Deep Dive
Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack Singapore news. Listen in as they take a deep dive into hot button issues that matter so that you are always in the know.
Episodes
Are educators, fresh graduates and employers aligned on AI?
From 2027, all tertiary and ITE students will be taught AI skills relevant to their courses. But AI is already transforming classrooms and workplaces today, even as educators and employers scramble to keep pace. How can today's graduates stand out and prove they're AI-ready? Steven Chia speaks with Nanyang Technological University lecturer Ian Tan and university student Susan Khoo to discuss the g
Singlish is thriving, but it's also changing. What does that mean for Singaporean identity?
A recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies found a growing acceptance of Singlish among Singaporeans, with many viewing it as an important part of national identity that is worth preserving. But like any living language, Singlish is constantly evolving, shaped by new generations and changing ways of speaking. Does this signal a shift in what it means to be Singaporean? Steven Chia speaks w
Flash sales and countdown timers keep you buying - can we outsmart these tactics?
Three online retailers were recently flagged for using misleading marketing tactics known as “dark patterns” such as fake countdown timers or low-stock alerts designed to create a sense of urgency among shoppers. But when these nudges cross the line to become unethical or even fraudulent, how do we maintain a safe shopping environment? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Professo
Why some Singaporeans are saying no to having children
Singapore's falling fertility rate is now framed as a national problem to solve. But for a growing number of couples, having children simply isn’t part of their plans. How have our attitudes towards parenthood changed and what does the rise of the "dual income, no kids" or DINK lifestyle say about the country's future? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Al
Singapore's 'red line' on Strait of Hormuz is about survival and sovereignty: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
As the conflict in the Middle East drags on, Singapore along with the rest of the world, is feeling the strain: rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains and deepening uncertainty. Singapore has long prided itself on being principled, following the rules of the global order. But in a changing new world, how long can a small nation hold that line? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Minister of
AI companions and chatbots: Friend or foe?
Relationships are being redefined with AI chatbots on the rise. These digital companions are always available, always agreeable - but at what cost? And with the younger generation growing up as AI natives, how will this affect their ability to communicate and form relationships with another human? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Swapna Verma from the Institute of Ment
Why are younger workers leaving stable careers just a few years in?
Employees in Singapore are prioritising work-life balance over pay and benefits, and younger workers are switching careers fast. With attitudes toward work shifting, how can companies and workers close the expectation gap? In a post-COVID world shaped by AI, the challenge is clear: how do we maximise talent, find meaningful jobs while staying competitive? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chi
The good and the bad of online reviews - and how to read them
A restaurant recently faced a barrage of negative reviews which affected its Google rating. It sparked a conversation on how we leave and read online reviews. Are we too quick to criticise from behind our screens? And as consumers, are we able to tell the difference between thoughtful feedback and unfair criticisms? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Elmie Nekmat from the National Univer
War on Iran: The hidden costs for Singapore - and best/worst case scenarios
Countries are feeling the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, some bearing the brunt more than others. Are rising food and fuel prices only the tip of the iceberg? What is the hidden fallout we should be watching out for? Is there a silver lining for Singapore in this crisis? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Denise Che
Impact of some businesses moving out of Singapore - and what it means for jobs
Homegrown companies like Yeo's and Tiger Beer maker Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore are shifting their operations to neighbouring countries and some jobs will be cut as part of the move. What does this signal about Singapore’s competitiveness in the region and what other jobs do we want to create? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Karen Teo, country manager for recruitment firm Quess S
Beverage container return scheme: Will 10 cents change how we recycle?
With Singapore's beverage container return scheme (BCRS) now underway, the next few months will test how well consumers, retailers and producers adapt to the new refundable deposit system. Will a 10-cent refund be enough to change recycling habits, or will convenience and confusion get in the way? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Stephanie Yip, chief executive officer of scheme operator BCRS
Singapore's restaurant closures: Why is it closing time for some in the F&B scene?
