batik shirts. Some call this phenomenon the ‘Second China Shock.’
In this episode, Ravi speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, the eminent Singapore economist and expert on regional politics and geopolitics. Mr Bhaskaran is a partner and board member of Centennial Group, a Washington DC-based policy advisory, and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:00 What the 'Second China Shock' is about
5:30 ‘Fitness centre’ of global manufacturing
7:05 Countries, industries most affected
10:00 How can Asean respond?
12:30 A protectionist wave ahead
15:00 Why Asean has a lot going for it
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:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX
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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Some see them as dating opportunities, while for others, it's a chance to learn more about themselves.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Becoming a runner has always lingered in Natasha's mind, especially now that it’s a 'thing' with young people. She sees others joining run clubs and signing up for marathons and triathlons, and even flying overseas to run in events or various locations.
In this episode, she invites two runners to help her understand why they do it, and what keeps them coming back for more.
Meliani Lee is a budding enthusiast who just decided one day to buy a nice pair of running shoes, while being deskbound in her job as a client lifecycle management specialist. She started long-distance running in 2023, and last year, completed one full marathon and three half-marathons.
Arthur Tong is the founder and head coach of Elevate Performance Coaching. As an Ironman-certified coach, his philosophy isn’t just about crossing finish lines, but about creating meaningful, lasting transformation.
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:22 Advantages of running: Can you start at any age?9:26 Is running the new 'dating trend'? Importance of community too, to support running newbies
14:19 How do you get better or faster at running in marathons?
16:08 When do you know you are ready?
18:00 What they learn about themselves when it comes to running
23:07 Helping people discover their own 'whys' in discovering running
27:47 Calling couch potatoes: How to get out of the door and show up?
Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])
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 ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Natasha Liew & Rebekah Chia
ST Podcasts’ executive producer: 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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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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Four cat deaths recently have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers.
Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Just before the crack of dawn in early May, the mutilated carcass of a community cat was discovered on a road in Yishun.
In the days that followed, three more cats were reported to have been seriously injured or found dead in housing estates around Singapore, stoking fears of animal abusers at large.
While three of the cases have since been attributed to road traffic accidents rather than deliberate acts of cruelty, they have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers.
In this episode, correspondent Ang Qing unpacks the psyche of an animal abuser in Singapore with psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng and criminal lawyer Josephus Tan.
They discuss the gaps in Singapore’s animal protection system, how to fix them, as well as why society’s failure to protect vulnerable creatures can have worrying consequences for the nation as a whole.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:45 Inside an animal abuser’s mind
5:29 Understanding psychopathy and spotting red flags
10:19 Gaps in enforcement and how criminals exploit them
15:30 Do some abusers have a sadistic desire to get caught?
18:58 What animal abuse says about Singapore and its people
24:06 Can tougher laws and caning make a difference
32:59 What the ordinary citizen should or shouldn’t do
Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH
Host: Ang Qing ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
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]
---
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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China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards
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.
The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong province, where peonies aren't just admired by tourists - they drive a multi-billion yuan industry.
Long revered for their cultural significance, peonies now powers a thriving local economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and carrying unexpected political symbolism, including ties to First Lady Peng Liyuan.
What can a single city alone reveal about the China’s deeper economic challenges - from changing consumer behaviour to rising youth unemployment and growing regional divides?
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:28 The cultural significance of peonies in China
4:04 Peonies in modern Chinese culture
5:42 Toothpaste, cooking oil and TCM - how peony is made into 260 products
13:33 Challenges and strategies for cities in China
17:43 Conclusion and broader economic insights
Read Joyce Lim’s article here: https://str.sg/LcLs
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
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]
---
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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Can we be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves?
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
A recent viral post on LinkedIn has cast the spotlight on how some users have pushed content about their jobs and professional endeavours into something more self-serving and performative.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Ms Janney Hujic shared about what she claimed was a “chance encounter” with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta in a cafe in Bali, where she praised his “quiet conviction” and how he had shared wise words for her upcoming all-women’s expedition in Mongolia.
