Hosted by Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia, 'Tell You First' is an edutainment podcast that explores a wide range of topics you never knew you needed to know. The show blends comedy and knowledge, often featuring special guests. Produced by Ministry of Funny and brought to you by Mediacorp.
Episodes
Why Singapore’s Famous Daredevil Monk Went to Jail
From abseiling down a 45-storey building to standing in a thousand kilograms of ice, Venerable Shi Ming Yi became a household name through Ren Ci’s charity shows, raising millions for the sick and elderly. When the National Kidney Foundation scandal broke, revelations about its leadership triggered widespread public outrage. But when Shi Ming Yi, the head of Ren Ci, was investigated, convict
That Time the Singapore Government Played Matchmaker: The Controversial Graduate Mothers Scheme
What if the government had an opinion on who you should marry? In 1980s Singapore, the state became increasingly concerned about a falling birth rate and the educational profile of parents. One response was the Graduate Mothers Scheme, which encouraged university-educated women to have more children while the government tried to get educated Singaporeans to meet and marry. We trace the ideas behin
The Water War Singapore Fought Without Firing a Shot
Singapore may have no oil, gas or natural resources to speak of, but there was one resource it could not afford to lose: water. For decades, much of Singapore's water supply came from Malaysia, making something as basic as turning on the tap part of a much bigger geopolitical relationship. Water became a source of political tension, with old agreements, threats and negotiations carrying consequenc
The Great Singapore Workout: From Cringe Campaign to a Guinness World Record
Before TikTok dances and viral fitness challenges, Singapore was Making Workouts Great Again. The Great Singapore Workout campaign encouraged everyone to don bright yellow T-shirts to perform 15 moves in synchrony to a relentlessly catchy song and an exercise video that cost S$500,000 to make. However, behind the harmless fun was a targeted public health campaign to get the populace off their couc
How The Noose Got Away with 10 Years of Mocking Singapore
The Noose was Singapore’s first and only parody show that poked fun at public office holders, accents, condo names and even why noodle stalls only serve five fishballs. But not everything was fair game. In this episode, creator and head writer Prem Anand takes us behind the scenes of Singapore’s most iconic satire show. He walks us through submitting every script to the censors, standi
How China Wine Precipitated One of Singapore’s Biggest Scandals
What happens when a Singapore megachurch decides to push its beloved pastor's wife to become an international pop star? In the 2000s, City Harvest Church backed Sun Ho's "Crossover Project", an ambitious endeavour that sent her across Asia to perform Mandopop, then subsequently to the US, where she worked with the biggest names in music, like David Foster and Diane Warren. Then came the capstone o
The AWARE Saga: How We Didn't Shut Up and Sit Down (w Jasmine Ng)
Everyone who lived through the 2009 AWARE Saga remembered it, but nobody wanted to talk about it. Not the 3,000 people who queued four hours to vote at Suntec. Not the bank that publicly disowned its own VP. Not the "feminist mentor" who compared homosexuality to bestiality on live TV. It took filmmaker Jasmine Ng and journalist Kelly Leow two years, 50 interviews, and a lot of "no's" to finally g
The Nicoll Highway Collapse: How Four Deaths Rewrote Singapore's Construction Rules
On 20 April 2004, 100 metres of Nicoll Highway suddenly collapsed into a 30-metre-deep hole, killing four people and injuring three. The disaster exposed serious failures in the design and construction of the Circle Line, and also changed how Singapore approaches construction safety. We trace what went wrong, from flawed calculations and buckling steel supports to warnings that were raised before
The Coffee Shop That’s Hiding Singapore’s Biggest Sex Forum
