The Straits Times Podcasts
The Straits Times Podcasts is an all-in-one channel that publishes episodes almost every weekday. It covers a wide range of topics including Singapore youth perspectives, social issues, geopolitics from an Asian viewpoint, health, climate change, personal finance, and career advice. The podcast is produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis and The Straits Times, part of SPH Media.
Episodes
S2E56: The world is on fire but hey I have matcha: How little treats are helping us deal with uncertainty
Labubus, blind boxes, bubble tea. Why do we keep buying things we don’t need? In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss why people buy trendy but “useless” things as a way to treat themselves. Is there a limit to how much a person can spend before it becomes indulgent? Find out about the “little treat” economy, and why people sometimes shift their spending toward s
S2E93: Budget 2027: Will record allocations satisfy Sabah and Sarawak?
East Malaysia’s assertiveness and fiscal demands are growing. This is reshaping its federal relationship with Putrajaya. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia. For our October episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Arnold Puyok, deputy director at th
S2E92: Iran vs US: Is the war about to get much worse?
Amid fears that the war on Iran could worsen after the US mid-term polls, a question: Is Tehran overplaying its hand? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode he speaks with Prof. Vali Nasr, the globally renowned expert on Iran and Middle East about where the War on Iran is curr
S1E115: Can Singapore take Indonesia to the International Court of Justice over the haze?
Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) has been criticised for being toothless, but is that criticism fair? And if the anti-haze law is not working, can Singapore take Indonesia to the International Court of Justice? As Singapore finds ways to tackle its worst haze crisis in over a decade, Scott Tan, a partner in the International Arbitration practice of Rajah & Tann, says d
S1E95: It’s not about greed: Behavioural scientist Serene Koh explains the psychology of falling for scams
A behavioural scientist unpacks the dark psychology of why smart people fall for the Nanning pyramid scheme Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. We often hear this saying: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Y
S3E3: What if Singapore had a nuclear reactor, where’d it be?
They offer more safety features and generate less nuclear waste, says a nuclear expert. Singapore announced in May 2026 that it will be embarking on the first phase of a review by the UN atomic watchdog, to help Singapore determine if it has what it takes to deploy nuclear energy. Host Audrey Tan discusses what this process entails for Singapore with Low Xin Wei, the chief executive of the S
S2E55: Study hard, work hard, retire then die: Do Singaporeans spend our lives living someone else's dream?
Good grades, good jobs, applying for a BTO, getting married. Isn’t that every Singaporean’s dream? In this episode, Julian Low, co-founder of theatre practice Wushiren, talks about his experience defying the “Singaporean Dream” by dropping out of medical school. He then went on to pursue his dream of starting an independent theatre collective. Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-An
S2E91: Why Indonesians are falling back in love with cinemas and the analogue life
In an increasingly digital world, why are young Indonesians drawn to activities that bring them offline and together? 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. In this episode, host Li Xueying speaks with Indonesia correspondent Karina Tehusijarana about the growing popularity of
S1E115: This man can order TikTok and Facebook to take posts down - Singapore's online safety commissioner
In the first two months after the Online Safety Commission (OSC) started operations, the agency handled more than 500 reports of online harms. Doxing and online harassment made up the bulk of eligible reports. The OSC is a new avenue - it launched on June 29 - that helps victims by compelling platforms and group administrators to remove harmful content quickly. Can the OSC make the internet a safe
S1E94: Households without wealth can get ‘completely disabled’ by disruption, job loss: IPS’ Mathew Mathews
IPS' Mathew Mathews unpacks why a high salary can't protect you like a wealth buffer can. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. The average wealth held by the top 20% of households stands at $5.3 million. That is 18 times more than the bo
S3E2: Haze and a Godzilla El Nino: How is Singapore preparing?
