Asian Insider
Asian Insider is a weekly podcast from The Straits Times and SPH Media that offers a distinct Asian perspective on global issues. Each Friday, correspondents based around the world discuss and analyze international affairs. The show is produced and edited by Fa'izah Sani, with Ernest Luis as executive producer.
Episodes
S2E93: Can Sabah and Sarawak decide Malaysia's next election?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
S2E74: Why eldest daughters carry so much weight: An Asian perspective
Being uber-responsible, people-pleasing and a perfectionist are traits that first-born girls in Asia purportedly have.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. A book in Taiwan on the so-called “eldest daughter syndrome” is now a bestseller translated into other langua
S2E74: Deals and words: Reading the tea leaves for the Xi-Trump summit
Twists and turns can be expected for the rest of this year. 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 May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Their focus is on the Xi-Trump summit
S2E73: No big, fat hugs: Trump, Xi will have a summit of careful smiles
A banquet in Beijing does not alter US-China rivalry but both leaders could sell modest outcomes as wins, says analyst. 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 Han Shen Lin, the China Managing Director for The Asia Group, a stra
S2E72: What cues India can take from China to fix its foul air and water
India’s poor air is driving much needed investment away from the country. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. There was a time when China was thought to have the world’s most polluted cities. However, Beijing’s sustained efforts have overturned that situation. Inste
S2E71: The mystery of Chongqing grilled fish’s origin story - and why it matters
The stakes are high. A region’s association with a popular dish is increasingly big business, as the Chinese eat out more. 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. Disputes over where popular dishes originated are common across Asia. The world-famous butter chicken is fough
S2E70: 'Corporate mafia’: The scandal that Malaysia can no longer ignore
From drink-driving to MACC scandal, is Malaysia's justice system bending to public pressure or finally getting serious? 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 April episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Latheef
S2E69: Crisis creates openings: Why Asia will stand out after a post-Iran conflict
The Iran war is an unprecedented crisis but South-east Asia is better placed to handle it. 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. The US-Israeli assault on Iran, which led to the effective closure of the Straits of Hormuz, has seized up many Asian economies w
S2E68: India’s $70 billion spiritual market fuelled by bhajan clubbing
Discover how bhajan clubbing is transforming devotional music in India. 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 discusses with Debarshi Dasgupta the recent surge in bhajan clubbing - the fusion of devotional Hindu music with contemporary styles l
S2E67: Is there a silver lining for China as war rages in the Middle East?
With Washington distracted and opportunities in clean energy, Beijing might have the last laugh. 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 March, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian.
S2E66: Iran’s war machine can only last a few more weeks: Expert
Depleting its own military resources and antagonising Arab neighbours may be a cost too high for the regime to bear. 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 Prof Benjamin Radd, an authority on the politics of the Middle East, es
S2E65: Why Grab-type firms are the way for SE Asia to thrive in AI era
How South-east Asia can navigate the age of AI and its impact on the economy and employment. 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. Artificial Intelligence is impacting the world at a pace far greater than that of previous general-purpose technologies, such a
S2E64: Putrajaya 30 years on: The capital that never quite replaced Kuala Lumpur
Find out why it has become a paradox decades after its founding. 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. Putrajaya, founded in 1995, turned 30 in 2025. As Malaysia’s administrative capital and inspired by Paris, it was supposed to replace the former tin-mining colony that
S2E63: Malaysia’s education gamble: UEC option and lowering school age
From considering UEC path to starting school at six – is Malaysia's education overhaul built to last? 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 February episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Eddin Khoo
S2E62: Singaporean tech founders on building global companies in US
From a phone plan for cat parents to a keyless life: Two Singaporean founders share tips from their US start-up journeys 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 Jasmin Young and Anthony Chow about how they established successful
S2E61: Strategic calculations behind India's trade deals flurry
India's new trade pacts with the EU and US, and the big question: Will Delhi revisit its decision to abandon RCEP? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. A flurry of trade agreements announced by India – first, a “mother of all trade deals” FTA with the European Union, and d
S2E60: Hong Kong’s tolerance for shortcuts has turned deadly
Hong Kong prides itself on being a first world city. So how did such a thing like the Tai Po fire happen?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. On Nov 26, 2025, a fire swept through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing 168 people. What also perished in t
S2E59: China's fossil fuel addiction exposes a strategic vulnerability
There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition. 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 January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Dramatic developments in Venezu
S2E58: Trump’s Venezuela strike: The good, bad & the ugly
We dissect the abduction of a sitting president and predict what might come next. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Was it all about oil? Transnational crime cartels? Or China? In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Hoover Fellow Joseph Ledford and veteran oil
S2E57: Asia's drone wars: Who's buying Predators and Reapers?