Sam's Alfresco Coffee Shop sounds like somewhere you'd order a flat white. But it's actually the innocent-looking front door to the Sammyboy forum, sharing commercial sex reviews, explicit erotica, and lewd photos. Click one link deeper, and you’ll enter the “Asian Commercial Sex Scene” forum, Sammyboy’s sex-focused arm with almost 250,000 members. It was allegedly founded
The Beyoncé Concert Malaysia Didn't Want You to See
In the 2000s, Malaysia became known for a very different kind of concert run. The Pussycat Dolls' outfits led to a fine against their organisers, Gwen Stefani changed costumes for every song just to stay covered up, Avril Lavigne was warned over her punk image despite barely showing skin, and Beyoncé cancelled her show rather than follow the guidelines. So what exactly were artists allowed
How a 28-Year-Old In Singapore Killed Britain’s Oldest Merchant Bank
Barings Bank was founded in 1762 and was Britain's oldest merchant bank, trusted even by Queen Elizabeth herself. But in 1995, a 28-year-old trader in Singapore brought the whole 233-year-old institution to its knees via a mysterious account numbered 88888, buried deep inside the bank's paperwork. Nick Leeson’s actions triggered a global manhunt, and brought forth a sweeping wave of regulato
That Time Indonesia Bombed Singapore, And How Lee Kuan Yew Brought Peace Back
On 10 March 1965, two Indonesian Marine Commandos walked into MacDonald House and planted a bomb that killed three people and injured 33 others. But MacDonald House wasn't even their original target. What followed was a dramatic manhunt, a controversial trial, and an execution that nearly pushed Singapore and Indonesia back into conflict. We trace how it took eight years, and a Prime Minister scat
The OG Singapore Idol Finally Reveals Why Singapore Idol Ended (w Dick Lee)
Singapore Idol premiered in 2004 to a reported 1.2 million viewers, skyrocketing a local talent show into a national obsession. Dick Lee, sidelined into a desk job, found the show reigniting something he'd lost. He judged all three seasons, and watched Singaporeans become fiercely split over their favourite contestants. He also takes us behind the auditions, the infamous judging moments and the fi
Why Nobody Knows The USB ThumbDrive Was Invented in Singapore
Today, the USB thumbdrive is one of those bits of tech we use without a second thought. But before 2000, the best way to store digital files was a floppy disk holding 1.44 MB, barely one song. Then Trek 2000 International walked into a German trade fair with one cardboard sign reading “The World’s Smallest Drive,” an 8 MB device the size of a thumb. Buyers swarmed the booth withi
Should Only Singaporeans Write National Day Songs? (w Ben Kheng)
Singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng knows exactly how hard it is to write a song for an entire country, he did it himself with 2024's Not Alone. But long before him, the identities of the people behind some of Singapore's most beloved anthems were kept secret for almost twenty years. In this episode, Ben Kheng joins us to trace the evolution of National Day songs, and reveal what it was like turning
The Singaporean Artist Who Had to Sue to Prove She Was Original
A Luxembourg art student copied Singaporean fashion photographer Zhang Jingna's photograph by flipping it, changing the colours, adding earrings and a sword, before calling it his own. His painting won a government backed prize and was presented to Luxembourg's princess. While fighting the case, Zhang had to face racist and sexist comments, and a court even ruled that Zhang's photograph lacked ori
The Nude Sports Games That Shocked Malaysia and Singapore
In 2014, fifteen people, mostly Malaysian and Singaporean, spent a day painting body art on each other, running relay races, and doing kettlebell exercises by a campfire, all while completely nude on a secluded Penang beach. When footage of this event surfaced online, it sparked a national backlash, with Interpol called in to help, and a years-long legal showdown. We trace how a beach retreat amon
Was Modern Singapore Built on Drug Money?