Singapore is also testing out solutions to tackle heat without air-conditioning. After three years of clear skies, the haze is back in Singapore. One contributor to the pollution is the El Nino weather phenomenon, which causes drier, hotter weather in South-east Asia. This causes fires typical of Indonesia’s agroforestry landscape to burn harder and longer. So how is Singapo
S2E54: 'Spotify can just take it down': A Gen Z collector on why his peers are going analogue, buying CDs
Wired earphones and film cameras: Is retro tech back, or another performative trend? In this episode, we look at how retro analogue items such as wired earphones, film cameras, and Walkmans are making a comeback. Is this here to stay or is it just another performative trend? Join hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann as they chat with Gen Z business owner and CD collector Cody Tong about the psychology behind
S2E90: Beyond Trump-Xi summit: Why Japan and India are wary
Trump's stroking of Xi and talk of a G-2 with China is vexing Asian middle powers Japan and India. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts two experts on geopolitics – Prof Tomohiko Taniguchi, former foreign policy adviser to
S1E114: Will LTA’s proposed changes fix the COE system?
Will COE prices for cars fall if there is just one COE category for cars, with a tiered surcharge or rebate depending on the vehicle’s open market value? These are some changes that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) proposed on Oct 8, as part of a review of the COE system. This comes as the gap between Category A and B premiums has narrowed, making the distinction between mass-market and hi
S1E93: ADHD is not an attention deficit problem: clinical psychologist Ong Mian Li
Classic ADHD stereotypes, like physical hyperactivity, can cause many to be overlooked and turn to maladaptive coping. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. Despite the boom in online conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity dis
S3E1: Singaporeans arguing over land use is good, but ugly extremes must be avoided
Conservationists must make their pro-nature arguments to the mainstream, says ST’s Bhavan Jaipagras. Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. Recent announcements about new developments coming at the expense of nature areas in Singapore have reignited the perennial ‘conserve versus develop’ debate. Suc
S2E53: How much cash is 'enough' and how to invest the rest? An investment expert breaks it down
Invest but keep enough liquidity to help you sleep at night. In this episode, we look into the concept of liquidity. Everyone tells us to invest, but how much is enough and how much should we leave behind for a rainy day? What about saving for BTO and other commitments? Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann speak to guest Bryan Low, Managing Director and Head of International Wealth Management for Singa
S1E113: Ex-RI teacher and sociologist unpack Singapore’s primary school race
Parents have long complained that the education system in Singapore is too stressful for children. To address their concerns, the Ministry of Education has made policy changes over the years, including scrapping PSLE T-scores and removing weighted assessments and examinations at certain levels. But have these measures worked? A recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) showed that par
S2E89: US and China are trying to make nice, says Singapore diplomat
Trump and Xi are nudging the bilateral relationship from confrontation to stability, says Chan Heng Chee. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points. In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Singapore's Ambassador At-Large Chan Heng Chee about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first st
S2E52: They decide your pay, promotion and performance: Should your boss be on your socials?
What are the repercussions of adding your boss and colleagues on social media? In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss the nuances of adding your colleagues and supervisor on social media. While there are benefits to sharing your personal life with them on these platforms, should we also be wary that they might use the information against us? Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Int
S2E88: Could UMNO and PAS reshape Malaysia's next election?
There’s a potential Malay political realignment. Here’s what it means for regional stability and Malaysia’s governance. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia. For our September episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Syaza Shukri, associat
S1E112: Something bigger will have to happen before people take AI safety seriously: AI safety researcher
Will AI eventually be able to kill us, or are AI doomsayers being alarmist? Recently, employees at AI frontier companies like Anthropic and OpenAI have voiced serious concerns - and made doomsday predictions - about the technology getting out of control. What made people pay attention: Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon publicly quit the AI giant in September, writing on X that “the people bui
S1E92: Singapore writer Gwee Li Sui talks Culture Pass credits and what it’ll take to get people to read
Why do Singaporean kids write about winter? Gwee Li Sui on AI, Singlish & why culture cannot be rushed. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. A year after the launch of our Culture Pass credits, take-up rates sit at just 10 per
S2E51: High anxiety, spiking cortisol: it's tough making friends as an adult, is it worth the trouble?
Our friend circles shrink as we get older. How do we deal with it? In this episode, therapist Cao Zhikai shares how we can deal with losing friends as we enter adulthood, and what we can do to combat that feeling of loss. She also shares about the grief of friendship breakups, which don’t often get given enough attention in a society that prioritises romantic relationships. Hosts Kai W
S2E87: Can BRICS challenge the US-led world order?
