Headstart On Record
Headstart On Record is a personal finance, career and lifestyle podcast from The Straits Times, Singapore's national newspaper. Published every first and third Monday of the month, each episode offers practical guidance on managing money, growing a career and improving everyday life. The show is hosted by journalists Sue-Ann Tan and See Kai Wen, with production and editing by Amirul Karim and executive production by Elizabeth Law. It is a Straits Times production under SPH Media.
Episodes
S2E52: Why it's hard saying no to your boss' Instagram follow request
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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
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
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
S2E43: Will the AI bubble burst? We break down if tech is still worth investing in
Tech still holds long-term promise but choose companies carefully based on their fundamentals. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Talk of an AI bubble has been brewing for some time, with many asking when it will burst. But young investors still want to get in on the tech wave and buy into a
S2E42: Feel like you are not good enough? Here’s what you can do
Feel like you are not enough? Learn how to become your ideal self by acting as if you already are. 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, Singapore theatre actor and musician Andrew Marko shares with host See Kai Wen about how the “Act As If” theory relates to his self-grow
S2E41: Singapore's Les Miserables star Nathania Ong on what it cost to chase her dreams
Surviving on vibes and hard work? What it's like working as a freelance artist overseas. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. How does a Singaporean make her way onto London’s glittering West End? Nathania Ong made her mark by playing well-loved characters like Eponine in Les Miserables and Eli
S2E40: Sing Song Social Club founder Aarika Lee on the magic of community
Get a peek into the workings of the viral community choir and unpack the importance of finding your tribe. 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, Singaporean musician Aarika Lee tells host See Kai Wen her inspiration and journey in starting the viral community choir Sing Song Social Cl
S2E39: Should I buy silver?
Is silver a safe haven for investors like gold and will its price rise due to war? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Silver has had some exciting days, especially when the price of silver skyrocketed in 2025. However, there has been a pullback in early 2026. So how does silver compare to gol
S1E38: Quah Ting Wen on her infinite mindset and when she’ll stop competing
Veteran national swimmer Quah Ting Wen discusses finding her own joy in swimming. 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, ST video journalist See Kai Wen hosts national swimmer Quah Ting Wen, who tells him how American figure skating Olympic champion Alysa Liu’s infinite mindset i
S2E37: Are you overinsured? Here's how to review your policies
How much coverage is too much? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. The question people always have when buying insurance is: how much? And not just how much it costs, but how much is enough? How can you tell if you have too much insurance? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan
S2E36: Top 3 things in Budget 2026 for young people
This year's Budget spotlights more ways to invest your CPF and how to deal with AI. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Another year and another Budget speech, with goodies given out by PM Lawrence Wong. But is the Budget just about CDC vouchers and subsidies? What exactly is in it for young p
S2E35: Investing in stocks or stuff?
Is it better to buy stocks or invest in tangible things? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Logan Paul’s Pokemon card has gone for over US$1 million. But do physical items and collections really help your money to grow? How do Pokemon cards, Labubus and Marvel figurines measure alongside trad
S2E33: How to invest in 2026
Tech stocks still shine, but beware the bubble. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. 2025 has been a turbulent year, and 2026 will also be marked by uncertainty. So amid such global turmoil, what should we invest in? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to grow your money in 2
S2E34: Being kinder to yourself during job changes
Learn how to better reconcile the mixed feelings that come with work transitions. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It seems like one of life’s cruel ironies. Do well, and go far together in a bonded team, and yet further progression may require you to move on elsewhere. If this is a familiar
S2E31: Should you buy gold now?
Gold prices have soared in 2025 but here are things to consider before buying your first gold bar. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Gold has never looked shinier, especially as a safe haven in a volatile world. It reached highs when things were the most volatile, with Trump’s tariffs and the
S2E32: How a young entrepreneur’s own business helped her discover new career
She shares why and how she is moving on from a student business she co-founded. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Imagine starting a business after finishing your A-level exams, and then growing that business from strength to strength with two outlets in the heart of town within five years alongside your
S2E30: Budgeting for three holidays in 2026
More holidays a year sounds great but ensure they stay within budget by using these hacks. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Instead of saving for a home, young people are now saving for travel and leisure. Over half of young workers said saving for trips is among their top financial goals, a survey show
S2E29: Will AI steal your lunch? What Singapore workers need to know
Find out how to choose the right employers, training and career paths to ride the wave. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. We are in the thick of it. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken root in our personal and professional lives, and is set to reshape society even more. How best to set ou
S2E28: How platform work can support young talent
Platform work can expand employment options and opportunities, but only with careful regulation. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Digital platform work has become a fixture of Singapore society, with a contingent of almost 70,000 plying their trade, mostly in ride-hailing or food delivery. In a special
S2E27: Should you invest your CPF?