Running a business in Singapore is no easy feat, especially in the fiercely competitive F&B scene. For every outlet that closes, another quickly steps in. But does this constant churn signal a thriving industry or does it point to a growing challenge for local entrepreneurs competing against well-funded foreign players? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia speaks with co-founder of The
Raise kids who can use AI, not rely on it: Janil Puthucheary
AI is already transforming the classroom by reshaping the way students learn and teachers teach. But as AI becomes more powerful, how do we protect space for original thought and creative thinking? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary to unpack AI's role in the classroom, and how the recent merger of SkillsFuture and Workforce Singapore
Singapore's fuel stockpile for electricity 'enough to last for months' in a crisis: Tan See Leng
The war in Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, leaving nations scrambling to secure their oil and gas reserves. For Singapore - which generates 95% of its electricity using imported natural gas - the timing couldn't be more critical. In the race to become an AI hub, our power demands are skyrocketing. How do we keep the lights on and feed our AI ambitions without derailing our
Crow shooting and wildlife control: How can we co-exist better?
Crow shooting is set to resume after an increasing number of reported crow attacks, highlighting the ongoing tension between humans and wildlife. If Singapore wants to be a City in Nature, what needs to change so that people and animals can co-exist peacefully? Tiffany Ang and Steven Chia unpack the issue with Soh Ze Bin from the National Parks Board and Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan from ACRES in this
War on Iran: Trump's goals and what's at stake
The joint attack against Iran by the United States and Israel has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and the rest of the world. Why did they decide on military action and how is Iran going to respond? How could the war impact the global economy? Tiffany Ang speaks with Dr Jean-Loup Samaan from the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore and Eddy Loh from Maybank
Supermarket plastic bag charge: Why public trust matters in Singapore's sustainability push
Where does your five-cent plastic bag charge actually go? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack Singapore's supermarket carrier bag fee after reports that some retailers used the proceeds for business operations. Cheang Kok Chung from the Singapore Environment Council and Professor Lawrence Loh from NUS Business School join this week’s Deep Dive podcast to talk about what "green" spending shoul
Budget 2026: ‘We are all at the starting line’ – Minister Jeffrey Siow on Singapore’s AI journey
This year’s Budget placed a strong emphasis on jobs and AI, with the government identifying key sectors to propel the economy forward. But can workers keep pace with the shifting dynamics? In this week’s Deep Dive, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow sits down with Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang to discuss preparing Singaporeans fo
Budget 2026: The big push for AI and jobs in a changing world
Jobs and AI took centre stage in this year’s Budget, with the government committing significant resources to ensure no Singaporean is left behind. What are the concrete steps to propel Singapore forward and can they help build a truly “we first” society? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences
Budget 2026 wish-list: Job opportunities for fresh graduates and AI for everyone
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will deliver his speech for Budget 2026 on Feb 12, addressing key concerns from cost of living to remaining competitive in a tough labour market. In this week's Deep Dive episode, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with final-year undergraduate Shaza Daliela Rahmat and business owner Beatrice Liu to discuss their hopes for this year’s B
Living next door to conflict: Finding a way out of neighbour disputes
Living in a high-density society like Singapore makes friction with neighbours almost unavoidable. But with more than 90,000 noise complaints reported in the past three years, it raises the question: Are we becoming bad neighbours or are we less tolerant now? What can we do when misunderstandings and inconveniences turn into disputes that require mediation or legal action? Steven Chia and Tiffany
Will the Workers’ Party take up PM Wong's offer to name new Leader of the Opposition?
Following Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh’s removal as the Leader of the Opposition, the nation now waits to see whether a new nominee will step into the role. In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University and independent political observer Dr Felix Tan to unpack whether the role of Leader o
Why aren't more Singaporeans using their SkillsFuture credit?