As Asia’s militaries show an increasing appetite to deploy drones – most recently during the Thai-Cambodian skirmishes and the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May, 2025, we speak to the chief executive of the company that makes lethal Unmanned Aerial Systems such as the Predator, Reaper and Sea Guardian. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years
S2E56: The one design feature that makes Taiwan ‘ugly’
Metal window grilles were meant to keep households safe from burglars but they have been fingered as eyesores. 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. One of Taiwan’s names is "Formosa" - given by Portuguese sailors who sighted the island in the 16th century and called it
S2E55: From Zara Qairina to Harimau Malaya: A gripping 2025 for Malaysia
Malaysia’s 2025 was marked by a stormy PKR election, school violence, and a scandal rocking its football team. 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 December episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by N
S2E54: Why the US dollar is so sticky
Find out why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as countries try to toggle away from the greenback. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Harvard historian Mary Bridges, the author of Dollars and Dominion, explains why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as China,
S2E53: Inside the secret Albatross file on Singapore’s Separation from Malaysia
Our guest reveals pioneer leaders’ differing views on Singapore’s Aug 9, 1965 split from Malaysia. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ chief columnist Sumiko Tan speaks to Janadas Devan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, on how the The Albatross File: Inside Separation sheds fresh light on the decisions that led to Singapore’s independence. Edi
S2E52: US in decline; Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' is worrying Asia
Our guest expert explains the Americas-focused doctrine, inspired by the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine’s hemispheric stance. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, the eminent Filipino geopolitical expert and strategist
S2E51: Taiwan’s message to China: We are not alone
The island’s diplomatic space may be shrinking but it wants to engage the world on its own terms. 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 November, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee. Th
S2E50: How to read Trump right and why he and Xi get along
Our expert guest explains why he predicts both men will seek good vibes in 2026. 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 hosts her special guest - Harvard Professor Graham Allison - who tells her how he manages to read Trump right, by taki
S2E49: Inside the mind of Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first woman PM
Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, foreign policy adviser to the Cabinet of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of
S2E48: The two rules that Parisians broke in the hot summer of 2025
Spoiler: Politics, and the private lives of politicians. 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. For more than a century, it was quite accepted in France that Presidents and male politicians could have mistresses, and no one would pry into their private lives. But pu
S2E47: Trump meets Xi: Who'll win the China-US tussle; impact on Asia
A grand bargain will be hard to strike at the upcoming US-China presidential summit, says a top trade 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, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler - who was recently a panellist at SPH Media’s Oct 9 Asia Future Summit - speaks
S2E46: Anwar’s Asean chair year: From geopolitics to fiscal finance, how did he fare?
Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26. For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just table
S2E45: Behind that 100-part bicycle: Asia’s shifting supply chains
How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters
S2E44: Church and fortune-tellers: Why Filipinos find solace in both
Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well? 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. One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a pr
S2E43: Tanks and missiles: The implications of China's grand military parade
Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They revisit the 2025
S2E42: Xi-Modi sends powerful message to US and the world: Henry Huiyao Wang
Why it's significant that China and India declare they are not rivals but partners. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, co-founder and head of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a non-government
S2E41: Rich men and pretty women: Glimpses at a matchmaking event in China
Single Chinese want to find love, but remain straitjacketed by expectations of what their partners should look like. 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. Inequality is at play in China’s singles market in more ways than one. In China, the number of men outstrip th
S2E40: Malaysia parties gear up for the PAS congress and the Sabah elections
The coming months will see several changes in the political landscape as parties make moves on various fronts. 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. In this episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei are joined by Ibrahim Suf
S2E39: Donald Trump: Nobel Prize laureate?
Why does President Donald Trump seem so intent on winning the Nobel Peace Prize? 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, President Donald Trump’s ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize is the topic of discussion for ST's assistant foreign editor Clement Tan who hosts co
S2E38: Asia and the world think Trump’s US "has lost its mind": John Bolton
Declaring war “against everybody” including China and hoping for the right result is very worrying. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former Nation
S2E37: Are South Koreans lonely?