Investing your CPF might be exciting, but ensure you have enough too for housing and retirement. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Retirement seems like ages away for a young person, and the CPF that accumulates can feel like money just sitting in a fund. But what can we use CPF for? And shou
S2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive
Find out how to discern the hallmarks of employers who do well. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Richard Cooper, business leader for benefits for Mercer Marsh Benefits in Singapore. Mr Cooper advises organisations on how to design healthcare benefits,
S2E25: Good investing: Don't time the market, play the long game
Investing should not be about timing the market, but growing money over the long term. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Day trading is exciting - all the watching of stock movements and trying to buy low, sell high. But experts often say, hold for the long term, and use the benefit of compounding.
S2E24: Hospitality jobs: A place for ex-kindergarten teachers or illustrators?
Why this sector also has back-of-house roles that call for talents from all walks of life. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Find out why job seekers should not just think of front-facing guest roles in this sector, as host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Ms Adeline Phua, managing lyf partner
S2E23: Side hustles: How to get into it now and responsibly
Working a full-time job but having a side-hustle is gaining traction among young people or students. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Side hustles are becoming more common, with people opening weekend cafes, selling coffee or doing other jobs besides their full-time work. But are side hustles for
S2E22: Fending off procrastination: How to get started
We put off work because work, for some reason, puts us off. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Procrastination: The frustratingly human tendency to postpone work we can and should get started on earlier. It may seem tempting to berate ourselves for being lazy, unmotivated or disorganised. Instead, pr
S2E21: What kind of insurance should young adults buy?
Hospitalisation and critical illness insurance are vital, but beware of being upsold or paying too much for premiums. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. What do young people need to know when buying their first insurance package? Insurance is an essential part of “adulting”, but it can be daun
S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts
Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopoliti
S2E20: Forging careers at all ages, for all seasons
Find out how developing crucial career skills can help you triumph over times of turmoil. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Developing a vibrant, resilient career in this age will require consistent effort to make deeper and more frequent changes. Mastering what we do in the here and now, does not
S2E19: How to prepare to inherit a family business
Gaining exposure, cultural conflictions and intergenerational discussions are all part of the road to inheriting a family business. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Family businesses have been in the spotlight, after the CDL saga that saw father and son in a tussle for control over one of Singapore&rsqu
S2E18: Can you earn a living on a skilled trade?
An entrepreneur shares his hard-earned lessons on working with one’s hands. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. For much of human history, manual work and the skilled trades have been the default way to earn your keep. Even in a small, advanced economy such as Singapore, there remains a need for this
S2E17: In your 20s? Why it’s never too early to prepare for retirement
Three students in their early 20s tell us how they're approaching this. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Retirement used to be a word for middle-aged workers, perhaps as they started to think of how to lay up enough savings to enjoy their twilight years. But with movements like Fire - also known a
S2E16: Will working in the office 5 days a week return?
Recent high-profile office return mandates belie a broader availability of flexi-work options from more firms. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Those of us who are humming along at a comfortable rhythm with hybrid work might have watched with worry recent developments of major firms insisting on five da
S2E15: Should I do a master’s?
A master's can help you get ahead in your career, but consider the expenses involved carefully too. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It’s a question that comes up in our 20s and 30s - if we need additional educational qualifications to give us a leg up in our careers. But how do you decide w
S2E14: To enter the workforce with a diploma or not?
Major shifts in the job market and employer practices make for more options but tougher decisions too. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Singapore’s tertiary education system has been shaken up in recent years, with polytechnics and universities among those seeing major changes. These include appre
S2E13: What’s in the budget for me?
CDC vouchers are welcome, but young people also want more housing, jobs and childcare help. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Budget 2025 has come and gone - the time we Singaporeans look for some free money and vouchers. This year, a big theme was around helping to alleviate the cost of living esp
S2E12: Hitting the ground running for the first job
An expert shows how fresh entrants to the workforce can gain the prior experience employers increasingly seek. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It seems paradoxical for prospective employers to seek prior experience even for entry-level roles. This reflects the rising bar expected of fresh entrants to
S2E11: How to pick good stocks in 2025
Do your homework and hold for the long term - these are among expert tips for stock picking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. There are so many different methods to invest these days - from buying roboportfolios, to exchange traded funds or index funds benchmarked to certain indices. But there are also
S2E10: Neurodivergence: Not merely a “superpower”
Conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, as well as the ways one lives with these conditions, can provide fresh ways of thinking. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Neurodivergence: A big word, but one imbued with the simple promise of progress. It means to recognise that brains may be wired differen
S2E9: How to start a start-up in your 20s
A young start-up founder talks about quitting his job to take the path less trodden, and discuss with DBS the ingredients for success. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Gen Zs are embracing the entrepreneurial life. Instead of working for someone, they want to start their own companies, sometimes fresh o
S2E8: What is it like being a young boss?