For 120 years, the British colonial government was Singapore's largest licensed drug dealer. Opium was processed on a hill in Pasir Panjang, that is known today as Opium Hill. By the time the system was dismantled, opium profits had ballooned to an astronomical $55 million, and was funding a significant part of Singapore’s colonial budget. In this episode, we explore how a state heavily fund
The NParks Brompton Scandal: Why Singapore Lost Its Mind Over 26 Bicycles
Twenty-six Brompton bicycles, a $57,200 government purchase, and a tender that drew just one bid. Sounds suspicious? HardwareZone users thought so. By tracing Facebook friend lists, company records, and regulatory filings, they uncovered a relationship that was the start of a national scandal. We follow the online investigation that forced audits, attracted CPIB attention, and turned a regular pro
The Surprising Story of Annabel Chong: The Girl Who Rejected The Singapore Dream
Her name was a punchline in Singapore. A warning to others. She went from Singapore’s gifted education fast track to global infamy as a record-breaking porn star. But behind the 1995 headlines that stunned the world lies the story of Grace Quek. A gifted scholar whose life was derailed by a horrific act of violence in London. This episode traces her turbulent journey, uncovering each s
Why the Strait of Malacca Keeps China Awake at Night
In 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao coined a phrase that still shapes Beijing's strategic thinking: the Malacca Dilemma. Most of China's imported oil passes through the Strait of Malacca, a chokepoint so important that it helps determine the maximum size of many of the world's largest ships, a standard known as Malaccamax. Decades of pipelines, rail links, and new ports have failed to redu
Sarong Party Girls: “Ang Moh Better?” A History of the Stereotype
From British colonial parties to bestselling books and internet scandals, few Singaporean stereotypes have had the staying power of the "Sarong Party Girl". Originally used to mock local women who dated Western men, the term became shorthand for a much larger debate about race, class, sex, and what it meant to be modern in Singapore. Joining us is Xiaxue, one of Singapore's most controversial and
The Year Singapore Football Became A Joke
In 1992, Singapore was relegated to Division 2 of the Malaysian football, and publicly humiliated. The Kallang Roar was fading as fans stopped showing up, and the once-dominant team looked finished. Then came brutal training sessions, shock resignations, a match-fixing scandal, and an eight month season that could have collapsed at any moment. Instead, 1994 ended up being the year that saved Singa
How Bugis Street Became One of Singapore’s Biggest Tourist Attractions
You might know Bugis Street today as a tourist hotspot selling anything and everything, from souvenirs to clothes and jewelry. But before all that, Bugis Street was known for its midnight drag shows, gang activity, and a notorious dance that involved sticking flaming torches up certain holes. This episode traces how Bugis Street became Singapore’s most popular tourist attraction, why authori
Hawker Culture: From Illegal to UNESCO Recognition
Singapore’s food story did not begin in air-conditioned malls. It began beside open drains, on pushcarts, and in smoky back alleys where migrant workers needed cheap meals fast. In this episode, we’re joined by food critic, street food crusader, and Makansutra founder Kf Seetoh, to trace how street hawkers were once labelled a public nuisance, then forcibly resettled into concrete cent
Samsui Women: The Original Girlbosses Who Built Singapore
They carried bricks, cleared rubble and helped build modern Singapore, yet most people barely know anything about them. Samsui women arrived on our shores as poor immigrants and worked brutal jobs in construction until the 80s, while living on the margins of the city they helped construct. In this episode, Lynn Wong, founder of Bridging Generations, joins us to trace the history of Samsui women, w
How Singapore Turned the Sea into Prime Real Estate
Singapore’s land reclamation story is not a smooth tale of engineering triumph. It began with failed seawalls, ten year delays and costs that multiplied sixfold, before evolving into a strategy that has reshaped the landscape. In this episode, we trace how Singapore has spent the past two centuries pushing the coastline outwards, and why the same methods are now hampered by rising cost
When the British Blew Up One of Singapore's Oldest Relics