Social isolation is especially acute in the capital city of Seoul—and it’s not just among the elderly. 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 and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo, who has lived in South Ko
S2E36: China's leverage on the trade war with US
Ultimately, the outcome might depend on both sides’ threshold for pain. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They take stock of the twists and
S2E35: Dalai Lama at 90: A life of compassion and conflict
A conversation with Chicago-based Mayank Chhaya, the Dalai Lama’s biographer, on the highs and lows of His Holiness’ remarkable journey through life. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Mayank Chhaya, writer, broadcaster and the Dalai Lam
S2E34: Hong Kong’s wistful longing for its cityscape to remain unchanged
From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot. 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. Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting i
S2E33: Plain sailing for PM Anwar on a global stage, but rough ride at home
On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically. 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 Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow a
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
S2E32: 'Second China shock? You ain’t seen nothing yet' says top economist
A conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from
S2E31: This Shandong city produces 80 per cent of China’s peony paintings
China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards 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. The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong
S2E30: Chongqing's car market boom amid trade war challenges
Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based i
S1E1: Landslide win: PAP gets 65.57% of votes in Singapore general election
Singapore's 2025 general election was held on May 3, and the ruling People's Action Party won 65.57 per cent of the national vote, a commanding swing up from its 61.24 per cent share in 2020. The ruling party won 87 seats out of the contested 97, securing a majority in Parliament. The opposition Workers' Party retained two GRCs in Aljunied and Sengkang, and one SMC in Hougang. This election gave P
S2E29: A view of the cemetery: Why house-hunting in Jakarta is a challenge
Indonesia’s capital, one of South-east Asia’s most crowded cities, contains 12 million people in a land area of 660 sq km. 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. Host and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlin
S2E28: “I called Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger supremo Prabhakaran a megalomaniac": Author
A conversation with M R Narayan Swamy, veteran South Asian journalist and biographer of slain Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. As Sri Lanka approaches the 16th anniversary of the end of its civil war, Ravi speaks with M R Narayan Swamy in
S2E27: Xi'an: China's city known for its terracotta warriors and pollution
Xi’an is famous for its terracotta warriors but still faces significant challenges in air pollution. 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 six of the 10 years between 2014 and 2023, Xi’an had the poorest air quality among China’s new top-tier cities, which
S2E25: Dr Anji Sinha: Trump's mystery pick for ambassador to Singapore
Who is Dr Anji Sinha? Our US bureau chief finds that the key to this story lies in relationships. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. As of the publication of this episode on March 21, nothing much is known about the person recently nominated by US President Donald Trump to become the to
S2E26: Why are so many mainland Chinese making Malaysia their second home?
Thousands of mainland Chinese are choosing Malaysia’s laid-back vibes over their stressful lives back home. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For March, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, and special guest Dr Ong Ki
S2E24: From pineapple farms to data centres: Johor’s changing landscape
But Malaysians’ love affair with the fruit persists. 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. Talk about what’s new with Johor nowadays and one usually ends up with a five-letter acronym - JSSEZ, or the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. But all the exciteme
S2E23: Trump is ‘doing a Mao Zedong’ on the US
Why our expert guest speaker draws parallels with the chaotic Cultural Revolution in China in 1966. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode - recorded on March 4 - Ravi speaks with Wang Xiangwei, the eminent Hongkong-based China scholar and former editor-in-chief of South China
S2E22: Why Shenzhen still needs 'big brother' Hong Kong in its quest for growth
The relationship may not necessarily be purely competitive only. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For February, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Chang May Choon connect with colleagues - Magdalene Fung based in Ho
S2E21: America’s new enemies under Donald Trump: Allies, the deep state and the media
Making sense of the domestic and foreign policy agenda of Trump 2.0 – and the implications of a new world order for Asia. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar and assistant for
S2E20: Does Philippines need a China rethink in Trump era?
Find out too, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, and lecturer at the international studies department at De LaSalle U
S2E19: In a home in India’s Trichy, a laminated photo of Lee Kuan Yew hangs
The choice of decor by a Tamil Nadu resident whose father was a bus conductor in Singapore speaks of the ties between both cities. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. Trichy in southern India has no direct flights to the capital city New Delhi, but it has five daily flights
S2E18: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: What will make it a success?
Insights on Asean's beachside pow wow, the Johor-Spore economic zone and ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For January, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, based in Ku
S2E17: Trump's blistering start - why the rush and its impact on Asia
Making sense of the blitz of executive orders, announcements and rhetoric from the new US President - and what Asia should take away. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief based in the United States to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief B
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