The Straits Times Podcasts

Making sense of the domestic and foreign policy agenda of Trump 2.0 – and the implications of a new world order for Asia. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar and assistant foreign editor Clement Tan discuss the first month of Donald Trump's second term, focusing on his foreign policy in Europe, in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference and the implications of the muscular reshaping of the US federal government, led by Elon Musk.   Highlights (click/tap above): 0:36 Trump's foreign policy and European relations 6:37 Domestic policy and government efficiency 16:23 Media relations and the Trump administration 28:50 Looking ahead: coverage and insights from Texas Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ  Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX  Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling ([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] --- 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 facade14:38 Remembering the history of these old spaces 18:57 How does SLA find the “right formula” for the spaces it manages?25:09 No cookie cutter experiences More on: SLA https://www.sla.gov.sg/ State properties for rent: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio Link up with SLA: https://sg.linkedin.com/company/singapore-land-authority Listen to the other filmed live podcast at The Foundry: Using music to better reach out to seniors: https://str.sg/FF9T Follow Wee Liang on social media (@ngweeliang_) Host: Natasha Zachariah ([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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai 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 --- 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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From keen pricing to guaranteeing the resale value of its electric vehicle, BYD is bent on staying on top. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. BYD has been in Singapore for more than a decade before it became the country’s biggest selling car brand among authorised distributors. Mr James Ng, the managing director for Singapore and the Philippines, is doubling down on efforts to ensure that BYD extends its lead, not just for passenger cars, but also for public buses and commercial vehicles.  Highlights (click/tap above):  2:44 BYD, the same company that made surgical masks during the Covid-19 pandemic 8:44 Eyes a fourth dealer to grow its retail network 14:00 Dealers are free to be creative with their services, but BYD prices are fixed 32:44 We will definitely not be starting a taxi company 34:41 Unsurprising if EV adoption comes up to 50 per cent in 2025 Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: [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 --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UN Cali Fund aims to collect millions, and possibly billions, of dollars for the conservation of nature and to benefit indigenous people.    Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Nature’s bounty is vast and we all benefit from it. Think of the huge variety of plants and their timber, seeds and fruits – even the materials from them to make cosmetics.  The immense variety, the huge number of different species and traits in nature, comes from genetics. And this has long been an intangible part of biodiversity, one that is hard to put a price on.  But a new fund agreed at UN biodiversity talks at the end of 2024 is set to change this. Called the Cali Fund, the industry is expected to contribute money for making use of nature. Companies, such as pharmaceutical and cosmetics firms, will pay for their use of the genetic resources from nature. Money will flow based on either a share of profits or turnover.  But how exactly will this voluntary fund work? And how are these genetic resources defined and tracked?  Green Pulse speaks with Dr Siva Thambisetty, an expert in Intellectual Property Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She was closely involved in the negotiations for the fund.  A special thanks to Aruna Chandrasekhar, who helped with research for this episode. She covers land, food and nature for the Carbon Brief news site. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:53 What is the Cali Fund? 4:16 What is genetic material and digital sequence information (DSI)? 8:15 “DSI can also accelerate our research for new drugs.” 19:52 What about the risks of rising inequality? For example, rich companies using free genetic data to create profitable products? 23:32 How will the fund flow into conservation and to indigenous groups? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([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 --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expert shows how fresh entrants to the workforce can gain the prior experience employers increasingly seek. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It seems paradoxical for prospective employers to seek prior experience even for entry-level roles. This reflects the rising bar expected of fresh entrants to the job market. However, employers are becoming more open-minded towards what constitutes relevant prior experience. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, a seasoned career expert who has worked with tertiary students from different backgrounds, on the help at hand. His guest is: Ms Sarah Neo, head of the career development office at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:55 Why are employers increasingly seeking prior experience even for entry-level roles? 4:13 The forms such experience can take, from internships to hackathons 9:05 Is it realistic to expect ever more prior experience from students before graduation? 11:58 How can students who lack experience still land that first job? 14:15 What does Sarah recommend those who remain undecided about their future careers do? Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out too, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, and lecturer at the international studies department at De LaSalle University. Dr McGill presents a primer on Filipino-China ties, the implacable nature of China’s approach to the South China Sea, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed, and also responds to the question: Did Manila overplay its hand? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:40 State of play in Filipino-China ties 5:30 Marcos started out wanting to improve relations 11:20 ‘Appeasement emboldened China’ 16:00 Did America prod Manila to be tough? 22:00 Trump will not undermine Philippine interests Host: Ravi Velloor ([email protected]) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: 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 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are some Singapore companies willing to bear the expense to implement pet-care leave as a form of benefit? Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. While fewer people are keen on having children, more are becoming pet owners, based on statistics from the Animal and Veterinary Service and an Euromonitor International report. But what happens if you have a full-time job and your pet is sick?  Instead of requiring their employees to take urgent leave, some firms in Singapore have begun rolling out pet care leave, for "pawrents" who need to take their furkids to the vet. Only a small number of firms have started implementing it, but the response from employees has so far been overwhelmingly positive.  In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - journalist Aqil Hamzah - ask their two guests whether having a separate leave category the caring of pets is ultimately a good thing, and whether it’d affect the morale of those without pets.  The two guests are: Emilyn Ang, founder of public relations and marketing agency Brave Communications, which provides three days of “pawrental” leave a year; and Diane Lee, a senior HR business partner for South-east Asia at recruitment firm Robert Walters. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:34  Considerations behind implementing pet care leave 06:45  Advantages of having pet care leave 09:12  Why employees with no pets shouldn’t feel resentment 14:30 Leave days as an expense, and how firms can balance out the cost 17:30 Are more Singapore firms ready to roll out pet care leave   Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Aqil Hamzah’s articles: https://str.sg/Cc85 Hosts: Lynda Hong ([email protected]) and Aqil Hamzah Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: [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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The choice of decor by a Tamil Nadu resident whose father was a bus conductor in Singapore speaks of the ties between both cities. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. Trichy in southern India has no direct flights to the capital city New Delhi, but it has five daily flights to Singapore. The planes are packed, underscoring the rich flows of people both ways. It is a relationship that stretched back to the early 19th century, when migrants from Tamil Nadu settled down in Singapore. Today, there are some 200,000 Singaporeans of Tamil origins. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to India Correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta about those from Trichy who continue to make their way to Singapore - and other destinations - in search of opportunities. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:55 Looking out from India  03:48 Bungalows, cars and lavish weddings 08:56 Reverse migration 13:50 The Singapore Dream 15:25 The global competition for Indian talent 17:00 New frontiers Read Debarshi’s article here: https://str.sg/eoRm    Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying ([email protected])  Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider 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 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Too much screen use can lead to a child having issues with sustained attention. Tasks like homework may become a challenge to complete.  