At the mouth of the Singapore River once stood a massive inscribed stone that may have been the oldest written record ever found here. No one could decipher its inscriptions, but its historical significance was never in doubt. This episode tells the baffling story of how the colonial British administration blew up the fabled Singapore Stone in 1843 to make way for a fort. We cover how that single
The Golden Age of YouTube in Singapore and Why It Disappeared
There was a moment when YouTube felt like the most exciting place in Singapore. YouTube channels creating slapstick listicles became media conglomerates overnight, cross-genre collaborations were everywhere, and videos on the Trending tab were the talk of the town. So why did this ecosystem crash and burn as quickly as it came to prominence? In this episode, OG YouTuber Noah Yap joins us to
That Time When A Singapore Airlines Plane Was Hijacked
On a quiet Tuesday night in 1991, the routine Singapore Airlines shuttle flight SQ117 from Kuala Lumpur to Changi Airport turned into a nine-hour hostage nightmare. As hijackers flung crew out of the plane, issued ultimatums and set fires in the cockpit, authorities in Singapore made a call that would cement its place in counterterrorism operations history. In this thrilling episode, we walk throu
How Orchard Towers Earned Its Shady Reputation
Orchard Towers opened in the 1970s with food competitions judged by Lee Kuan Yew’s mother and dreams of clean modern retail. Over time, bars, massage parlours, and underground economies moved in. We explore how this transformation happened, the crimes that cemented its reputation, and why its past refuses to disappear even as the building has rebranded. Tell You First is an original p
When Phua Chu Kang Got Scolded By The Prime Minister
Yellow boots, a giant mole, and broken English. Phua Chu Kang has cemented his place as a household name across Singapore, JB, and some say Batam. But the story behind how the sitcom came to be is far less known. From rehearsing in storerooms with no sponsors, to sweeping major Asian television awards and becoming a regional phenomenon, Gurmit Singh joins us to unpack how Phua Chu Kang was created
How Singapore was Once the Pirate Capital of the World
In the 1980s, Singapore was openly labelled the world’s leading producer of pirated tapes, exporting millions of counterfeit cassettes across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In this episode, we trace how piracy became a full-blown industry with factories, retail shops, and global supply chains, and how Singapore shed its past to become global intellectual property hub. Tell You Fir
Why Is Singapore So Serious About Bomb Shelters?
That reinforced room within your HDB flat is not just for luggage and old fans. It’s a blast resistant capsule meant to keep you alive through bomb shocks, debris and even chemical attacks. From British era tunnels to modern HDB shelters stacked like a concrete spine through every block, we explore how Singapore turned everyday homes and MRT stations into a nationwide survival system.
Why This $150 Million Kampong is Still Standing
Surrounded by modern estates and valued at over a hundred million dollars on paper, residents here still pay rent in the tens of dollars and leave their doors open to neighbours. Behind it all stands one woman and her resistance to commercialisation. This episode explores why Kampong Lorong Buangkok still exists, how the kampong spirit endures, and why some residents refuse to trade for a flat. &n
How A Riot Changed Singapore’s Nightlife FOREVER
Singapore has never banned alcohol outright, but after the Little India riot it built a maze of rules that changed Singapore’s drinking culture and stopped people from buying rum raisin ice cream after 1030pm. We explore the incident that sparked the law, the backlash from businesses and residents, the absurd enforcement stories, and whether the crackdown actually fixed the problem or simply
When Gangs Ruled Chinatown
Long before Chinatown became known for its historic temples and colourful shophouses, its streets were controlled by secret societies fighting over turf, vice money, and influence. What began as migrant aid networks slowly morphed into violent gangs, stretching their reach from Chinatown’s back alleys to European drug routes. In this episode, we explore how Singapore’s underworld grew
Steven Lim and the Fatal Fight
What began as a celebrity Muay Thai match featuring Steven Lim spiralled into one of Singapore’s darkest sporting moments when bodybuilder Pradip Subramanian collapsed after stepping in as a last minute replacement. Together with Julian Wong from Rice Media, author of Steven Lim: One Last Shot at Fame, we uncover the rushed decisions, the missing safeguards and the tragic chain of
Katong’s Lost Palace: Sex Scandals, Circus Elephants, and Magicians