The whole thing turned out to be a fake interaction. But it sparked a conversation about humble bragging, toxic positivity or exaggerating professional interactions in the quest to stand out on LinkedIn.
In this episode of The Usual Place, Ms Crystal Lim-Lange - co-founder of Forest Wolf, a leadership consultancy that specialises in leadership transformation and personal growth - dropped by to talk about how we can be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves.
Our conversation also turned to the importance of career visibility, how this incident highlights about the temptation to appear connected or successful, and how to avoid being performative.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:12 Many reasons why people show up differently on social media
4:05 The casual racism behind the viral LinkedIn post, and why we need to be conscious of what we say
8:16 Career visibility is important, but when does it become self-serving or a humblebrag?
13:59 Crystal’s checklist for her LinkedIn posts: Is it educational, entertaining or inspirational?
20:20 What does building career visibility entail?
30:39 Record and share insights from your work, avoid being performative to sell yourself
36:07 How do we recover from a professional gaffe?
Ms Lim-Lange’s Comfort and Growth podcast is available on:
Spotify: https://str.sg/bTzR
YouTube: https://str.sg/9Bhh
Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])
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 ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew
ST Podcasts’ executive producer: 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
---
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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Community care for your mental health needs.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services
Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency
4:16 What is a clinical psychologist?
12:35 Can therapy harm us?
19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector?
31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use
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 & Natasha Liew
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]
---
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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#healthcheck
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A regional power grid could help bring clean power to people. But huge challenges remain.
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.
Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region.
A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to countries less able to produce it.
And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore’s demand for low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles remain, including stronger policy support from regional governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of regional power trading networks.
Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode.
Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997 but languished for years.
3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the grid a reality?
6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the potential benefits
9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key challenge
14:48 What are some of the other challenges?
21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to come together to lure investors
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 ([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
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Gaining exposure, cultural conflictions and intergenerational discussions are all part of the road to inheriting a family business.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Family businesses have been in the spotlight, after the CDL saga that saw father and son in a tussle for control over one of Singapore’s largest companies.
But whether it is about inheriting family businesses or family wealth, the process is not a straightforward one.
Banks and financial organisations prepare young people to take over family wealth, through programmes and even boot camps.
So how does wealth planning work, and how do youths take over their family businesses?
In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what wealthy kids do to prepare to inherit wealth and companies.
Her guests are Darren Hui, who will one day lead his family’s property management business, and former national athlete Kendrick Lee who co-founded Raffles Family Office.
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:35 What is family legacy planning and governance?
7:30 The challenges the next generation faces
9:00 Generational differences between father and son
10:49 What difficulties has the family office seen in dealing with multiple generations?
18:02 When did you first realise you were going to inherit the business?
21:00 Will Kendrick let his children take over the business?
22:36 Going from national athlete to family office
Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa
Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X
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]
Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl
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For those running businesses in the food and beverage (F&B) scene, 2024 hit a record that wasn’t quite comforting.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
The F&B industry saw 3,047 closures – an almost-20-year record high.
In spite of rising rental rates and food costs, many still want to give the F&B business a shot, as demonstrated by over 3,790 new eateries being opened in the same period last year.
In an industry that is increasingly tougher to run, young business owners taking over their family business also have a challenge of future-proofing their business.
To find out more about what’s it like to take over their family businesses, I speak with Mr Ernest Ting, 34, director at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, and Ms Maria Didih, 37, head of operations at Hjh Maimunah.
For Ernest, a third-generation owner of a handmade dim sum business that was opened by his grandparents in 1962, that means taking a fresh approach to menu offerings and expanding the business.
Maria, a second-generation owner who runs the restaurant that makes kampung-style Malay dishes, sauces, and pastes business with her sisters, said that it’s about “being creative and keeping up with the times”, instead of solely banking on an established name.