Lack of time, too many courses to choose from and a difficult to navigate website – these are some of the reasons why Singaporeans are not using up their SkillsFuture credits to upskill. But with lifelong learning now a national push to keep workers relevant and employable, is there a “right” or “wrong” way to use our SkillsFuture credits? Steven Chia and Ti
US seizure of Venezuela's president: What it means for smaller countries like Singapore
US military strikes on Venezuela and the dramatic seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have sparked international outrage and discussions about a new global order. Where does this leave countries like Singapore? In this Deep Dive episode, Tiffany Ang speaks with Professor Joseph Liow of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Kevin Chen from the S. Rajarat
Best of: Students using AI - cheating or smarter learning?
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) accused three students of academic fraud this year, saying that they used generative AI tools in their assignments. What are the limitations around AI use, when does it cross the line and is it time to rethink the way assignments are designed and assessed? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate Professor Ben Leong, director of the AI Centre f
Best of: Silent expectations and fatal outcomes - the suicide risk men face
Singapore reported 314 suicides in 2024, with the sharpest increase among adults aged 30 to 39. Nearly two-thirds were men. What pressures do these groups face? And what are the warning signs? Otelli Edwards and Steven Chia speak with Dr Jared Ng, a psychiatrist and the former chief of emergency and crisis care at the Institute of Mental Health, and Eugene Chong, counselling psychologist at Seedin
Best of: Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point?
Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work?Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ethan Hsu, head of retail at Kni
Best of: More elderly Singaporeans are living alone – should we be concerned?
The number of elderly Singaporeans living alone has doubled in the past decade. With Singapore on the cusp of becoming a “super-aged” society, the numbers will only climb further. While support systems exist, are they enough when an elderly person needs urgent medical help or even just someone to talk to? Steven Chia speaks with Karen Wee, executive director of Lions Befrienders, and D
New Lions head coach Gavin Lee lays out national football plan
After Singapore beat Hong Kong to qualify for the Asian Cup, interim head coach Gavin Lee was handed the top job, with a mammoth task – to turn Singapore football around. He reveals how he's staking his 18-month contract on a bold strategy to strengthen the Lions. Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak to him about how he measures success on the football field and how challenging better national
Should Singapore introduce penalties for companies that mishandle layoffs?
When local bakery chain Twelve Cupcakes abruptly announced that they were closing and going into liquidation, about 80 employees were suddenly left jobless. Can more be done to strengthen Singapore’s employment laws without hurting our competitive edge? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Patrick Tay, assistant secretary-general of NTUC and Amarjit Kaur, head o
Primary 1 registration: Can we stop parents from gaming the system?
A mother was recently sentenced to jail for faking her home address to get her child into a primary school, raising the question - just how far will parents go to secure a spot in their school of choice and how can we tighten the process? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack the pressures some parents face with Primary 1 registration with Junda Ong, founder of SG Schooling and Assistant Professor Ja
With new 2035 targets, can Singapore farm its way to improved food security?
Singapore has revised its ambitious "30 by 30" goal, now aiming to produce 20 per cent of its fibre needs and 30 per cent of its protein requirements by 2035. But with high costs, limited land and a small farming base, how realistic are these farming targets? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack what it’ll take to build a resilient food supply chain and get Singaporeans to buy local
Do parents hold the key to their kids being comfortable with mother tongue languages?
With English dominating daily life in Singapore, some parents say they lack the confidence or motivation to speak and teach their mother tongue at home. So how can we help children appreciate and learn their mother tongue languages — and can we see them as more than just another school subject? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Tan Ee Ling, owner of Shiawase Books and Hayati Abdul
Megan Khung’s fatal abuse case: How can we better protect vulnerable children?