Donald Trump need not be. BRICS is nowhere near creating an alternative to the US-led world order, says our expert. 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, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Sarang Shidore, the director of the Global South Program at the Quincy I
S1E111: True Fitness closure: Why most members will get $0 back
If you’re a customer with a pre-paid package with a business and it closes, will you ever get your money back? True Fitness and True Yoga customers and employees were left in the lurch last week after the businesses shuttered. Many have unused memberships, packages and services, and members have reported losses of more than $609,000. And it’s not just gyms. Prepayment packages are comm
S1E91: $1b venture capitalist Hian Goh on how Singapore can grow a firm like Apple
It takes a bold mindset to imagine innovations like Creative’s sound card and the iPhone, says a venture capitalist. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. Following a recent parliamentary debate on growing Fortune Global 500 compani
S2E50: Why travelling with friends can lead to meltdowns and broken friendships
Is travelling with friends worth the risk when all hell breaks loose? From disagreements over budget to one person wanting to “travelmax” while another wants to wake up at noon, a trip can become a horror story. In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss whether you should travel with friends and the red flags that can spell disaster instead of a fun holiday. Highlights (click/
S1E110: Singapore ministerial pay debate: Paying top talent competitive salaries is in the ‘soul of the PAP’
Will the increase in ministerial salaries cost the People’s Action Party (PAP) votes at the next General Election? On Sept 8, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that political office-holders will get a one-off pay increase of up to 9 per cent. This will take effect from Oct 15 - an entry-level grade MR4 minister getting the full adjustment will see his annual pay rise from $1.1 million t
S2E86: Nine-year-olds on drugs: Has the world abandoned Myanmar?
An unending conflict and shrinking aid leave Myanmar’s refugees and displaced in increasingly dire circumstances. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, he speaks with the British psychotherapist and aid worker Edward Blakeney on the tr
S1E90: A non-profit chief on why caregivers refuse the rest they need and end up hitting a wall
As Singapore ages, the number of family caregivers is rising, making caregiver respite a key focus. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. The rising number of dementia patients is just the tip of the iceberg. An ageing population, c
S2E49: Singapore stocks have just had their best run in years, are you missing out?
The US market is exciting, but it can also be dangerous for young investors. The US market has been on a tear, but it is also littered with pitfalls for unsuspecting new investors. Should we stock pick or just buy the S&P 500? And what about new IPOs like Space X? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to explore the US market without getting burnt. Her
S1E152: How old are you biologically, and what are you doing about it?
Discover the science of aging and learn about the latest geroscience research aimed at shifting the focus from mere lifespan to healthspan. Synopsis: Once a month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. In the latest Health Check podcast, we examine the burgeoning science of healthspan—the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic disease&mdash
S2E85: Leaving Taiwan after four years: What our correspondent learnt
Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee reflects on her four-year journey in this special farewell episode. 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. After four years of reporting from the frontlines, Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee is hanging up her media pass to embark on a new chapte
S1E109: Lifting of wait out period for private home owners could flood HDB market with cash-rich buyers
If you own a private condominium unit and are looking to downgrade, or a family considering buying a BTO flat, the two recent housing policy changes would have brought some relief. In July, the 15-month wait-out period for private residential property owners who want to buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat was lifted. In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that th
S1E89: My son has autism, he changed how I think about success and significance | MP Denise Phua
Denise Phua raised an autistic son and spent decades championing greater inclusion. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. The Straits Times Deputy Opinion Editor Mubin Saadat sits with Member of Parliament and President of Autism Re
S2E84: Is Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition reaching breaking point before GE16?