Good leadership that inspires confidence cuts across age. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It isn’t possible to draw lines along age, tenure, skill and leadership in the working world as neatly as previously. The image of top leaders has expanded beyond the notion of someone assuming their position afte
S1E7: How do we spend less but still travel well?
Two avid travellers reveal their top hacks, where to sit on the plane and how to cut the budget while having fun. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Singaporeans love to travel. In a survey, people said one overseas trip a year is essential. But how do we travel well while still maintaining our budgets? W
S2E6: How does working abroad help your career?
The move may be difficult, but can be rewarding for both personal and professional development. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Talents with overseas exposure are coveted for their ability to help companies realise their global aspirations. There is also robust appetite among Singapore talents to work
S2E5: Sustainable finance: Where are the investing and job opportunities?
DBS’ sustainability chief reveals ways to get into sustainability and why sustainable finance matters. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. The warmer the weather, the more we feel the impact of human activities on climate change. But how do we make a difference? Should we find jobs that work on sustainabil
S2E4: Beyond diversity, inclusion buzzwords: How to be more inclusive at work
Observing with empathy, asking the right questions and listening will go a long way to charting out how to give meaningful support. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Diversity, equity and inclusion are aspirational ideals that have permeated conversations of work life and good employment. Yet, there is s
S2E3: Should we play with FIRE?
We don’t all have to live frugally and retire by 40 years old, but we need to be financially disciplined so we can retire meaningfully. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. FIRE in this context, stands for financial independence, retire early - a movement that points to the desire to retire earlier than the
S2E2: How do young workers view pay?
Salaries need to be structured more flexibly to reflect broader aspirations. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Views on pay issues vary widely among young workers depending on their professional and life goals. This was borne out in a survey of 1,000 young people commissioned by The Straits Times, carrie
S2E1: Investing with $100 a month as an undergrad? Why not!
Start early, compound your wealth, and try not to beat the market. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Finance literacy experts always tell us to “start young” so we can make full use of the effect of compounding and grow our wealth from a young age. But how early is early enough for first-time, young in
S1E1: Get a Headstart in your finances & career from our new ST podcast
New episodes from our rebranded podcast channel will drop here: https://str.sg/wB2m Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Our previous Money and Career podcast channel is now rebranded Headstart on Record, taking on a fresher and sharper approach on how to chase your aspirations and grow your money. Hosts S
S1E17: The art of picking out a good job fast
A well-written job description helps employers and jobseekers find the right fit. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. The job search is never easy, with limited time and lots of ground to cover. This means it is important to be able to suss out, with confidence, the likelihood a job opportunity is the right o
S1E32: Can mid-lifers use social media to boost dormant careers?
Can mid-lifers breathe new life into stale careers with social media? Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. Will a leap into social media rain new work opportunities for a stale middle-age career? Will being on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and more show the boss that mid-lifers are
S1E26: Analysing Catalist: A segment of the Singapore market
What are the strengths and weaknesses as of today, since the Catalist board was set up in 2007? Synopsis: Senior columnist Ven Sreenivasan offers you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven hosts Ong Hwee Li, the chief executive officer of SAC Capital. SAC specialises in areas like investment banking, corporate mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and e
S1E16: Would you be an intern for 2 years?
Long internships are just one form of the many talent schemes that are accepted by employers. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. The job search is getting increasingly complex as the range of options broaden. Employers are also placing increasing focus on grooming talent in a more structured way to let them
S1E31: Who wants to be a public servant? We ask Chan Chun Sing
The iron rice bowl is still sturdy, but demands on Singapore's public service have changed. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. With 152,000 employees across 16 ministries and more than 40 agencies, the public service is the biggest department in town. It reports to the government, but
S1E30: Budget 2024: Mid-year check for SMEs in Singapore
How is the government's $1.3 billion budget working for SMEs so far? We invite them on the show. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. It is June, the mid-point of 2024. Join Krist Boo and her co-host Timothy Goh on Work Talk to hear how Singapore's Budget 2024 measures are affecting small
S1E25: Halfway mark of 2024: Our expert offers top stock picks in Singapore
"Why invest in Singapore, when you can invest in the US?" Our guest expert counters this argument with facts and his opinion. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, senior columnist Ven Sreenivasan offers you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven hosts Thilan Wickramesinghe - regional head of research at Maybank Securities - to look at the investment outlook fr
S1E15: Chip in to shape Singapore’s semiconductor ambitions
Robust job prospects amid artificial intelligence race, despite trade tensions Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. The semiconductor industry has been a fixture of Singapore's advanced manufacturing space since 1968. The industry has grown from strength to strength, and is now reentering the forefront of the
S1E24: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their growth in Asia
Hear why active ETFs are becoming more popular. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Apac head of ETF - Philippe El-Asmar - discusses the growth of ETFs in Asia. In particular, there is a growing f
S1E14: Fail well, and you learn better
Adult learning research shows “productive failure” builds tenacity and deepens learning. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. Failure is not fatal. Instead, organisations and individuals can set themselves up to learn from each failure better and faster. However, this requires thought and effort to be put into
S1E29: Gen AI, you started work yet?