Indeed, as more evidence emerges on the impact of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive development and executive functioning, the authorities have updated its screen use guidance. It comes under a new health promotion strategy called Grow Well SG, which is currently aimed at supporting families of children up to the age of 12. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites a clinician scientist specialising in developmental and behavioural paediatrics to discuss the impact and the rationale behind the changes.  She is Dr Evelyn Law, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, who is part of the research team for the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort study (Gusto). This Gusto study has been going on for 14 years and had contributed to the evidence behind the various guidance in Grow Well SG. Dr Law, a senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, is also a member of the expert group that led the development of the screen use guidance in children. Highlights (click/tap above) 2:35 What is executive function, and can frequent use of digital devices cause a child to be easily distracted? 7:46 What’s the difference between having executive function deficits and a condition like ADHD?  11:46 What’s the difference between recreational and educational screen use? 16:01 Is there a gaming addiction problem in Singapore?  21:41 What’s the rationale behind restricting access to social media services for children below 13? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong 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 --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From coal power to green power, China’s clean energy vision could put the world on the right climate path Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As climate change impacts worsen, the world seems more divided than ever in tackling the climate crisis.  US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw, for a second time, from the United Nations’ Paris climate agreement is just the latest setback for global climate diplomacy. Trade disputes and tariffs on China’s green tech goods have also damaged global cooperation and so have bitter arguments over climate finance.  Is there a nation that can fill the climate leadership gap? Can China step up?  It has already been steadily increasing its leadership, says Mr Li Shuo, director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington. He tells Green Pulse that China’s dominance of the green energy sector, in the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery storage, has made these goods cheaper and helped the adoption of emissions-cutting technologies, including in South-east Asia.  And China has become a leading provider of climate finance and top investor in renewable energy at home and globally. But big questions remain for China, the world’s top CO2 emitter and coal consumer. To be a leader, big political decisions lie ahead of China on how fast it can reduce its dependence on polluting coal, Mr Li Shuo says.    Listen in to our conversation with Mr Li Shuo to learn more about China’s potential as a global climate leader. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:10 With climate change impacts worsening, the world needs stronger leadership. Is China that leader? 5:15 China is a green energy superpower. But it is also the top CO2 emitter and coal consumer. Isn’t that a contradiction? 8:26 We’ve seen bitter trade disputes over China’s green tech goods. But isn’t access to more affordable green energy good for global climate action? 11:50 What about China’s climate investments in SE Asia? What are your views? 14:00 Are we seeing the decline in Western powers in the climate space and the rise of alternative voices? 19:07 Is there a risk of a climate backlash in China as we’ve seen in other countries? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([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 --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do your homework and hold for the long term - these are among expert tips for stock picking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. There are so many different methods to invest these days - from buying roboportfolios, to exchange traded funds or index funds benchmarked to certain indices. But there are also investors who wish to pick their own stocks because they are convinced of their increasing value.  This particularly occurs when it comes to tech stocks that might be rapidly rising, or when certain industries show strong potential for growth.  But how does someone go about stock picking and what are the risks involved?  In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how people can choose solid stocks in the volatile environment of 2025.  Her guests are young investor Troy Cheng and ex-ST journalist and veteran market watcher Ven Sreenivasan. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:42 What is stock picking and how to go about it? 6:00 How to decide if stocks are overvalued or undervalued? 8:10 Where do you get your stock picking recommendations from? 11:41 Which industries are promising in 2025?  15:47 What to know before jumping into overseas stock markets? 20:14 Looking at the Chinese stock market 25:09 Opportunities in the Singapore market   Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFilmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast on Thursdays and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insights on Asean's beachside pow wow, the Johor-Spore economic zone and ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For January, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, based in Kuala Lumpur. There are high expectations for Malaysia as it assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025. But there are hard questions too. How will it navigate economic turbulence? And tackle Asean’s tricky issues from disputes in the South China Sea to unrest in Myanmar? Meanwhile, excitement over the freshly-signed agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone continues to buzz among business folk on both sides of the Causeway. But what will make it work?  Teoh also lists the JSSEZ’s ingredients for success, and suggests a snappier acronym for it. He also tells us what’s in store if ex-PM Najib Razak wins his fight to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:21 Takeaways from the Asean foreign minister’s meeting, the first major gathering of 2025  7:00 A possible appearance by China’s Xi Jinping at this year’s Asean summit? 8:42 A catchier name for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone 11:52 Solving the pain points of doing business between Johor and Singapore 22:00 Made in Singapore or made in Johor?  25:08 What happens if former PM Najib gets his request for house arrest?  30:38 Why Najib continues to fight for house arrest  32:45 Fit for duty: Malaysia’s policemen must get in shape to get promoted Read more: https://str.sg/EQBu  https://str.sg/nkbG https://str.sg/i7Se    Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE  Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ  Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Hosts: Lim Ai Leen ([email protected]) & Tan Tam Mei ([email protected])   Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   Feedback to: [email protected]  --- 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making sense of the blitz of executive orders, announcements and rhetoric from the new US President - and what Asia should take away. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief based in the United States to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar discuss the big announcements, power moves and ambiguous comments from the 47th US President - pulling the brake on the TikTok ban, the threat of tariffs and the outlook for trading partners among other pressing issues. Which will be policy and which are simply rhetorical opening positions? How soon could Asian countries be caught in the cross-hairs? And what’s behind Donald Trump's pronouncement of wanting to visit China in his first 100 days? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:50 What the moves say about Mr Trump’s communication style and policymaking preferences 5:00 Is there disagreement within the Trump administration? 8:30 What does Trump want from Asia? 11:23 The Marco Rubio factor in US foreign policy 15:20 What’s behind Trump’s desire to visit China in the first 100 days? 16:30 On TikTok: Will Trump make a deal with China? 18:30 What the change in US policy on TikTok says about its view of China 23:28 What’s behind Trump’s blistering start - why the hurry? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ  Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: [email protected]  --- 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re toying with the idea of getting a pet, the first question to ask yourself is: Are you ready for the time, financial, and emotional commitment? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah found out what blindspots first-time pet owners may have and what they should anticipate when getting a pet.Dibashini and TheAsianPawrent manager Jamie Wong dropped by to share their views about how to assess if you’re ready for a furry companion, the differences between adopting and buying pets, and the financial and emotional commitments of a pet owner.They also brought their furkids with them – Dibashini with her shiba inu, six-year-old Zuko, and Jamie with Yoko, a Bernedoodle (a mix of Bernese mountain dog and poodle), and Bowie, a kerry blue terrier pomsky.The starting point of a pawrent’s journey should start with deciding whether an animal’s personality, type and its age, among other factors, would be a good fit for the family, said Dibashini. Before anyone becomes a pet owner, they should do a lot of research about the breed or type of animal they want to adopt, and what their specific needs are, said Jamie. His advice: Ask yourself honestly if you’re ready for a long-term commitment with a pet. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:40 How will I know if I’m ready for a pet14:03 Could you be neglecting your pet unknowingly?22:22 The protocol for petting other people’s pets26:20 Would you pay US$45,000 for a flight ticket for your pet?37:42 What is the first step in your pawrent journey? Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected]) Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFilmed by: ST Video, Marc de Souza & Joel Chng Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can stereotypes of male pre-school teachers be reduced to ease more men into the profession that is seeing shortage in Singapore? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. There is less than one man for every 10 early childhood educators in Singapore - surprising given that the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) estimates the need for another 1,500 more educators to support the sector’s expansion in the coming years.  As male pre-school teachers conventionally face more scrutiny, could MSF’s new set of guidelines spelling out appropriate boundaries help ease tensions?  The new set of guidelines for primary caregivers include expression affection, bathing practices and exposure to nudity.  Amid a spate of abuse cases at various pre-schools in Singapore being reported in 2024, these guidelines could help pre-school teachers and parents set their mind at ease, especially when it comes to male pre-school teachers, said guests in this episode.  The two guests are: Sajit Sesikumar, 30, a senior English pre-school teacher, who shares his six-year experience at MindChamps Preschool; and Yeo Shufang, 42, a mother of four kids, with her youngest attending preschool at age 4. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - STNow reporter Christie Chiu - ask their two guests whether setting guidelines can ease the tensions male pre-school teachers have to navigate at work, and encourage more to the early childhood education profession.  Highlights (click/tap above): 6:50 How pre-schoolers can learn better from a diversity of teachers 11:24 How MSF’s healthy family guidelines can ease the work of pre-school teachers  13:25 How Sajid deals with physical affection from students   16:37 How Shufang teaches her children about personal boundaries 21:28 Is Singapore ready to normalise male preschool teachers and how can stereotypes be reduced? Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/LfQG  Hosts: Lynda Hong ([email protected]) and Christie Chiu  Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With global warming increasing heat risks across the world, early warning systems and early action can be a lifesaver, especially in densely populated Asia-Pacific. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. More than six billion people are now exposed to heat waves and this will increase in coming years because of climate change.  And the Asia-Pacific region is at great risk because of its high population densities and exposure to heat, says Dr Luis Rodriguez, lead for climate and environmental crises for the Asia-Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). He tells The Straits Times’ Green Pulse podcast the Asia-Pacific region has 66 per cent of the global population at risk of the impacts of heat waves. He explains why it is so important to have early warning systems and early action. Doing so can save many lives. Take a listen to the latest Green Pulse episode to learn more about the risks from extreme heat and efforts to reduce the danger.  Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:31 Why is the Red Cross sounding the alert on heat in the Asia-Pacific? 6:22 How are the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies raising the alarm? 9:20 What are some of the best solutions for dealing with the growing risks from heat? 15:18 Just like other hazards, reaching everyone at risk is a “monumental challenge”. 24:47 What are the key takeaways? What can individuals do to prepare for extreme heat? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, as well as the ways one lives with these conditions, can provide fresh ways of thinking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Neurodivergence: A big word, but one imbued with the simple promise of progress. It means to recognise that brains may be wired differently between different people, causing perceptible differences in information processing and social relations, impacting both work and personal life. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi, who was himself diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aged 27, talks about the emerging consciousness of neurodivergence and the importance of supporting the neurodivergent to fulfil their potential with his guests. His guests are: Mr Rumi Mohd, associate director for sales and marketing hiring at Randstad Singapore, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child Mr Himanshu Chaudhari, a finance professional diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and board member of awareness group Unlocking ADHD Highlights (click/tap above): 02:30 How did the guests find out about their condition? 05:31 How did their conditions affect them at work? 10:34 What can employers do to meaningfully support neurodivergent team members? 14:33 Is it a good idea to disclose one’s neurodivergence to employers? 20:33 Has anyone ever dismissed the guests’ neurodivergence? 25:17 Is neurodivergence a “superpower”? Read more about neurodivergence in the workplace: https://str.sg/CZz6 Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research on the serious brain disorder paves the way to new treatments. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. Some people may associate the disorder with just hallucinations or delusions, but it is more than that. Those with the illness can experience cognitive and motivational problems that have no pharmaceutical solution, though other strategies, like therapy, may help. Schizophrenia affects one in 116 people in Singapore, and is the most common disorder seen at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can go on to lead fulfilling lives. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to psychiatrist Jimmy Lee about the complexity of schizophrenia and the research that is being done to help individuals who have this illness. Associate Professor Jimmy Lee is a senior consultant at IMH’s Department of Psychosis. He has been conducting research to help advance the understanding of schizophrenia for more than 15 years.  This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support.  Highlights (click/tap above) 3:18 It’s not a disease of multiple personalities 5:45 So how do people know that they have schizophrenia? 12:56 What’s happening on the research front? 14:43 What are the possible causes of schizophrenia? 19:28 IMH brain stimulation trial aims to improve schizophrenia symptoms 22:53 Will newer drugs for schizophrenia emerge soon? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Wall of China was built for protection, but now it's in need of guardians to preserve the 2,000-year-old structure. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. When a part of the Great Wall section in Liaoning started to crumble in 2016, authorities paved it over with cement to keep it safe, sparking outrage. Other sections had been transformed into tourist attractions complete with cable cars. But China’s approach towards restoration has since been marked by a saying - “to go along with the layers, the slopes, the curves, the old and the dilapidated” - one tended to carefully by local villagers-turned-craftsmen. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei about how China’s attitudes towards historical heritage restoration have shifted, and why.    Highlights (click/tap above): 0:45 Three men, one mission 2:58 Thinking about heritage preservation 8:08 What the Great Wall means to younger Chinese 10:16 A China correspondent’s Great Wall climbs  Read Dawn’s article here: https://str.sg/FofV Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying ([email protected]) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: [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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that we’re in 2025, one thing’s for sure – a General Election is on the horizon. Synopsis: Out on Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. When exactly? That’s anyone’s guess. But political parties are already up and about, ramping up efforts to touch base with voters. And, judging by the recent episode between some volunteers of Progress Singapore Party and People’s Action Party in Bukit Gombak in Chua Chu Kang GRC, the political temperature is rising. In the lead-up to the polls, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah looks at how MPs, and others involved in the GE, are preparing themselves. In this week’s episode, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan stops by to talk about his experience so far as a first-term MP. Mr Tan, who has been an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2020, said he “won’t call it a job because... it’s an elected role that has no fixed job description and no fixed terms of reference”. The 54-year-old, who spent almost three decades in the Singapore Armed Forces before joining the People’s Association, said that he had to “level up very quickly” when he joined politics and took on positions in the government. When he ran for office in the last GE as a rookie, he lost 3.5kg during the hustings. In anticipation of this year’s campaign, he’s gaining some weight, and is also more emotionally ready for the work. For one thing, he has built relationships with the residents in his ward, and has put in the work since the last election to serve them. And how does Mr Tan, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, deal with criticism over a hot potato issue like, say, the failed Allianz-Income Insurance deal? “Sometimes there may be disagreement (in) opinions, but we have to continue our path,” he said. “As long as I speak the truth and I’m clear about my conscience, I have nothing to worry about.” On a lighter note, Natasha asked him what he thinks of the nickname some voters bestowed on him in 2020 – “Down-To-Earth Desmond” – and what nickname he would pick for himself, if he had to. Watch or tune in to the episode to find out what he said. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:24 Politicians must accept that they won’t always be right 10:18 “I have no strategy for social media.”14:35 “You can’t just give an order, like in the army.”21:34 Being labelled “Down-To-Earth Desmond”  29:25 He lost 3.5kg during the 2020 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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFilmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From parents of newborns to riders who dismantle their motorcycles to evade repossession, this man has seen them all. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. What happens when a hire-purchase car goes missing or when a marriage turns sour and the fighting parties want their assets back? They call on repossessors like Mr Jim Koh, who has been in the repossession-cum-towing trade for nearly 20 years. Highlights (click/tap above):  2:31 The difference between a towing service and repossessing a vehicle 5:10 Repossessing a vehicle can turn nasty 14:41 Job hazards of being run over or pelted with eggs 21:54 When Jim is compassionate when repossessing vehicles 27:39 Advice for those looking to join the trade Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: [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 --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at what is happening on the ground with a Myanmar watcher. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Pichai Chuensuksawadi, former group editor of Bangkok Post and observer of Myanmar affairs.  They discuss the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the role of outside players in the conflict, prospects of the junta holding elections and the fate of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:50 Myanmar military won’t fall in 2025 5:00 Chinese pressure on Rakhine 9:00 Elections on the junta’s mind 11:00 Thai diplomacy 15:00 Where’s Aung San Suu Kyi? Host: Ravi Velloor ([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 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and… Central Asia? Could these be the next big holiday destinations for 2025?This week on The Usual Place, Straits Times Life travel journalist Sarah Stanley and co-founder of The Travel Intern Hendric Tay share why they think these lesser-known spots might see more tourists this year.Drawing from industry conversations and their own observations, “new adventures in lesser-known spots” seem to be the 2025 motto of Singaporean travellers. Social media, Hendric explains, has nudged people to step out of their comfort zones. But, he cautions, “they also need to make the right preparations for it.”In this episode, the talk of travel dives into whether sustainable travel is just a gimmick for charging more and why solo travel continues to be a big draw for young adventurers. The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues. The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free. Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues as an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits (It’s not always a bad thing, she explains.) Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences. With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, Natasha wanted to know which country these seasoned travellers would visit over and over again? Watch till the end to find out their picks. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:35 The Outdoorsy Person vs. Outsidey Person: being in the right camp 11:47 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword? 19:38 What’s a good country to do solo travel? 22:44 Listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed34:55 Should you travel with your colleagues? 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 topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take the pulse of the planet for 2025 with our key themes on climate, nature and nuclear.  Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. New year, new format, where we spice things up with a deeper look at the challenges and opportunities in the environmental sector, controversies and differing points of view. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty dive into three key themes for 2025: Climate, nature and nuclear.  They examine key questions, including: After the hottest years on record in 2023 and 2024, what will 2025 bring? Will the worsening extreme weather jolt governments into action? Or will it be another year of missed opportunities? Will the resurgent interest in nuclear really take off? Or will the realities of high costs and long construction timelines cool interest? Is this the year for nature conservation – on land and the oceans – to finally get a big boost in funding? Or are we leaving things too late given the ceaseless destruction of forests, overfishing and the pollution of air, rivers and seas? Audrey is more hopeful, David is more cautious. But both agree: We really have to talk much more about climate change and nature despite all the other gloomy news out there. It really is a matter of survival.  So take a listen as we tell it like it is – the good, the hopeful and not so good.  Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:05 Should we continue with Green Pulse in 2025. If so, why? 1:52 David's thoughts on nuclear? 7:45 Why will nature protection be a big topic for SE Asia in 2025? 13:19 New wave of hope for the oceans: Rising interest in blue finance plus major UN oceans conference in June.  16:37 The forecast is hot and getting hotter – and yet the world seems unable to really cope with the climate crisis. Is it all doom and gloom?  21:06 Power to the people: More climate finance could finally bring to life the Asean power grid.  Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([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 --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A young start-up founder talks about quitting his job to take the path less trodden, and discuss with DBS the ingredients for success. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Gen Zs are embracing the entrepreneurial life. Instead of working for someone, they want to start their own companies, sometimes fresh out of school.  There are also more entrepreneurial programmes for them even in secondary schools. Online platforms also let them start businesses online and have a wider audience for their products and services.  But what exactly is involved in starting a start-up? Is it something only for the rich kids or is it within reach of everyone? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how people can start their own business even in their 20s, and what’s involved in the process.  Her guests are Accredify founder Quah Zheng Wei, who started his business aged 27, and DBS Head of Corporate and SME Banking Koh Kar Siong.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:52 The steps to starting a start-up 5:33 Quitting his banking job to venture out on his own 8:39 Entrepreneurs as young as 12  14:40 How to get funding  21:16 What defines a successful start-up and what’s the survival rate? 24:28 What are your ingredients for success? 28:05 Will starting my own business make me rich?  Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are some of President Trump’s likely policy priorities after he takes office for a second time? Will he do exactly as he threatened? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to talk about President Donald Trump’s possible policy priorities in his second term. In this episode, they discuss the cabinet appointees President Trump has already announced, his China policy and the war of words that has already erupted between Trump’s “bro-in-chief” Elon Musk and Trump’s MAGA base supporters.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:38 Trump's inauguration and immediate priorities 6:09 Internal conflicts within the Republican Party 12:32 Trump's approach to China 24:26 The future of TikTok in US and Trump's influence Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Clement Tan ([email protected]) & Bhagyashree Garekar ([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] --- 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   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding meaning and purpose in life. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. In this New Year’s day episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Adj Assoc Prof Angie Chew about the importance of spirituality in our lives. They also discuss how to harness this source of strength to improve our mental health and find meaning, purpose, and happiness in life.  Prof Chew is the Founder, CEO and Mindfulness Principal of Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living. This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. The December package on combating holiday blues was released on Dec 16.  Highlights (click/tap above) 2:24 What is spirituality? 