Before Katong had cafes and condos, it had a cattle baron who built a seaside palace complete with a tower, fountains and a private football field. Step inside the strangest building in Katong and discover how a teenage money changer became Singapore’s Cattle King, and the scandals that turned his mansion into a site of glamour and crime. Tell You First is an original podcast produced
How Singapore Lost an Island in a “Crabby” Deal
Few know that Christmas Island was once run from Singapore, complete with Singaporean schools, homes, and food. But in 1958, a $20 million deal was struck with Australia to transfer ownership of the island. In this episode, we tell the story of the island’s colonial tug-of-war, the politics behind its “sale,” and why visiting today feels like stepping into a 1960s version of home
The Merlion: The Myth That Became Legend
Did you know Singapore’s most famous creature wasn’t born from myth, but a government-led marketing effort? Over the years, it’s been loved, mocked, and endlessly reimagined, but it remains as one of Singapore’s national icons. In this episode, we uncover the story behind the creature that was engineered to sell Singapore and accidentally became its soul. Tell You First is
Chope-d With Tissues: Singapore’s Most Polite Power Move
A packet of tissues on a table means one thing in Singapore: it’s reserved. But how did this strange system of trust and order evolve in a city obsessed with efficiency? We explore how “chope culture” has stirred debates about kindness and convenience… and even becoming avant-garde artwork in Paris??Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry o
Singapore’s Famous Dragon Playground Has A Secret
In a quiet corner of Toa Payoh lies a dragon that has seen presidents, queens and generations of children. Once a symbol of modern design and national pride, it now guards memories of sand-filled adventures and scraped knees. We awaken the legend of how this mosaic creature came to define an era of Singaporean imagination and what its survival says about our nation’s playfulness. Tell You Fi
Singapore’s War on Sex, Drugs, and Rock ’n’ Roll
From banning Playboy and pinball to cutting the hair of foreign pop stars, Singapore once waged a full-blown crusade on what it called “yellow culture.” This episode dives into the secret morality purge that started with tabloid scandals in the 1950s and spiralled into raids, bans, and a nationwide obsession with purity and control. Tell You First is an original podcast produced
One Man, One Wife, Banning Polygamy in Singapore
Legally recognised under British colonial rule, polygamy was rife in the early days of Singapore. Many men chose not to register their marriages, using this loophole to avoid financial or legal responsibility. In this episode, we discover how Singapore’s first generation of women activists set out to rewrite the law, and improve the rights of women in Singapore. Tell You First is an o
The NKF Scandal: Peanuts, Gold Taps, and a $600,000 Salary
It started in April 2004 with a newspaper article about a bathroom tap. By the time it ended, the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) CEO was in jail, its board resigned, and the majority of Singaporeans had cancelled their donations to NKF. In this episode we break down the scandal that stunned Singapore. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funn
From Power Plant to Party Central: The Story of St James Power Station
Originally Singapore’s first coal-fired power station, St James has been many things, a warehouse, a nightclub, and now Dyson’s global headquarters. We follow its 100-year journey from fuelling the island’s first lights to powering late-night discos and high-tech innovation, and how it became a symbol of Singapore’s evolution from industrial grit to modern cool. Tell
The Street Where People Went To Die
For a few dollars, you could rent a bed beside coffins and wait for death. This was life on Sago Lane, once known as the “street of the dead.” In this episode, we trace the dark history of these death houses, from their origins in 19th-century Chinatown to their eventual ban in 1961, and ask what they tell us about Singapore’s changing relationship with death. Tell You Fir
The Dark Story Behind the Tiger Balm Brothers and Haw Par Villa
Many know Haw Par Villa for its surreal statues portraying themes from Chinese folklore, or maybe even its water splash ride taking visitors through the 10 Courts of Hell. But few know the loss and misfortune that the park and its Hong Kong counterpart share. In this episode, we take you beyond the spectacle to the story of the Aw brothers, the Tiger Balm magnates whose family tragedies and busine
Why Can’t We Stop Seeing Ghosts In Singapore?
