Good List/Bad List with Steve Lai

Up for discussion this week: As we enter the worst recession on record, COVID-19 pushes Singapore to chart a new direction for a very different future. Our National Day celebrations took the pomp and pageantry to the heartlands and one unexpected star came through.  Also, planting crops and building wells, local volunteers in Indonesia take the lead in mitigating the yearly haze. And finally, Singapore’s first ‘car-free’ town is launched in Tengah. Joining Steve on this last episode are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up for discussion this week:   Climate change is real and small countries like Bhutan and Singapore are taking a stand to be on the right side of history. Plus, suicide rates are on the rise, especially among those aged between 20-29 years old. Also, a last look at NDP 2020 this weekend as we count the ways this year’s will be a memorable one. And finally, do we go grey gracefully or do we do it kicking and screaming? Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am. Samaritans of Singapore operates a 24-hour hotline: 1800 221 4444, or you can email pat@sos.org.sg.  Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up for discussion this week: The world’s busiest land border crossing flickers back to life as Singapore and Malaysia agree on terms for cross-border travel though daily commuters still have to wait a while longer. Meanwhile, gold hits a record high, which means confidence in the economy is at a record low? Also, the 1MDB saga is back in the spotlight as Malaysia’s former Prime Minister is found guilty in a corruption trial. Finally, making the best of a bad situation, the scaled down celebrations for Singapore’s National Day Parade can still be special. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, presenter of Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up for discussion this week: The new normal of Phase 2 has hit some businesses in the Central Business District hard. Why do some adapt, while others are sinking? Meanwhile, the National Day ‘Singapore Together Pack’ has been getting good reviews for being practical and useful. Have you collected yours? The box jellyfish have been found in Singapore waters and they are deadly. Would you pee on a friend to help? Science says, please don’t. And finally, outcry over the sentencing of a university student who strangled his ex-girlfriend prompts a review of the penalty framework. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm  and Yasmin Jonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am on CNA938    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up for discussion this week: We take you behind the scenes on how polling night unfolded in the CNA newsroom as Singapore held its General Election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back to reality - the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of going away anytime soon. We look around the region and beyond as countries struggle to maintain second and third waves. Finally, would the next Henry Golding please stand up? The new book from the Crazy Rich Asian author Kevin Kwan, is set to be made into a movie. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up for discussion this week: Sounds of joy rang out in households when it was announced that Singapore will enter Phase 2 of reopening from its COVID-19 circuit breaker. But dark clouds remain – latest figures show an 11.8% GDP contraction in the second quarter and the worst jobs numbers in a decade. Plus, are social media vigilantes helpful or harmful in dealing with rule breakers? Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

Up for discussion this week: PM Lee Hsien Loong in his national address said countries will fight over resources in a post pandemic world. What will it mean for trade-dependent Singapore, when other countries start thinking less “we” and more “me”? Singapore prepares for an election during COVID-19. Can we carry off a safe and orderly process, like the South Koreans did? And if you’ve got a travel itch you’d like to scratch, we’ve got some cold water to pour over you.   Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

Up for discussion this week…. Violent protests rage across the US, following the death of a black man under the knee of a white police officer. Racism, discrimination, and inequality discussions have come up here in Singapore too.   Singapore’s “circuit breaker” ends, but could we see a COVID-19 relapse like we’ve seen in other countries? And a 14-year-old Malaysian student lived on his own in Singapore for over two months so he wouldn’t miss school.  This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm on CNA and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am

Up for discussion this week: Singapore’s fourth budget to tackle the fallout from the coronavirus will inject another S$33 billion into the economy with the aim of creating jobs and helping the vulnerable. But how many businesses can survive the fallout from COVID-19? Tensions are rising in Hong Kong with a proposed National Security Law: Will we see a repeat of the violence from 2019? Plus, Hari Raya celebrations under an epidemic cloud – there are some silver linings. Joining Steve this week are Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am on CNA938 and Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm on CNA. 

Up for discussion this week: Singapore has a blueprint on how to reopen the economy. It comes in three phases, has conditions and a long time line. Do you know what you can and cannot do? We have a chat with CNA’s Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh who talks about Malaysia’s roller coaster politics. And, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix may not be feasible without spectators, would it be missed if it were cancelled?   Joining Steve this week are Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5.