With DAP committed to the unity government, can Anwar Ibrahim reform his coalition before the next general election? Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For our August episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Ong Ki
S1E88: Sleep earlier: NUS scientist Dean Ho on the top thing people can do to live longer
An NUS scientist reversed his own biological age after stress-testing his diet, sleep and exercise in a longevity study Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. Strict bedtimes, daily exercise and cutbacks to fat and sugar intake are u
S1E108: Can cash, childcare leave and BTO priority get Singaporeans to have kids? | National Day Rally 2026
If you’ve been thinking about having kids, last night’s National Day Rally might have given you something to rally about. Parents - and those who are considering having children - were the focus of PM Wong’s address on August 23. In a nutshell, parents will get more help: more childcare leave and financial support, along with lower pre-school fees and more ballot chances when buy
S1E107: What the Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks debate showed about policy making and consultation
What kind of involvement do Singaporeans want in policymaking? The Maju Forest-Gillman Barracks issue has seen Singaporeans making their voices heard, offering counter-proposals, and demanding more transparency from the Government. This isn’t the first time Singaporeans have made their views known - remember issues including the Dear You bilingual policy debate, the SimplyGo roll out, and th
S1E87: Lee Kuan Yew arrowed me to face JB Jeyaretnam: Ex-SM S Jayakumar on being in LKY’s Cabinet
The former senior minister unveils the robust Cabinet debates over three defining institutions published in a new book. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. Governing Singapore today is a tough task, made more difficult by frequent compa
S2E48: Pay transparency: what to do after finding out a colleague’s salary is higher than yours
Would you reveal your salary to your colleagues? What to do if you are underpaid? In this episode, ST’s own manpower correspondent Sharon Salim talks about navigating conversations around salary transparency and how being too transparent can affect workplace dynamics. Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss transparency being crucial to benchmarking against peers in the same industry, and whether
S2E83: China’s economy has a big problem: Who will keep buying?
What more should we know now about this country that is central to the global economy and is playing an ever greater role in geopolitics? Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this first-ever joint episode of Asian Insider and Radio Davos, he is joined by
S1E106: Will the new National Library Board campaign get more people to read books?
Would you read regularly if you were paid to do so? The National Library Board (NLB) is hoping that people will develop a consistent reading habit by giving readers virtual coins that can eventually be exchanged for cash. They need to spend at least 15 minutes on the activity each day. But why does the library have to incentivise us to read for fun? What do we lose when we no longer read
S1E86: Dinesh Vasu Dash on Singapore’s dependence on migrant workers
Migrant workers - we discuss the unpaid wage saga and their role in our economy. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. The Straits Times columnist Tan Dawn Wei sits down with Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash to discuss his
S2E82: When Japan's prisons become a safety net for the elderly
Japan's ageing crisis has turned prisons into an unlikely safety net for lonely seniors.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. Japan's prisons are increasingly housing a growing number of elderly inmates, many of whom are repeat offenders convicted of minor crimes. Why would an
S1E105: 2 out of 3 suicide deaths are men, a psychiatrist explains why
Millennials are the generation that changed the conversation around mental health. They normalised mental health talk, encouraged self-care and made going to therapy less taboo. So what caused the 50 per cent jump in suicide deaths among adults in their 30s in 2024? Recently released data from the annual report on registration of births and deaths by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority showe
S1E85: Inside disguised retrenchments: An employment lawyer on how companies force workers out
Retrenchment payouts, mental health claims & the Workplace Fairness Act: How S’pore’s new law rewrites the rules. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. With the landmark Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) set to take full effect
S2E47: Invest in stocks and ETFs because your friend says so? Why friends and finances don’t always mix
Talking to friends about money can be sensitive, here’s how to navigate it. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Friendships may be priceless, but money talk often crops up among friends - who owes who money, choosing dinner locations, trying to budget for travel together. But how c
S1E104: JB-Singapore RTS Link: Singaporeans will spend $1bn more in JB
Will the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link sound the death knell for smaller, home-grown businesses when it opens in a few months? A new study, which was released on July 16, highlighted how Singaporeans are slated to spend $1.05 billion more across the Causeway in 2027. But visitors from the other side aren’t expected to send as much business our
S1E5: Stay-at-home or working mum: Is there ever a right choice?
Mums discuss the trade-offs and rewards of both choices, and why there is no “right” way to be a mother. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. This final episode explores one of the biggest questions mothers face: Stay home with my children, or continue working? From the emotional cost of missing moments with
S2E81: In China, AI is ‘everything, everywhere’. Is there a dark side?
From running marathons to being personalised chefs, robots are redefining life in the future. 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 Greater China bureaus. For July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up with ST’s senior China correspondents Yew Lun Tia
S1E103: Faishal Ibrahim’s exit: Are the PAP’s moral standards turning people away from politics?