Singapore has more than a hundred mapped haunted sites, a best-selling ghost book series, and a ghost festival that turns entire streets into altars. But our spirits are more than superstition. In this episode, we explore how Singapore’s ghost stories carry hidden histories of migration, trauma, and maybe even love? Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Minis
Singapore’s Forgotten Cemetery of Pioneers, Bukit Brown
At over 200 acres, Bukit Brown was once the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China, home to the graves of more than 100,000 people including pioneers like Ong Sam Leong, Chew Boon Lay and the ancestors of Lee Kuan Yew. When plans for an eight-lane highway threatened to cut through it, activists and historians rallied to defend a site rich in heritage and biodiversity. Together with Munah Baghar
Space Without Astronauts: How Singapore Is Reaching for the Stars
Singapore has no space agency, rockets or astronauts, yet it is quietly carving out its role in the global space race. From quantum satellites and blockchain in orbit to students sending experiments to the International Space Station, Singapore has become a hub for space innovation. In this episode, we uncover how startups in Jurong are building satellite engines, why the UN is looking to Singapor
Ghost Economies: Why the Dead Need Money Too
Why are Chinese people burning paper Teslas, Netflix subscriptions and even COVID vaccines for their ancestors? In this episode, we dive into the bizarre and booming afterlife economy, where temples now accept QR code offerings, and lawyers step in to prevent copyright infringements! Follow us as we explore how a centuries-old ritual has morphed into an industry worth hundreds of millions of dolla
Mind Over Water: How Singapore Conquered Water Stress
In the 1960s, Singaporeans queued with ration cards as dry spells crippled water supply. Fast forward to today, and the island has transformed its biggest vulnerability into one of its proudest triumphs. Join us as we dive into the many ways Singapore's reservoirs help to protect the nation from floods, sustain daily life, and teach the world how to thrive under water stress. Tell You First
Mosquitos: Why Singapore Wants MILLIONS Of Them
Dengue cases were once at an all time high, but now a new ally has emerged: Wolbachia mosquitoes. Released by the millions, these insects use biology to stop their wild cousins from reproducing. In this episode, we’re joined by science educator Biogirl MJ as we explore the science, safety, and real-world impact of this groundbreaking project. Tell You First is an original podcast prod
Boomz, Bigini: What Ris Low Taught Us About Beauty Pageants
Singapore once crowned beauty queens with national pride. Then came Ris Low, whose reign stirred controversy, conversation, and a cultural shift. From mental health to media pressure, this episode examines how her experience exposed the cracks in the pageant system and left the industry forever changed. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoff
One Island, Two Claims, and a Lot of History
It may be smaller than a football field, but Pedra Branca has been the subject of colonial confusion, a fierce legal battle, and tense standoffs at sea. In this episode, we unpack how one lonely granite island became the focus of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between Singapore and Malaysia. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoffu
Why U So Like Dat? The Song That Made Singlish Cool
Back in the ’90s, speaking Singlish in the media wasn’t the norm, but this track broke all the records and the rules. We sit down with musician and Mediacorp Class 95 radio DJ Rai Kannu to revisit the hilarious lyrics, the story behind its creation, and how "Why U So Like Dat?" helped kickstart a wave of Singlish-inspired comedy. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediac
Avatar, Anime, and Architecture: The Wild Origins of SuperTrees
What does a Studio Ghibli forest, James Cameron’s Avatar and the SuperTrees of Gardens By The Bay have in common? We trace the fantastical inspirations behind the Supertree Grove, from ancient cedar forests to futuristic designs that won global awards. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoffunny). Credits: Hos
The Story Behind a Very Banned Book
In 1994, former Solicitor-General Francis Seow published "To Catch A Tartar", a memoir that sparked widespread debate. In this episode, we explore the story behind one of Singapore’s most banned books: why it was written, what it says about the political climate of the time, and why it still gets people talking today. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry o
The Fire That Built Singapore: The Shocking Truth Behind Bukit Ho Swee!