6:08 Coping with irrational fears and jealousy 10:23 Creating a distance between you and your thoughts 14:57 Parents predicting that their children won’t do well in school 18:25 What if spirituality becomes a source of stress for you? 22:32 It’s time to forgive someone Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political stalemate is diminishing Thailand’s international stature and economy Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Thailand, once seen as a rising middle power, is now stuck in political and economic stagnation that are affecting its international standing. Its years of political turmoil had caused its economy to underperform, with GDP growing by 1.9 per cent in 2023.  While economists expect around GDP growth at 2.7 per cent in 2024 and 2.9 per cent in 2025 - the growth is inadequate to satisfy demands and expectations.  Thailand is currently under the relatively new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. But its “old guard” institutions have not allowed the country to progress politically, which are controlling political outcomes through agencies like the constitutional court, the election commission, the anti-corruption commission and the Senate, says Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science.  Meanwhile, Thailand's international standing has diminished - though the country’s size and geographic location mean it remains a key player in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is also divided on contentious issues such as the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.  While former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has been appointed an informal advisor to next year’s Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expectations are low.  The former premier, as well as Prime Minister Anwar himself, are from an older generation - but Asean needs a younger generation to lead it forward, says Professor Thitinan, who is currently a visiting professor as well at the London School of Economics, in this episode with host Nirmal Ghosh.  Highlights (click/tap above):  6:02 How the military coup in May 2014 'sank' Thailand 10:29 Thailand lost out on tech revolutions like AI 15:07 Why Asean is currently at its weakest 19:22 How Thailand can play a regional role in the Myanmar crisis, and curb transnational crimes like scams 21:39 Msia PM Anwar picks Thaksin Shinawatra as informal Asean adviser Host: Nirmal Ghosh ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [email protected] Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB   Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting “losing weight” on your list of resolutions - for the nth time?  Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year’s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging.  Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails. On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore.  The new year usually brings them new clients - it’s a ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up. Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations. Like one of Jerome’s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira’s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience. That’s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track.  Watch this week’s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above):1:18 “New Year, New Me” vibes5:48 How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL11:58 Can you achieve your goals with your TikTok fam?30:51 Facing social sabotage - “Are you sure you can do it?” Host: Natasha Zachariah ([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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFilmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Developing countries are in a vicious debt cycle with little relief in sight, undermining social progress. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Some 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments in their debt, than on either education or health. In 2023, a record 54 developing countries allocated 10 per cent or more of government revenue just to pay off interest on their debt - reducing funds available to provide basic services from schools to hospitals, for their populations.  Public debt thus becomes a human rights crisis, as well as an environmental crisis as most debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Countries then often have to export their way out of debt - which in many cases, such as in that of Laos, means exploiting their natural resources.  The crisis is worsened by the fact that for many developing countries, it is more costly to borrow than for rich countries - because their credit ratings are worse. For example, the average African country may be paying almost 10 per cent while the United States and Germany may be paying less than 3 per cent, because the latter have higher credit ratings.  In Laos' case, there is a geopolitical dimension as well; about 50 per cent of Laos's external debt is owed to China. There is wide consensus that this is a full blown crisis, but the solutions to it are hard to implement. Part of the reason is many creditors are private lenders. Yet solutions are critical if developing countries are to be able to dig themselves out from under the mountain of debt they are burdened with.  In this episode of Asian Insider, Olivia De Schutter, professor of law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Keith Barney, Associate Professor at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy, share with host Nirmal Ghosh insights into the fundamentally unjust situation many developing countries are trapped in.  Highlights (click/tap above):  1:52 Global debt: From $51 trillion in 2010 to $97 trillion in 2023 4:01 The Pact for the Future acknowledges the issue, but much public debt is owned by private creditors 5:53 Why Laos debt crisis is also an environmental crisis; China's role in this 10:04 Since the debt is in foreign currencies, countries must export to repay it 13:59 China offers debt deferrals, not relief, just delaying the issue 16:01 Debt burden is driving the international community to consider debt-for-nature or debt-for-climate swaps Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [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   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is modern dating painful and how can those who want to find love in 2025 find love intentionally? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah dissected the dating game with Andrea Tan, a certified sex, love and relationship coach and founder of Athena Rising Coaching & Consulting and Chia Wei Goh, founder of CGull, a dating consultancy for men. According to results from a Bumble survey that was released mid-Nov 2024, people here are still keen to date – four in five Singaporean singles interviewed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025. (Bumble is a women-first dating and social networking app that was founded in 2014.) But what are some of the issues that get in the way of finding love? From treating dates as job interviews to having many deal-breakers, both Andrea and Chia Wei dove into the insights they gleaned from working with their clients. Natasha wanted to find out if dating stereotypes of ideal partners that surface on social media – “man in finance, trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes” or “trad wife”, for example – hurt or help one’s chances at making a great impression.  Meanwhile, Chia Wei suggested that both genders take on a niche hobby such as yoga for men or muay thai for women, to open more opportunities to meet a partner of the opposite sex.  Andrea, who is also Bumble’s relationship expert, said that to press ahead in the dating game, one needs a cheerleader support group to provide positive affirmations. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:59 Should you lower your standards in dating? 11:46 Looking for KPIs in dating 15:16 Men are in a more vulnerable position than women 29:42 Is it game over in the dating game for those over 40? 32:51 Where to start if you’re a first-time dater 35:00 Are men bad at conversations? Connect with these coaches on social media: Chia Wei: https://www.instagram.com/cgullwing/ Andrea Tan: https://www.instagram.com/theathenarising/ 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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmRead Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [email protected] --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Money not enough” - not even raising fares can fix current school bus woes. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. School bus fares are constantly rising, and yet operators are saying that ferrying pupils to schools is a loss-making venture with little way out. Mr Darry Lim, 44, who grew his father’s bus company from eight to 38 buses, says that the troubles facing the industry are only worsening as a sizeable number of local drivers are leaving the trade every year.  Darry is the director of Hui Leong, a private transport company and serves as the transport officer of the Singapore School Transport Association which represents mainly self-employed school bus drivers. Highlights (click/tap above):  2:21 More drivers than buses are needed 4:11 Shrinking local driver population also means a cut in foreign drivers because of the allowable foreign worker quota, worsening the situation 7:05 A driver’s typical working day start at 5.30am to pick up the first pupil 15:40 The international school student chips in 19:15 “I might be dead before I can pay off the bus!” Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more Transport articles: https://str.sg/KHyM Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: [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 --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich lodes of valuable metals lie on the seafloor. Will a global rush to mine them be allowed – and will doing so damage the world’s oceans? 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. Scattered across the sea bed are trillions of potato-sized lumps brimming with lucrative metals vital to making electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, smartphones and much more. This is sparking a “blue rush”, as some countries and companies are eager to cash-in on them.  