The promise of it transforming our work lives is happening, but maybe not in the way we expected it to. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. It has been 18 months since ChatGPT's public debut. Has the technology touted to change our work lives been helpful, but underwhelming? Or is it us?
S1E23: US tech stocks: Is it time to diversify?
Consider other markets and the wider US tech sector. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Mr Adam Reynolds, Asia-Pacific CEO of Saxo, discusses the large exposure many investors have to the US tech stocks. What are the implicatio
S1E13: How cutting-edge firms interview candidates
A tech and corporate veteran breaks down the intensive interview process at top firms.Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. As skill demands and job complexity increase with economic advancement, so do employer needs as reflected in increasingly intensive job interviews. The stakes are especially high for candi
S1E28: Stereotyping at work. Who? Me?
Old vs young, abled vs disabled, woman vs man. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. Labels invariably affect workplace policies and work opportunities today. Why do we put labels on others? Do Singapore workplaces pay lip service to inclusivity? Are Human Resources teams doing enough? Wi
S1E22: Things to consider now that CPF Special Account will be removed for those 55 and older
How much should you put into your CPF Life then? Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both associate editors and senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Mr Christopher Tan, CEO and founder of Providend - a fee-only wealth advisory - discusses the closure of the CPF special a
S1E12: Returning strongly from a career break
A talent expert who has helped over 200 people clinch jobs after a career break shares what works.Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset.At the best of times, making calculated career moves to meet one's financial and professional goals is hard, and even more so when one is returning from a career break.In this e
S1E27: Next job disruptor, quantum?
Will we cede jobs to quantum computing next? Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. We may not time travel anytime soon, but quantum computing may go mainstream among businesses within a decade. What is this technology that inspires science-fiction tales? What do bosses and workers need to
S1E21: Wee Cho Yaw's impact on Singapore's banking industry
Do local banks really have succession issues? Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both associate editors and senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In February 2024, banker Wee Cho Yaw passed away at the age of 95. His father founded the predecessor of UOB but it was Mr Wee that grew the b
S1E11: What goes on during a career coaching session
A seasoned career coach shows what career coaching entails, using host Tay Hong Yi's CV as an example. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you take charge of your budding career and realise your ambition. Career coaching is a term frequently bandied about in discourses surrounding employment and employability, and related policies. Though the basic concept is intuit
S1E26: How a back-office agency is reinventing its 500 humdrum jobs
To secure his 500 colleagues' jobs, this CEO is making them developers. Bonus segment: What could the Dragon Year bring you?! Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. Vital is the Singapore public service’s central agency for corporate shared services entrusted with managing and transforming c
S1E20: Investing in an active ETF or exchange-traded fund
Find out more how active ETFs are somewhat different from the traditional product. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both associate editors and senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Su Shyan discusses active ETFs with Ms Ong Ai Ling, portfolio manager and head of AIOI a
S1E10: Is a contract role right for you?
These roles may provide a gateway to coveted roles, an expert says.Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, the Career Talk podcast by The Straits Times helps you take charge of your career and realise your ambition. As economic cycles turn shorter and more volatile, the labour market has turned to hiring workers on contract, including for roles with high skill requirements and leadership oppor
S1E25: We will have you covered: Manpower Minister Tan See Leng to workers
What's the buzzword from our manpower minister in 2024? Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. Jan 1, may mark the beginning of a geopolitically hard year with persistent heart-stopping price tags on things, but the manpower minister wants Singapore workers to know his ministry is hands on
S1E19: Should investors adopt emerging technologies in 2024?
Find out about the upcoming market trends and how should you invest in 2024. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both associate editors and senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven Sreenivasan hosts Mr Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research at Maybank Securities. They d
S1E9: How will salaries grow in 2024?
Increases converges at around 4 per cent across the board in a mature high-cost market like Singapore. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times' Career Talk podcast helps you take charge of your own career and make your ambition pay off. One source of both cheer and uncertainty in this festive period is talk of performance appraisals, promotions and pay raises.To find out more
S1E24: Copilot, we'll code where we never coded before
In a universe roamed by software developers, problems are to be conquered by code. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. Now, with a new Copilot in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), will we enter an era where coders solve some of the world's biggest challenges? Will coding become mai