An independent review panel into the death of 4-year-old Megan Khung revealed multiple lapses and shortcomings across agencies. The findings cited a “lack of clear understanding and communication” among officers, child protection specialists and social workers. What must change to strengthen the child protection sector? How can society as a whole prevent another tragedy like Megan&rsqu
Teaching is planning, grading, caring and everything in between
A recent survey showed that teachers in Singapore work longer hours and grapple with more stress than their global peers. Besides teaching, they also plan learning journeys and school events, break up arguments and counsel students, and sometimes field after-hours messages from parents. Steven Chia speaks to former teacher Heidi Tan and Associate Professor Jason Tan from the National Institute of
More isn’t necessarily better when it comes to private health insurance: Ong Ye Kung
Insurance riders that cover nearly all private hospital bills have created a situation where patients go for tests they may not need, insurers lose money and premiums spiral upward. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung tells Steven Chia how the government is looking into setting benchmarks for private hospital charges - similar to what has been done for surgeon fees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Are central kitchens the future of school meals?
Thirteen primary and secondary schools will adopt a central kitchen model from January 2026, in a move aimed at addressing a shortage of canteen stall operators. What does this mean for students? And what parts of the traditional recess experience might get left behind? Steven Chia speaks to school canteen stall owner Rayner Tan and Ben Airey of Victus
Why MRT disruptions feel extra frustrating and what can a new task force do?
In just the last few months, Singapore has seen at least 15 disruptions to the rail network. At the same time, rail reliability according to a key measure is at its lowest point since 2020. Is it time for the authorities to rethink the way they measure our network's reliability and find new connectivity solutions when the when train services are down? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia sp
Are incels a growing concern for Singapore?
A 14-year-old student was recently issued a restriction order after being self-radicalised by a “salad bar” of extremist ideologies. The boy also identified as an incel, short for "involuntary celibate" - a subculture of mostly men who believe that they are unable to find a romantic partner. How did the incel culture take root and what conversations should we have with youths before th
Is there a space and noise solution for the pickleball boom?
Pickleball is catching on fast in Singapore, but complaints over noise and space are growing just as quickly. In land-scarce Singapore, how much room is there for a new sport? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ganesh Ramalingam, founder of the Pickleball Social Crew and Assistant Professor Tan Shin Bin from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Licensing live shows and navigating comedy in Singapore
US comedian Sammy Obeid says his show in Singapore was cancelled because of censorship. Authorities say it was because of a late licence application. How does arts entertainment licensing really work, especially for unscripted formats like stand-up comedy? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with local veteran entertainer Kumar and Heazry Salim, co-founder of The Comedy Club Asia, about the rules
How to have real conversations with young people about vaping
With authorities cracking down on vaping and drug-laced Kpods, parents are struggling to have conversations with children who may think that vaping is not a big deal. How can families navigate this when young people are coping with message fatigue and peer pressure? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards get insights from Cherie Tseng, a mother of three, and Alvin Seng, a counsellor from We Care.See omnys
How to parent when screens are everywhere?
In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on parents to be more mindful about their children's screen use and online behaviour. But with no clear playbook for parents on how to raise kids to thrive in an age of AI, how can the government and society step in to help? Steven Chia speaks with Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and mother-of-two
What does BlueSG’s pause mean for car-sharing in Singapore?
BlueSG’s abrupt decision to suspend its car-sharing service has surprised both customers and industry experts. What does this mean for Singapore’s car-lite ambitions? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with GetGo co-founder Toh Ting Feng and Dr Samuel Chng from the Singapore University of Technology and Design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What will it take to revitalise Singapore's nightlife?
With extended liquor hours and plans to allow new nightlife venues, authorities are trying to inject more life into the city’s after-dark scene around the Boat Quay, Upper Circular Road and Clarke Quay areas. But with rising costs and customers who want experiences and not just alcoholic drinks on their nights out, will these initiatives be enough to bring back the crowds? Steven Chia and Ot
AI and terrorism: What safeguards should be in place to stop self-radicalised youths?