On 25th May 1961, a devastating fire wiped out an entire kampong, leaving 15,000 homeless—but was it just a tragic accident or a hidden turning point for Singapore? Discover how the Bukit Ho Swee fire sparked a housing revolution, birthed the HDB, and transformed the nation overnight. From conspiracy theories to political miracles, this is the untold story of the fire that changed Singapore
Hidden Feng Shui in Singapore’s Skyline
In this episode, we discover how ancient Feng Shui principles shape Singapore’s modern skyline - from Marina Bay Sands’ asymmetrical curves to Suntec City’s wealth-retaining "hand-shaped" towers. We learn why the Singapore Flyer spins clockwise for luck, how Boat Quay’s peculiar shape attracts prosperity, and the urban legend of the "dragon vein" beneath Singapore’s s
POV: Surviving the Japanese Occupation
// Thank you for supporting and listening to this first season of Tell You First. If you've enjoyed the podcast, please leave a comment to let us know which episodes you liked the most, the most interesting thing you’ve learnt from us, or what topics we should cover in the future. We hope to share more with you again soon! // We’ve all seen the headlines and history books, but what was daily life
HUAT AH! Untangling the Messy Origins of Yusheng
This festive season, as you gather to toss Yusheng high in the air, have you ever wondered: where did this beloved CNY dish really come from? In this episode, we dive into the tangled, messy origins of Lo Hei/Yusheng—a delicacy that sparks both unbridled joy and fierce debate among Singaporeans and Malaysians. Join us as we trace the history behind each symbolic ingredient, and get a taste of the
Why Do We Still Follow Lunar Calendars?
Everyone celebrates Chinese New Year, but how many truly understand the ancient Lunar Calendar that shapes its traditions? In this episode, we uncover the fascinating origins of the Lunar Calendar and try to answer why people still follow it today — aligning weddings, business deals, and even travel plans with its auspicious dates. Why does this thousands-year-old system still hold such sway in ou
The Rickshaw Puller Who Saved Singapore
Many may know about Singapore's difficult period during the Japanese Occupation, but how much do you know about the Sook Ching Massacre? And about how close Lee Kuan Yew was to being captured? Join us as we delve into this forgotten chapter, where a single act of courage from a humble rickshaw puller saved Lee Kuan Yew, and altered Singapore’s destiny forever. Credits: Hosted a
Swiftonomics in Singapore (w Ann Nicole)
Did you get a ticket for any of Taylor Swift’s six Singapore concerts in 2024? While we normally focus on historical trivia and nostalgia here on Tell You First, we’re confident that Tay Tay’s record-breaking run in Singapore will be remembered and talked about for years to come. We relive the mania of that week in March with 987 DJ Ann Nicole and look at Swift’s impact on the economy, the social
What Time Is It, Really?