Yet the mining of polymetallic nodules remains banned and there are growing concerns that scooping them off the sea floor risks disrupting one of the most important, but still poorly understood, parts of the planet. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ project director of ocean governance Julian Jackson on the risks.  Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:12 Three different types of deep sea mining 6:42 Environmental impacts of deep sea mining  12:21 Why countries are pushing for deep sea mining  14:58 Implication of Micronesian country Nauru announcing intention to start sea bed mining.  17:02 Is deep sea mining necessary?  Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good leadership that inspires confidence cuts across age. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It isn’t possible to draw lines along age, tenure, skill and leadership in the working world as neatly as previously. The image of top leaders has expanded beyond the notion of someone assuming their position after a long-drawn process. This is a convention upended, perhaps most prominently, by the heady proliferation of influential start-ups with precociously young leaders at the helm, one of whom journalist Tay Hong Yi spoke to in the latest episode of Headstart On Record His guest is: Mr Looi Qin En, partner at venture capital firm Saison Capital, who co-founded careers discovery platform Glints. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 How did Glints’ co-founders start a business that young? 3:20 How did Qin En grow both his technical skills and soft skills so quickly? 6:30 How to convince people to look past your age as a young leader? 14:53 How to inspire confidence among those you lead? 16:59 Has Qin En ever felt he has peaked early in his career? 20:32 Where young leaders have the most room to learn 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Factors to watch are increasing population, workforce and productivity. Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent. In this episode, Ravi speaks with James Cheo, chief investment officer for Asean and India with HSBC Group Private Banking, on the glowing economic prospects for Asean and India amid weakening growth in the ageing countries of North-east Asia. Mr Cheo is a former macroeconomist with Singapore’s central bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore.  They discuss what’s driving growth in South-east Asia and India, growth being led by productivity and not just investments, and the potential pitfalls investors into these regions need to look out for. They also discuss the likely impact of Donald Trump returning to the American presidency in January 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:10 The ‘Triple Rs’ powering South-east Asia 6:40 The new AI is all about Asean and India 9:50 The middle class is leading the way for both regions 11:00 India: 8 years of market gains in a row; Rupee stability great for investors 20:10 Asean’s tripwires 23:00 Deglobalisation challenge; Trump's return and South-east Asia 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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From unwanted Secret Santa gifts to guest etiquette fails, Natasha and her guests dive into the dos and don’ts of navigating holiday gatherings with humour and grace.  Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.The holiday season is here, bringing with it the fun - and sometimes the headache - of social gatherings. Whether it’s an office party, a house dinner, or a festive get-together with friends, the rules of holiday etiquette can be blurry. On this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha is joined by colleagues who are seasoned party hosts themselves - The Straits Times features correspondent Elizabeth Law and ST senior audience growth specialist Friday Farzanah.With tinsel on their mics and an adorable alt-Christmas tree, the trio dissect different scenarios of holiday etiquette, from navigating cheapo Secret Santas to guests who break your glasses. They debate whether “enforced fun” like icebreaker games should be, well, enforced, and reflect on gracious hosting and thoughtful guest behavior.What pet peeves do you have about office parties, or being a guest or host during the holiday season? Tell us in the comment section below!Highlights (click/tap above):1:56 Secret Santa - yay or nay?7:06 The rules of regifting17:50 Is it ok to flake on a house party if you don’t feel up to it?27:48 The paw-rent dilemma of dealing with excited guests39:05 Tag-team hostingHost: 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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmRead Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c Filmed by: ST Video Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [email protected] --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is safer to live near a nuclear power plant than to ride a plane, says an expert. Do we have a Not In My Backyard (Nimby) syndrome? Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Nuclear energy: Why not? That is the response from an expert on why Singapore is exploring it.  The radioactive release from the Fukushima meltdown in 2011 did not kill anyone, but thousands of workers at coal mines die every year, says Dr Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in NTU.  Dr Chew’s research focuses on the usage of civilian nuclear energy. He was previously with the civil service, working on energy security and energy transition issues. “When you compare the (nuclear sector) to airline industries, there are more airline crashes and lives being lost. But yet, people are still flying,” he adds. Still, the horrors of nuclear disasters such as the meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima appear to have scarred mankind. To go nuclear or not is a highly polarising topic in many countries.  To gain the public’s trust on nuclear energy in Singapore, Dr Chew emphasises the importance for authorities to explain a country’s need for nuclear energy, educate the people about radiation safety, and also ensure the population is prepared for a worst-case scenario. Most of the time, the best form of protection is to stay at home, shut the windows and wait for the authorities’ instructions, he adds.  Singapore, like several other countries mired by the triple threat of climate change, energy security and rising electricity costs, is taking a hard look at a controversial energy source – nuclear power. The authorities have been exploring advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), that are promised to be safer. In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Shabana Begum find out what drives the fear of nuclear power. Will Singapore residents allow a nuclear plant to be built in their 'backyard'?  Highlights (click/tap above): 3:32 No deaths from Fukushima meltdown itself, but more deaths from coal-mining 7:34 Evacuation is not the best protection from radiation leaks 9:36 Why small modular reactors (SMRs) are suitable for Singapore 17:00 Nuclear and the 'Nimby' syndrome 26:02 How nuclear waste becomes a social issue   Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Shabana Begum’s articles:https://str.sg/LfQG  Hosts: Lynda Hong ([email protected]) and Shabana Begum ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: 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 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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want a dress ironed? A facial? A shirt darned? Or perhaps a coffee freshly brewed, right on your doorstep? Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. More services are being offered by Indonesians on motorcycles and bicycles. Mr Subban has a sewing machine affixed to the table in front of his bicycle. Madam Desri Muliati irons clothes on a motorcycle, using a steam iron heated with a portable gas canister. They are among Indonesia’s formidable force of informal workers that drive the economy, accounting for nearly 61 per cent of the country’s total labour force. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with journalist Aqil Hamzah about the services that these workers provide, and why they eschew jobs in the formal sector.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:10 Making ends meet 3:32 Finding them on TikTok, Instagram and on WhatsApp 6:07 Getting started during the pandemic; how much do they roughly earn as part of this 'informal' economy? 8:46 Challenges for the new Prabowo government 15:30 A reporter intern’s observations about Indonesia; his first experience of Jakarta Read Aqil Hamzah’s article here: https://str.sg/tQXq 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 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 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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hypertension is a silent killer; check it before it’s too late. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Do you know if you have high blood pressure or what's also known as hypertension? According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, about one in three Singaporeans aged 18 to 74 has hypertension. This condition puts them at risk of heart disease and stroke. However, a significant proportion remains unaware because the symptoms become obvious only when the condition is severe. Hypertension is present when a person’s blood pressure is at 140/90 mmHg or higher. But a slightly lower reading doesn't reduce the risk. In August 2024, the European Society of Cardiology, an influential society among cardiologists, introduced a new high blood pressure or BP category of 120-139. This implies that even readings in this range are not 'normal' as doctors once thought. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Assoc Prof Chin Chee Tang, a cardiologist from the National Heart Centre Singapore, about the new category and what to make of it. They also discuss renal denervation, a procedure that the same society said may be considered for some patients with uncontrolled, drug-resistant high blood pressure. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:19 Should I be worried about a new category of hypertension? 5:30 How do I manage my blood pressure? 11:39 Monitoring the impact of salt reduction on your blood pressure 13:32 Can high blood pressure be lowered to normal levels? 19:39 Is renal denervation the right procedure for resistant hypertension? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The implementation of developing countries’ climate targets hinges on the availability of finance and technology 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. Despite the criticisms surrounding the UN climate conference COP29, which took place over two weeks in November in Baku, Azerbaijan, negotiators managed to reach an agreement on two key finance-related issues. A new goal for annual climate finance flows was set at US $300 billion by 2035, a three-fold increase from the previous $100 billion target. Developed countries should take the lead in delivering this amount to developing countries to help them take climate action. An agreement on carbon markets was also reached at the summit, allowing countries to cooperate through the international trade in carbon credits to meet their climate goals. But what do all these mean for Singapore and South-east Asia? In this episode, host Audrey Tan finds out from Ms Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 3:45 What does the COP29 outcome mean for Singapore and South-east Asia? 9:17 Can the outcome on carbon markets at COP29 help to overcome concerns on environmental integrity? 11:00 What is Singapore’s reputation in the area of carbon markets like? 13:07 How will the outcome on the new climate finance target affect climate action in Asia? 17:46 Will the waning leadership of traditional climate champions such as the US and the EU affect investor confidence in climate initiatives? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two avid travellers reveal their top hacks, where to sit on the plane and how to cut the budget while having fun. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Singaporeans love to travel. In a survey, people said one overseas trip a year is essential. But how do we travel well while still maintaining our budgets? Would you travel to Europe but eat cup noodles to save money? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the top travel hacks from experts, how people achieve “budget comfort” and upgrade the travel experience without splurging thousands of dollars. Her guests are Youtrip chief operating officer Kelvin Lam, who once left his investment banking job to be a full-time backpacker, and youthful “budget comfort” traveller Prisca Ang. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 How Prisca spent $3,500 for seven cities in 10 days in Japan 8:33 Should I take a direct flight or layover; top travel hacks; benefits of (being near) youth hostels 13:59 Flight hacks: what to pack, where to sit, sales 18:00 How much is too much to spend on travel? 23:45 Prioritising experiences, rather than just seeing famous sights 33:00 Must you take at least one overseas holiday a year? 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US’ President-elect inherits a world different from that in his first term. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Tariffs - as a weapon to restore and rejuvenate American jobs and manufacturing - will be back with a vengeance in Donald Trump’s second term. So will competition with China, in the course of which performative support for Taiwan by hawks in Congress and Washington DC security circles may end up provoking Beijing and thus hurting Taiwan. Yet the US’ 47th President will inherit a world different from that of his first term in 2017 - one with more limits to American power. While some hawks in Washington see China as weak and advocate that the US should do everything it can to push it over the edge, realists understand the US can no longer do everything. From the perspective of South-east Asia, it is imperative to defuse the zero-sum mentality of US-China competition. Faced with the disruptive effects of tariffs, this region has to also find ways to go back to a kind of globalisation that works for everyone. These are some of the challenges, and currents, that the next American President and the US' trade partners and allies must navigate and adapt to, as a new era looms in Washington DC. In this episode of Asian Insider, Nirmal hosts Danny Quah, Professor of Economics and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and Robert Manning, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, DC, who is working on the think tank’s Strategic Foresight and China programmes. They share their perspectives from opposite sides of the world, on the foreign policy of the Donald Trump 2.0 Administration. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:51 Defusing the zero-sum game; what is Trump's idea of a bilateral trade deficit? 6:47 Trump inheriting a very different world now in his second term 13:17 Is there a kind of globalisation that can work for everyone? 16:34 Why Donald Trump is not shy to exercise hard power 18:02 China weak? Why the US can't do everything anymore 23:54 What makes Trump so tricky to work with? Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike our school days where it was easier to find a buddy, making new friends as an adult isn’t something that we leave to chance. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.When you hit your adulting years, it is inevitable that someone will ask you “Have you found a partner?”. Interestingly enough, you rarely get asked if you have made new friends.The struggle to make new friends when you are older is real. Many don’t realise - or only learn when they drift apart from their childhood friends - is that friendships, like other relationships, take effort to thrive.In this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores the complexities of forming - and keeping - friendships in adulthood. Joining her are Grace Ann Chua, 30, CEO and co-founder of Friendzone SG, and Jarel Low, 34, the co-founder of Offline Singapore, two individuals dedicated to creating events for meaningful connections.From how to step out of your comfort zone to red flags in friendships, the trio discuss the upside - and challenges - to meeting new people. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:15 Why is it difficult to make friends as an adult? 9:20 The 25s vs the 35s: the different friendship outlook 14:03 Are Singaporeans a judgy, guarded bunch? 22:20 Red flags in friendships 34:05 What if you have lost the ability to make friends? 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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Filmed by: ST Video Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [email protected] --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Singapore intends to settle noise disputes more effectively. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Settling noise disputes will be easier with mandatory mediation as the Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) is enhanced, under the Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill. Involved with how the framework can be enhanced is grassroots leader Raymond Poh. In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Christie Chiu speak with him to hear about his 14 years of experience in dealing with noise disputes, and how mediation has been effective in resolving disputes between neighbours (with an 80 per cent success rate with voluntary mediation cases). Mr Poh also shares how the Community Advisory Panel’s (CAP) recommendations, along with the proposed CDMF enhancements, may help neighbours better understand one another and find middle ground. If the dispute remains unresolved after mediation with the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), neighbours may consider approaching the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) to file a claim as a last resort. This is equivalent to taking legal action against your neighbour, and parties involved are required to attempt mediation before filing a CDRT claim. The new laws will also mean that officers under the new Community Relations Unit (CRU) have powers to investigate and take action in disputes where a neighbour severely disrupts the peace, such as cases where the neighbour deliberately makes loud noise throughout the day. Officers can investigate, such as taking statements from neighbours, and with the resident’s consent, install noise sensors in homes to collect evidence. The authorities also intend to allow the Housing Board to consider compulsory acquisition of flats as a deterrent and “the absolute last resort for severe, recalcitrant nuisance-making”. This measure will be considered only when all other levers have failed, and acquisition is needed to protect the interests of other residents, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Law and Ministry of National Development said in a joint statement in August, adding that this will be similar to how HDB can consider compulsory acquisition of flats for those convicted of throwing killer litter under the Penal Code. This podcast is brought to you by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY): https://www.mccy.gov.sg Highlights (click/tap above): 1:25 CCTVs, house visits and detective work - a memorable dispute that Mr Poh had mediated 7:38 Different forms of mediation 8:17 The difference between the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) 11:37 Why settling neighbour disputes amicably is still a priority over mandatory mediation 12:40 How simple 'give and take' neighbourly acts can help avoid mediation as much as possible More on the Community Disputes Management Framework: https://go.gov.sg/cdmf-enhancements Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/3ESxU Hosts: Lynda Hong ([email protected]) and Christie Chiu ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: 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 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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While there is concern over trade policy, US investors remain bullish on business with Asean. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. With President-elect Donald Trump intent on using tariffs as a weapon - with the larger strategy of rejuvenating American manufacturing - there is concern that the US could retaliate against countries that have a big trade surplus with the United States. Within the 10-nation Asean bloc, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand could become targets. But Asean's growth and competitiveness remains attractive regardless. From 2022 to 2023, for example, foreign direct investment (FDI) declined in all regions of Asia except Asean. More broadly, intra-regional trade in Asia is expected to rise by 65% to US$400 billion (S$535 billion) a year by 2030, which is a good sign for US and Asean investors. Growth opportunities include artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, digital commerce, medical devices, and mineral supply chains - and Asean countries are competing for investment. In this episode, Ted Osius, a former US Ambassador to Vietnam and currently President and CEO of the US-Asean Business Council in Washington DC, shares with host Nirmal Ghosh, the business council’s concerns and wish list, and also why he thinks that, regardless of US government policy, investors are bullish on South-east Asia. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:10 The wish for a forward-looking US trade agenda remains as this region moves forward 7:23 From 2022 to 2023, FDI declined in all regions of Asia, except Asean 10:05 Which Asean countries are making real efforts to attract FDI? 12:48 Growth opportunities for US and Asean investors 13:30 Singapore a leading force in Asean, driving the digital economy framework Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more people conscious about mental health issues, is going to therapy the solution to deal with inner mind and emotional struggles? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. These days, conversations about mental health - and content about it - are everywhere. Within that space, therapy often comes up as a way to deal with mental health issues. People write about it in personal essays, it’s bandied around in memes, and on TikTok, there are therapists who create short-form videos about boundaries, trauma and coping mechanisms. But should everyone be in therapy? To answer that question, The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah speaks with Raquel Ang, 35, co-founder of telewellness platform IHearU App, and singer-songwriter Layyi, 28, who was featured on a song called Lovin’ Me.(The track, led by local singer-songwriter Haneri (Daphne Khoo) and also features Whylucas, is part of a youth mental wellness initiative by McDonald’s Singapore.)Raquel, who has a Master’s in Counselling, has been in therapy for about two years, while Layyi started in September 2023. Both of them experienced a “breaking point” in their lives which pushed them to explore therapy.Natasha discusses with them about whether therapy should be a universal experience or a deeply personal choice. Together, they unpack how therapy has changed them, their initial concerns about going for it and why it’s one of many tools for mental health. The Usual Place Podcast will give away 10 sets of exclusive McDonald’s merchandise to be given away. Each set consists of a tote bag, a sticker sheet, four postcards and a pack of F&B vouchers (expiring on Dec 31, 2024). Here’s how you can win them: Subscribe to The Straits Times Podcasts’ YouTube channel and leave a comment there under this video - Is therapy only for those with mental health issues? - about what’s the best way you’re taking care of your mental health. The team will select 10 winners and get in touch with them. Good luck!Highlights (click/tap above): 2:57 Openness and eagerness for change - considerations for therapy6:47 When is the right time to go to therapy?11:01 The stigma of therapy14:38 “Only the problem kid goes for therapy.”25:03 Picking a counsellor or therapist30:54 “Therapy speak” being a part of daily conversation 38:52 Going to therapy is like going on a date with yourself 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/v6DNRead Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFilmed by: Studio+65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: [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 #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Improve your chances of getting a ride on a wet Friday evening with some hacks from this experienced cabbie. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. Mr James Quak is among the 89,000 qualified taxi drivers in Singapore. In this episode of Wheel Insights, the 49-year-old sheds light on how taxi drivers work out their share of the vehicle rental and how they decide which ride booking to take. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:35 The difference between being a taxi hirer and a “relief driver” 5:41 How much driving time makes up for daily taxi rental 13:59 Why taxi drivers don't look out for street-hailers 17:46 How much taxi drivers benefited during the East-West Line MRT disruption in September 2024 23:01 The reason why taxi drivers always seems to be changing shift during peak travel hours 25:39 Advice for those considering joining the trade Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more Transport articles: https://str.sg/KHyM Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: [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 #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Singapore is transforming into a City in Nature, natural habitats have been lost to development, leading to more human and animal clashes. How can wildlife and humans live in harmony?  Synopsis (headphones recommended): Green Trails is a four-part environment podcast special for 2024 where The Straits Times hits the ground with experts. In this fourth episode, our trails won’t be entirely green. Instead of a nature park or a green space, we head over to an urban place surrounded by buildings and construction noise.  The new neighbourhood of Punggol Northshore recently saw some monkey business, with troops of long-tailed macaques spotted at construction sites and even eating at a void deck of an HDB block.   To find out how residents can responsibly live in a macaque hotspot, ST journalist Shabana Begum speaks with co-chief executive of Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) Anbarasi Boopal, and president of the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) Andie Ang.  Strolling along Punggol Settlement and the promenade opposite Coney Island, the conversation turns to other wildlife in our midst – from the common palm civets that tend to sneak into private houses, to the ever-present junglefowls. Animals in urban areas being culled is never a clear-cut decision, as Ms Anbarasi says: “Removal (of animals) is always not a solution. And where do we draw the line, right?  “We are okay with hornbills, but we're not okay with other birds.” Highlights (click/tap above): 2:10 Why is Punggol a monkey hotspot? 4:45 Monkey see, monkey don’t do 11:08 When otters and civets visit homes  14:30 Is culling the best way to reduce bird numbers? 17:08 What to do when you encounter a snake Read ST’s previous commentary about co-existing with wildlife: https://str.sg/tYpq Find out more about macaques in Punggol: https://str.sg/ephc Listen to other Green Trails episodes:  Ep 1: Visit to Sungei Buloh: How Singapore can better host migratory birds - https://str.sg/BrqS Ep 2: Visit to East Coast: How reclamation will shape up against rising sea levels - https://str.sg/mRG8 Ep 3: Visit to Windsor Park: Can insects in SG's backyard be foraged? - https://str.sg/4V6nQ Host: Shabana Begum ([email protected]) Trail producers: Hadyu Rahim, Fa‘izah Sani, Amirul Karim & Elsa Goh  Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive Producers: Lynda Hong ([email protected]), Ernest Luis ([email protected]) & Audrey Tan ([email protected]) 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 Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse #greentrailsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The amount, quality and access of climate finance among key issues to be discussed at COP29. 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. Expectations are mounting on negotiators at COP29, the UN climate conference, to produce an outcome on climate finance. The annual summit, from Nov 11 to Nov 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is shaping up to be a “finance COP”, where discussions on the new collective quantified goal for climate finance – or how much money should be channelled to developing countries to help them take climate action – are expected to conclude. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty chat with Ms Illari Aragon, the climate policy justice lead at nonprofit Christian Aid. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:39 What do we mean by climate finance? 4:18 Why are discussions on the new climate finance target so contentious? 11:29 The situation on climate finance in South-east Asia 12:38 The difference between providing and mobilising climate finance 14:40 Challenges for developing countries to access climate finance Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6 Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis 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 --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.