A recent Internal Security Department report warns of an increasing risk in extremist ideologies in Singapore, with AI now as a powerful enabler. How is AI changing the radicalisation process and what can be done to combat this? Steven Chia sits down with Kenneth Yeo from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Associate Professor Razwana Begum from the Singapore University of Social
As scammers adapt and evolve, how can technology keep up?
Singaporeans lost a record S$1.1 billion to scams in 2024 - with a majority of victims under the age of 50. As scammers get smarter and more sophisticated, can technology keep up or will it always be one step behind? In this week’s Deep Dive, Li Hongyi and Hygin Prasad Fernandez from Open Government Products talk to Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards about whether it’s possible at all to o
Will going underground and climate change cause more sinkholes?
When footage of a woman and her car plunging into a sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road went viral, it raised questions on whether Singapore is susceptible to more sinkholes. With underground construction expanding and climate change reshaping our environment, what are engineers doing to keep our ground stable? Otelli Edwards speaks to David Ng at the Institution of Engineers Singapore and Dr Stephen
Silent expectations and fatal outcomes: The suicide risk men face
Singapore reported 314 suicides in 2024, with the sharpest increase among adults aged 30 to 39. Nearly two-thirds were men. What pressures do these groups face? And what are the warning signs? Otelli Edwards and Steven Chia speak with Dr Jared Ng, a psychiatrist and the former chief of emergency and crisis care at the Institute of Mental Health, and Eugene Chong, counselling psychologist at Seedin
More elderly Singaporeans are living alone – should we be concerned?
The number of elderly Singaporeans living alone has doubled in the past decade. With Singapore on the cusp of becoming a “super-aged” society, the numbers will only climb further. While support systems exist, are they enough when an elderly person needs urgent medical help or even just someone to talk to? Steven Chia speaks with Karen Wee, executive director of Lions Befrienders, and D
Certis sick leave policy raises tough questions on employer-employee trust
Certis came under scrutiny recently for a controversial policy requiring officers on medical leave to share their “live” location if they were not at home. While the company has since rolled back the mandate, the debate over workplace sick leave policies continues. How far should companies go to prevent abuse of the system and where does trust fit in? Steven Chia speaks with Hao Shuo,
Students using AI: Cheating or smarter learning?
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) recently accused three students of academic fraud, saying that they used generative AI tools in their assignments. What are the limitations around AI use, when does it cross the line and is it time to rethink the way assignments are designed and assessed? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate Professor Ben Leong, director
Great Eastern suspends Mount Elizabeth pre-authorisation - time to relook how health insurance is managed?
When insurer Great Eastern suspended pre-authorisation for admission to Mount Elizabeth hospitals, it raised questions about the way health insurance is managed in Singapore. With increased medical bills and insurance premiums, who is paying for what and where are the gaps? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate Professor Jeremy Lim of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Dr Yoon
Jetstar Asia closure: Are the days of cheap fares over?
Jetstar Asia will cease operations on Jul 31, a move unsurprising to experts because the low-cost carrier was struggling to turn a profit in a tough aviation market. Otelli Edwards speaks to Shukor Yusof from aviation consultancy Endau Analytics and Dr Nitin Pangarkar from NUS Business School to find out what the future holds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Singapore's electric vehicle infrastructure catching up with demand?
Electric vehicle sales hit a new high in the first three months of 2025, accounting for 40 per cent of total car registrations. Yet concerns about charging networks and capacity remain. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with transport economist Walter Theseira and Stephanie Tan, CEO of EV-Electric Charging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Calling 995? You may be rerouted to the NurseFirst helpline instead – here’s how it works
Non-life-threatening 995 calls will be directed to NurseFirst, a triage helpline, under a six-month nationwide trial aimed at easing the burden on emergency services. How exactly does it work, and will the public adapt? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards find out from Col Dr David Pflug, chief medical officer of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Dr Jade Kua, clinical lead for the NurseFirst helpli
Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point?
Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap recently announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ethan Hsu, head of ret
Cabinet reshuffle: No big surprises but key moves to align the ministries under PM Wong’s 4G team
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his Cabinet and one surprise was the lack of a second deputy prime minister. Instead, the new Cabinet includes three coordinating ministers. What does that signal? And will there be more changes to come? Steven Chia speaks to independent political observer Dr Felix Tan and Dr Elvin Ong of the National University of Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
GE2025: Are independent candidates a new force to be reckoned with?
For the first time in 53 years, an independent candidate received more than 35 per cent of vote share, performing better than some smaller opposition parties. Jeremy Tan, who ran in Mountbatten SMC, and Darryl Lo who contested in Radin Mas SMC, join Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards to talk about lessons learnt from their campaigning and their future after GE2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for priva
GE2025 results: A closer look at the strong PAP mandate and the opposition strategy
Voters gave the People's Action Party and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a clear mandate in GE2025. What accounted for the result and why couldn't the opposition parties make good on gains from the last election? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.See omnystudio
WP's Jasper Kuan on the 3-hour chat with former chief Low Thia Khiang that convinced him to run for GE2025
East Coast GRC candidate for the Workers’ Party Jasper Kuan admits this may not be the right “season” for him to jump into politics because of his three young children. But he tells Steven Chia how a three-hour conversation with Low Thia Khiang changed his mind and why as a former Gifted Education Programme teacher, he believes the education system needs structural changes.See om
GE2025: PAP’s Elysa Chen on being 'kicked into politics' and overcoming imposter syndrome
Politics was never part of Elysa Chen’s plan, who used to think of the PAP as “paternalistic” and “out of touch”. But one tea session with the PAP led to another, and now, the party’s new face is standing in GE2025. She tells Steven Chia on the Deep Dive podcast why contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC feels like a “homecoming”.See omnystudio.com/liste
GE2025: PSP's Stephanie Tan on making the leap from homemaker to political candidate
After years of being a lawyer, Stephanie Tan became a stay-at-home mum to care for her two daughters. She has used her experience in law to help the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) with their parliamentary work over the last two years. Now a first-time candidate contesting Pioneer SMC, Stephanie tells Otelli Edwards how party chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock inspired her to join politics and ho
GE2025: PAP's Jasmin Lau on saying 'yes' to politics but staying true to herself
PAP new face Jasmin Lau, who is contesting in Ang Mo Kio GRC, went from government scholar to rising up the ranks in the civil service. She tells Otelli Edwards on this special series of the Deep Dive podcast how she copes with self-doubt and why she said yes to entering politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GE2025: WP's Ong Lue Ping on stepping down from senior leadership at work to join the opposition
When he decided to be actively involved as a Workers’ Party candidate, Dr Ong Lue Ping, a senior principal child psychologist, decided to move out of a director position at the Institute of Mental Health. The WP candidate for Tampines GRC tells Steven Chia why staying could present a conflict of interest and what prompted him to join the opposition party.See omnystudio.com/listener for
GE2025: PAP's Dinesh Vasu Dash on how a pivotal turning point in his career led him to politics
He took a significant pay cut and declined a private sector job to join the Health Ministry to fight the pandemic. Now Dinesh Vasu Dash is running on the PAP ticket as the new face contesting in East Coast GRC in what he describes as a journey with "too many points of twists and turns". He tells Otelli Edwards on this special series of the Deep Dive podcast what he has learnt from working with sen
GE2025: Breaking down Nomination Day and its surprises
A last minute move to a brand new GRC, a rare walkover and a four-cornered fight. Steven Chia speaks to SMU Law professor Eugene Tan and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to get some perspective on the state of play of GE2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The dangers of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases
The former vice-president of the Law Society Chia Boon Teck resigned after he was heavily criticised for his comments about a rape victim. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Mark Yeo, director at Fortress Law Corporation and Sugidha Nithiananthan, director of advocacy and research at AWARE, about the dangers of victim-blaming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How will Trump’s tariffs affect jobs, wages and prices in Singapore?