// Thank you for tuning in to Tell You First. We will be taking a couple weeks' break to recharge and will be releasing episodes again in the new year. Until then, have a Merry Christmas and happy new year! // Singapore’s time doesn’t actually make sense! Officially GMT+8, our sunrise and sunset differ from other Southeast Asian cities on the same longitude. In this episode, we travel
The Caning of Michael Fay: SG vs USA
In 1994, Singapore went toe-to-toe with the United States… and didn’t lose. American teenager Michael Fay was apprehended for vandalising several cars and properties here, and sentenced to six strokes of the cane. Then-President Bill Clinton himself even got involved, personally reaching out to Singapore’s leaders to appeal the decision. A massive backlash from American media erupted, painting Sin
Kopi - The Art of Singapore’s Favourite Brew
You think you know your local kopi, but not like this! We go beyond the usual configurations of kopi-O, kopi-C and kopi siu dai to bring you an in-depth look into the origins of Singapore’s staple beverage. Where did it originate, and how did it become localised? We look at the art of brewing kopi, from the kind of beans used, and the giant sock filter–and how it differs greatly from western coffe
The Secret Origins of Fish Head Curry (w Gerald Koh)
How well do you know your fish head curry? It isn’t Singapore’s national dish, but after this episode, you may wonder why it isn’t! With 987 DJ Gerald Koh, we discuss its preparation, variations, and how we basically attack the whole thing, eyes, cheeks and all. We trace its origins to a Sophia Road stall in colonial Singapore, and its enigmatic creator because yes, unlike many other local dishes,
Close Encounters of the Genetic Kind
They say we’re all the same deep inside. In this episode, we put that to the test! We look at the nature of DNA, how it’s passed down through generations, and how much the racial groups of Singapore have in common with each other, according to science. What studies have been done on Singapore’s gene pool, and what do they say about us? Follow us on this investigation that goes back tens of thousan
What’s Making Us So Hot and Wet
Okay, you got us. We recorded this episode before the 17 September Sumatra Squall squashed Singapore. So you already know what it’s called. But you can still learn what drives this force of nature, and what other weather systems rule our skies. Listen as Haresh sciences the heck out of our monsoons, uncovering the method behind their madness. There’s a lot more going on that just “sunny” and “rain
Zouk’s Mambo Jambo: The Party of a Generation
At its peak, Zouk was Singapore’s party central, and Mambo Jambo was its hottest ticket. Terence takes us back to the glory days at Jiak Kim Street, where every Wednesday night, the club dropped its cutting-edge cool and embraced cheesy retro goodness. Reminisce about the playlists and shameless dance moves, and learn why despite winning the hearts of Singapore’s partygoers for two decades, Mambo
Comrade Bala: The Monster Made in Singapore
We don’t talk about Comrade Bala, because he was a cult leader in South London who convinced women he had supernatural powers, and held them captive for decades while sexually assaulting them. Yet, what many probably don't know is that this enigmatic figure was actually once a Singaporean citizen, educated here in the 1960s. In this episode we look into the formative years of a monster, what led t
Deepavali: A Guide For the Rest of Us (w Rai Kannu)
How well do you know Deepavali? Haresh takes a deep dive into the origins of the Hindu festival with Class 95 radio DJ and musician Rai Kannu. Hear them test each other’s knowledge of the ancient texts and meaning behind the rituals. Learn how Deepavali is celebrated across the diverse regions and religions of India, as well as Singapore. The differences may surprise you! Credits: Hosted by Ha
How Singapore Got Its Internet Groove
Today Singapore has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world, but it all had to start somewhere! Haresh and Terence take a good look at the nation’s browser history, reminiscing about what it felt like to access the Internet in its early days, before the dizzying advent of social media and smartphones. Who received the first ever email sent to Singapore? What did our choice of In
Night Safari: Why Visit a Zoo at Night?
We uncover the fascinating story behind Singapore's world-famous Night Safari, the OG of night zoos in the world. Now in its 30th year of existence, we go deep into how this groundbreaking attraction came to life, and highlight the challenges, innovations, and vision that transformed a gimmicky idea into a must-see destination for tourists in Singapore. We talk about the earliest zoos in Singapore
Disappearing Genitals: The Koro Crisis of 1967
We explore the bizarre incident that is the Koro Crisis of 1967, when a widespread panic over shrinking genitals gripped Singapore. Delve into the psychological, cultural, and social factors that fueled this mass hysteria, turning an old wives’ tale into a national crisis. We’ll unpack the strange phenomenon, its impact on the population, and how it was eventually quelled. Tune in for a fascinatin
Why Singapore TV Peaked in the 90s (w Vernetta Lopez)
Was there a better time for English language Singapore TV than the 1990s? Masters of the Sea, Rollin’ Good Times, Happy Belly, The Ra-Ra Show, Pyramid Game and much more appeared on our screens all at once. We reminisce with radio deejay Vernetta Lopez, who was there when it all happened, playing Denise in the hit show Under One Roof. Hear us discuss why that era was so special and productive, deb