It has been quite a week in Singapore politics, with adjustments to the Cabinet line-up and the surprise resignation of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. In this episode, Natasha takes a deep dive into the implications of blooding younger politicians such as Jasmin Lau into the Cabinet and junior ministerial roles now, and if the PAP’s high moral standards will cos
S1E4: Injections at home, workplace smiles: A working mum's IVF reality
Two women share their journeys through IVF, miscarriage and the long road to motherhood Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. This episode explores the difficult journey some women take to become mothers. Around one in six couples in Singapore experience infertility, yet many endure the physical and emotional
S1E84: The surprising reason Singaporeans complain but don’t correct bad public behaviour
While strict laws enforce behaviour, building a gracious society requires mutual trust rather than constant rules. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Singapore seems to be introducing more laws to police everyday behaviour - from tray returns to using mobile phones while driving. But can legislation really make people m
S2E46: 7 jobs in 14 years: A comms director explains why job hopping isn't always bad
Job hopping: Career suicide or a way to learn what works for you? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, Annabel Lim, Business & Reputation Director at communications firm We. Communications shares how she built her career by cycling through 7 full-time jobs. She talks about how ea
S2E80: Why China's economy doesn't add up, according to one economist
The gap between Beijing's stated growth rates and actual economic performance is widening considerably, says expert 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, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Dr Logan Wright, an expert on the Chinese economy. He is based in Washin
S1E102: 1 in 3 employers are hiring contract workers. Are contract jobs the new norm for Singapore grads?
Should young job seekers start their careers with contract roles? With stiff competition for full-time roles, a tight job market and employers being more selective about new permanent hires, perhaps contract roles shouldn’t be off the table. In Singapore, such roles have become more common over the past few years. What can young people do to build their careers? Also, is contract work truly
S1E3: Politician Rahayu Mahzam on mum guilt, screen time, social media algorithms
Mothers today have more advice than ever before. But when does helpful information become overwhelming, and what can we do about it? Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. Social media has become a lifeline for many mothers - offering advice, reassurance and community at the tap of a screen. But what happens when the endl
S1E83: Singapore footpath wars: Why reclaiming car space could solve the PMD and PMA problem
While more car lanes induce congestion, reclaiming road space for micro-mobility would make for a highly efficient transport. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. New rules for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) kicked in on June 1, slashing speeds to 6 km/h and requiring medical certificates to crack down on able-bodied rider
S1E151: What your blood pressure reading misses
Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. For millions of people worldwide living with hypertension, keeping blood pressure numbers in the normal zone is the ultimate goal. But what if that peace of min
S2E79: From BTS to Jeju's sea divers: South Korea's cultural revival
From modern hanboks to Jeju's legendary sea women, discover how South Korea's oldest traditions are finding new life.Synopsis: The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. In this episode, host Li Xueying interviews South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo to explore the modern revival of South Korea's cultural traditions, from th
S1E101: Singapore lawyers are facing bullying and burnout, why hasn’t anything changed in 30 years?
Are Singapore’s lawyers doing ok? The Legal Profession Sustainability Study, which was released on June 23, suggests that lawyers were leaving the profession because of toxic bosses, inflexible court timelines, punishing deadlines and the constant need to be available 24/7. These are just some of the grievances aired in the study, which had 31 in-depth interviews with former judges, legal ac
S1E2: 2 mums on guilt, being the default parent and juggling work
We explore the cost of carrying it all - and how to lighten the load. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. For many mothers, every day is a balancing act: work emails, school messages, and trying to be fully present with their children while an endless mental checklist runs in the background. In this episode, we unpack the fe
S1E82: Can the Lions deliver? SG football’s future, World Cup ambitions & career pathways
Can the Lions unleash the roar in World Cup 2034? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. With the World Cup frenzy gripping nations, the performances of Asian powerhouses and small-population underdogs have sparked a familiar question: What will it take for Singapore to get there? For the first time in a long time, the conv
S2E45: Investing amid volatility: is it all about managing emotions and impulses?