As Ernest puts it: “It’s not the easiest to do. I think it’s getting even harder. I always tell new people who want to start F&B to ‘think twice’.”
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:34 What these next-generation of F&B owners think about the high number of business closures
4:36 “Singaporeans really know how to eat, so our food better be of decent quality,” says Ernest
5:21 Social media may misrepresent the life – and stresses – of an F&B owner
8:22 Why did Maria and Ernest agree to join the family business?
11:27 Reservations about joining a business with strong legacy and reputation
16:03 How to get the older generation of owners and staff excited about their creative ideas
21:10 “We’re all custodians of Singapore’s food heritage,” says Ernest
34:30 A “compulsory thing”: Maria on how social media changed the way they do business
36:00 What if the next generation doesn’t want to take over the business?
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
Executive producer: 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]
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Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia.
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 May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based in Chongqing.
They discuss Chongqing’s evolution as an automotive hub and its aspirations to beef up the tech sector to better support the manufacturing of vehicles going forward.
Given its geographical location and logistical prowess, Chongqing has thus far focused on Central Asia and other parts of the developing world as key export markets for its vehicles.
Even as the US-China trade war rages, Chongqing’s prospects remain upbeat as those in the industry say they will hunker down and continue to focus on markets that are plugged into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The BRI is a central pillar to President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s political and economic influence worldwide.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:12 Past history: How Chongqing became an automotive hub
3:45 Chongqing’s automotive sector makes up half of its industry value-added services
5:20 Dummy question: What is the difference between smart cars and EVs?
10:04 Temporary truce in trade war could affect Chongqing? Is China dumping EVs into emerging markets?
13:20 Rail connection critical to Chongqing-Central Asia trade
14:50 Mala food scene in Chongqing: What you need to know
Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi
Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters
Hosts: Albert Wai ([email protected]) & Sarah Ng ([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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ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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The votes are in, the general election is over, and a new Parliament is taking shape.
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
The last piece of the GE2025 chapter was unveiled on May 21: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet line-up, which had a few surprises including just one deputy prime minister (DPM) position and a bumper crop of seven newly-elected MPs taking on political office.
In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I unpack the post-GE2025 Cabinet line-up with Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and Ms Nydia Ngiow, the managing director of strategic advisory firm BowerGroupAsia.
For Prof Tan, not having a second DPM was a surprise move, and he noted that PM Wong is “breaking that particular trend”.
Going into the next term of government, Ms Ngiow said the much-talked about 4G leadership renewal is in place.
Given the publicity and talk around the new faces during the general election, she added: “We can expect that the public will definitely scrutinise this Parliament and Cabinet a bit more closely. All eyes will be on how the 4G leaders will then be helping to lead and guide the younger generations moving forward.”
Highlights (click/tap above):
7:51 Are Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing the front runners for the other DPM spot?
10:16 On moving National Development Minister Desmond Lee to the Ministry of Education
11:25 A “bigger canvas” at the Ministry of National Development: Prof Tan on Mr Chee Hong Tat’s move
17:56 What does the post of Acting Minister mean?22:53 A bumper crop of people with “political office holder potential” sets the scene for leadership renewal: Prof Tan
29:01 On Dr Faishal Ibrahim’s appointment as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs
31:27 Will we see labour chief Ng Chee Meng back in government at a later time?
40:55 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s role in this Government
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 ST Video: Joel Chng, Marc Justin De Souza and Rubeen Raj
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Executive producer: 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]
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Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy.
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.
A healthy ocean is one of humanity’s greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy.
From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for innovation and investment.
The involvement of the private sector can bring in much-needed funding to ensure that the oceans are managed sustainably.
But what are the opportunities in this emerging sector, and is there a tension between profit-making and conservation? Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr Alfredo Giron, head of ocean at the World Economic Forum.