The sweeping Trump tariffs are a signal that a new world order is taking shape and one that may affect wages and jobs in Singapore. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing tells Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards what the government plans to do and why he doesn't lose sleep over things he cannot control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tackling inequality is not just down to more government aid: Masagos Zulkifli
There are still families stuck in an intergenerational cycle of poverty and while the government can provide essential safety nets, real sustained change can only happen when society pitches in too, says Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli. Mr Masagos and senior social worker at Care Corner, Flora Tan, join Crispina Robert for a discussion on tackling poverty in Singapore.S
Singapore's hawker culture can thrive but we need to embrace that it is evolving, says Grace Fu
With S$1 billion set aside for upgrades and new hawker centres over the coming decades, the Singapore government is tackling issues ranging from infrastructure and hygiene to keep the trade alive. Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu tells Steven Chia and Crispina Robert why she's optimistic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Changes to JC admission not meant to increase competition or stress: Chan Chun Sing
From 2028, students who want to go to a junior college will only need a total of five subjects instead of six. The change is meant to ease academic load but whether it reduces stress for students and parents remains to be seen. Singapore's Education Minister Chan Chun Sing sits down with Steven Chia and Crispina Robert to unpack the changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Singapore cinemas survive the onslaught of streaming services?
Some cinemas which have existed for decades have shut as some people prefer to watch films at home. Can the experience of watching a movie on the big screen be saved? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert discuss with Karen Tan, co-founder of The Projector and Ben Slater, senior lecturer at NTU’s School of Art, Design and Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Budget 2025 help for larger families is neither reward nor incentive: Indranee Rajah
The government is providing more resources in this year’s Budget for parents who choose to have three or more children. Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah sits down with Steven Chia and Crispina Robert to talk about families, jobs and what ideal ageing looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Budget 2025 is more than just an election budget
A bigger tranche of vouchers, more generous rebates and more investments in the local workforce were some of the hallmarks of Budget 2025. Professor Emeritus of Finance at Singapore Management University Annie Koh and Assistant Professor Chua Yeow Hwee from Nanyang Technological University tell Steven Chia and Crispina Robert why the “budget goodies” are not just about the upcoming ele
Budget 2025 wishlist: Tackling cost of living, jobs and family is a delicate balancing act
It’s an SG60 Budget in an election year with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong set to lay some priorities for this year. What could be on the list? Business owner Pulse Tan, parent of two and elderly caregiver Serene Chew, and labour economist Walter Theseira give their take in a conversation with Steven Chia and Crispina Robert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
DeepSeek: What difference will cheaper AI make?
An AI model developed by a little-known Chinese hedge fund that reportedly rivals OpenAI's ChatGPT at a significantly lower cost has triggered a deep “freak out” among the global tech industry. Why was there a big reaction to DeepSeek and what are the implications for Singapore? Dr Leslie Teo, senior director of AI products at AI Singapore and Jianggan Li, founder and CEO of ventu
Why is animal cruelty on the rise in Singapore?
In the latest SPCA data, the number of confirmed animal cruelty and welfare cases in Singapore reached its highest point in 2024. What’s driving these numbers? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert find out from Samantha Chia, owner of ChubbyBuddy Cats and Sabrina Ng, communications and advocacy manager at SPCA Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone be a success?
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will sit on an area four times the size of Singapore, with nine zones covering everything from manufacturing to financial services. What are the opportunities and challenges of this ambitious agreement? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research in Singapore and regional head of financials at Maybank Investment Banking
If banning social media for teens under 16 won't work, what else will?
Australia passed a law last year banning children under 16 from accessing social media, a move seen as challenging to implement. Singapore is also considering ways to protect children from harms of excessive use on social media platforms. But how realistic is this? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Nikki Yeo, a Gen Z and CNA TODAY journalist, and Alvin Seng, an addictions counse