Does buy low, sell high work in today’s volatile market? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Everybody wants to be a Warren Buffett - to buy when the market dips and sell when it soars again. But is this a good investment strategy for everyone? In this episode, ST business correspondent
S2E78: US-India ties in crisis? Why Washington reverted USIndoPacom to USPacom
Trump-Modi friendship was strong, but now US-India ties are strained. What caused the severe turbulence? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, senior columnist Ravi speaks with Prof Sumit Ganguly, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and Director o
S1E1: 'You don't have to do this perfectly to do it well': Working motherhood and mental health
How women navigate careers, caregiving and the expectations that come with both. Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. We begin with a question many quietly ask themselves: Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming even when everyone says it's supposed to be joyful? What happens when mum is depleted, running on empty, and yet s
S1E81: Singapore's lonely seniors: Why the super-aged feel isolated even when living with family
Seniors are increasingly feeling lonely. Learn why preventing elderly loneliness starts in your 20s. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. The shift from open kampungs to closed-door HDB flats has left many Singaporean seniors socially isolated—often feeling invisible even while living with their own families.
S1E100: Were unhappy WP veterans behind the challenge to Pritam Singh?
Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh fobbed off talk that he would face a challenge to his position at the party’s proceedings on June 28. The results from the party’s internal meetings showed that most party members are still very much behind him. What does this mean for the WP, and has the party turned the page on the saga involving Raeesah Khan? In this episode, I chat with Tham
S2E77: Will the Johor polls kill the unity government before GE16?
Johor votes in July – but the real contest is whether Malaysia's unity government survives the campaign trail. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For our June episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Francis
S1E99: Dear You debate: Is it time to relook rules on Chinese dialects?
The Chinese film Dear You, shot almost entirely in Teochew, is not only a box office hit - it has ignited intense debate among Chinese Singaporeans. From film-makers to politicians, many people have weighed in on the authorities’ decision to limit screenings of the Teochew version, and instead have a wider general release for the Mandarin-dubbed version. The Infocomm Media Development Author
S1E80: A focus on one-child couples is an easier baby booster than large families
Targeting one-child couples for a second child is lower-hanging fruit than pushing for a third under the Large Families Scheme, says a researcher. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Stopping at one or two children is such a norm in Singapore that a 'large family' now means having three or more children. This
S2E76: What can be done about the explosion of disinformation?
The menace is everywhere and you can hardly spot it, stop it or punish it. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Singapore recently ordered social media platforms to block access to 14 online posts that target the Indian community, such as by suggesting that Singapore was being overrun by
S1E98: Lure of traffic drives millions of Chinese content creators to target Singapore
Independent content creators in China are making online posts disparaging Singapore, its politicians and minorities.The latter, in particular, has made the authorities here concerned enough to block access to 14 online posts earlier in June, which targeted the Indian community and contained inflammatory narratives about Singapore’s cultural diversity. If the content isn’t sta
S1E79: Deepfakes, $50 intimate photos amid OSC launch
Singapore's new Online Safety Commission (OSC) rolls out to combat cyberbullying, deepfakes, and online harms. But will this law protect victims, or will trolls simply hide in darker corners? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.Imagine discovering that your face and voice have been hijacked, manipulated into a deepfake, a
S2E44: ‘Comedy equals truth and pain’: a clown on taking life less seriously
Are Singaporeans too rigid to be funny? How to take ourselves less seriously to overcome stress. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, theatrical clown and actor Shanice Stanislaus shares with host See Kai Wen about how thinking and acting like a clown can help navigate high-pressure
S2E75: Why Beijing now sets the agenda for US-China ties
Can Trump and Xi’s new ‘constructive’ framework bring stability to the US-China dynamic? Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Wang Xiangwei, the eminent Hongkong-based China scholar and former
S1E78: P1 registration: How did the parent volunteer scheme become an arms race?
The scheme was meant to build closer ties between parents and schools. Has it achieved its intended purpose, or outlived its usefulness? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Would you volunteer your time and effort to get your child into a primary school of your choice? For many parents, it’s a no-brainer - ev
S1E150: Palliative care is for living, not just dying: Talk about it sooner
Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National University Hospital recently launched a new initiative called A Kinder ICU that is supported by a 3.93 million grant from the Lien Foundation. The aim is to integrate palliative care into s
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