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:06 What is the blue economy?
6:35 What are the traditional and emerging sectors in the ocean economy?
10:22 How can opportunities in the ocean economy be made available to developing countries?
14:59 What are some examples of bankable ocean projects?
17:45 What do countries think of the potential of the ocean economy?
22:55 What is the appetite like among businesses?
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 ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Natasha Liew
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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An entrepreneur shares his hard-earned lessons on working with one’s hands.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
For much of human history, manual work and the skilled trades have been the default way to earn your keep.
Even in a small, advanced economy such as Singapore, there remains a need for this work to be done, that requires a mix of hard graft and mindfulness.
To piece together how to be successful in the trades, ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, an entrepreneur who slogged to build businesses across landscaping, hospitality and outdoor education.
His guest is:
Mr Clarence Chua, co-founder of The Sundowner Nature Experience Centre
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:53 Did Clarence always know he would be working a skilled trade?
10:07 What is the most satisfying part of Clarence’s job?
11:18 Tips for those hoping to pursue a skilled trade
21:06 Dealing with parental disapproval
Read about Mr Chua’s work here: https://str.sg/iiCi
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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When it comes to hard conversations, are we quick to shame, label others or lash out?
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
In this episode, we explore why it’s so hard to unpack difficult topics without getting angry, rude, or shutting down.
Whether it’s inconsiderate commuters, vaccine debates, or matters about race, we now have to navigate more difficult conversations. And more people seem on edge – both online and offline.
So how can we have a discussion about issues that matter without blowing up or checking out?
Natasha sits down with Ms Audrey Low, founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust, and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, to unpack Singaporeans’ seemingly short fuses, public shaming and mob justice, and explore how we can respond more constructively.
They also talk about why labelling people as “woke” or “social justice warriors” can shut down discussions even before they start.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:14 Are Singaporeans an angry bunch?
6:50 The psyche of trolls and why people drop rude comments
10:09 What do cavalier, unkind comments say those who post them?
18:33 Why discussions about racial issues get heated?
24:50 Using labels like “woke” and “social justice warrior” can shut down conversations
37:38 How to be open to perspectives that they don’t agree with
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
Executive producer: 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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A recent ST-Milieu survey has found some striking similarities Gen Zs and their parents have, in the way they view their life priorities and challenges.
Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
In this episode, we’ll revisit the old stereotype that the younger generation has it all too good, that they’ve gone soft and are not resilient enough to withstand hardships or even hard work.
Young adults on the other hand, often lament that their parents don’t understand them enough. But how true are any of these often-held views?
A recent survey commissioned by The Straits Times found that Gen Zs, like their parents before them, feel disheartened and frustrated when they cannot find work.
This generational gap is also reflected in the findings of an online survey, conducted by Milieu Insight for ST.
In October and November 2024, the poll of 800 Gen Zs between ages 16 and 27, and 600 parents of Gen Zs explored the two generations’ views on goals, stress, money, self-esteem and joblessness. The parents were asked to answer based on recollections of their views when they were in their 20s.
But there are slight differences between how they approach work and gain wealth, and we discuss this with a father-son pair in this episode.
Lawyer Michael Han, 55, is an occasional columnist. He is joined by his son Jazer Han, 22, now an economics undergraduate at the Singapore Management University (SMU).
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:22 Mr Han on sacrificing work-life balance for career growth?
10:35 Mr Han: Not about generational gaps; more like different seasons in life
14:05 Jazer on time outside of 'school and work', extra commitments, fulfilment
16:15 Jazer's view on urgency to complete tasks
26:20 How Jezer got scammed $15,000 from his savings?
38:29 Is the younger generation really 'strawberry' or 'snowflake'?
Read ST’s article on how Gen Zs and their parents approach work and life differently: https://str.sg/FCkq
Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH
Host: Lynda Hong ([email protected])
Produced and edited by: Hadyu RahimExecutive 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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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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