Up for discussion this week: As countries start to ease up on COVID-19 restrictions, new cases flaring up across the world suggests this is not an easy open or shut issue. We discuss the pressures governments are under to balance public health with their free-falling economies.  Plus, working from home ... forever. Are we all in agreement this is a good thing? And finally, a sci-fi scenario in real life – how a robot dog is keeping us safe from the coronavirus. This week Steve is joined by Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First which airs weekdays from 7-10am and Susan Ng, host of Weekend Life that airs Saturday and Sunday 11am-1pm. You can contact Steve at digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week: A bit of light at the end of the tunnel: Singapore to start gradually easing circuit breaker measures as COVID-19 community cases decline. Are you looking forward to a haircut? Food & Beverage businesses have been sliced, diced and deep fried by the coronavirus. Politics in a pandemic? The US President lashes out at China and the WHO as he battles against a crumbling economy and a looming election. And speaking of elections, Singapore passes legislation to give voters on stay-home and quarantine orders, medical leave to vote. Will Singapore go to the polls amidst a coronavirus outbreak? This week Steve is joined by Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week: The large, abrupt shock from COVID-19 rattles Singapore’s economy and the outlook is bleak but what can we do to survive this storm? Sharing is caring but it can land you in court, fined, and even jailed. We talk about the cost of crossing the line in sharing information during these times. As China emerges from the cloud of the coronavirus, Beijing bans 'uncivilised' behaviour to improve public hygiene. Finally, no spitting in public? And, the changing circuit breaker rules – there’s some confusion on what can and cannot be done. This week Steve is joined by Singapore Tonight host, Dawn Tan and podcast regular from CNA938, John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week… Singapore extends its circuit breaker measures till the 1st of June….and says no to haircuts and bubble tea. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. New Zealand, Australia and Germany say they have the coronavirus under control and are preparing to lift restrictions. COVID-19 may have closed McDonald’s but we go over why Singaporeans are “Lovin It!”- that love is quite real. And speaking of love, Singaporeans show they have big hearts too. Donations surge on the back of $600 Solidarity payouts. This week Steve is joined by two CNA938 presenters: Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am, and Lance Alexander, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 6-9pm. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week… Being sociable in a time of social distancing: Are you circumventing the circuit breaker by having dinner parties with friends over Zoom? 11 recovered COVID-19 patients in Singapore donate blood for plasma therapy treatment: Could tech hold the answer? From Bocelli to BTS - are celebrities who are performing online, the essential service we didn’t think we needed? And finally, lives in limbo - battling fear and boredom, migrant workers grapple with isolation in dormitories. This week Steve is joined by Singapore Tonight host, Dawn Tan and podcast regular from CNA938, John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for Consideration this week…  When the US outbids or blocks shipments of vital medical supplies despite deals in place, allies complain. Even face masks manufactured in Singapore are at risk. Singapore makes a big call in tackling COVID-19 with what it calls a ‘circuit breaker’ to severely restrict movement while putting more cash into the hands of workers and employers. After a one day trial, full Home-Based Learning for all students is announced. How did it go? And the government steps up assistance for vulnerable groups affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This week, Steve is joined by: Melanie Oliveiro, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 5-8pm on CNA938, and John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm at CNA938. You can get in touch Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg    

Up for consideration this week… The realities of COVID-19 are starting to hit our rice bowls. Singapore’s Wage Council calls on employers NOT to cut jobs but how feasible is that on the ground? Something that will be cut is ERP rates - at 96% of gantries, as road traffic declines amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Private car drivers, taxi-drivers and delivery folk will benefit but would it tempt Singaporeans to head out? Recognizing those who are keeping us safe and stocked up in the battle against the coronavirus. Can a demonstration of gratitude go beyond clapping? And reports of reduced air pollution levels around the world, with flights cancelled and people staying home because of COVID-19. Could this be the start of lasting change? This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm and Lance Alexander, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 5-8pm on CNA938. If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of this week’s pod or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week...COVID-19 is crippling the airline industry as travel bans are put in place around the world to fight the virus. How long can they survive this wrecking ball? Singapore ramps up temporary measures: Gatherings outside of school and work are limited to 10 people, while entertainment venues are to close. This is one step short of lockdown but are we still mingling? Japan also comes to terms with the global nature of the coronavirus. The Olympics finally gets postponed after much heartache and hand-wringing. But all bad things come to an end too, right? China to lift travel curbs on Hubei province, including Wuhan - ground zero of the pandemic.   This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm and John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm at CNA938.If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of this week’s pod or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

Up for consideration this week… As nations lockdown to stem the tide of COVID-19, none has hit home more than Malaysia closing its borders. How has this affected Singaporeans and Malaysians working here? Experts have said social distancing is critical in stopping community spread but parties and events are still happening in cities across the globe. Can we be socially responsible without grinding to a halt? Also, when companies put people above profit, everyone benefits. How luxury brands, airlines and even tech billionaires are pitching in. Finally, keeping our spirits up with funny memes, celebrities practicing social distancing and yes, bad Tik Tok videos.

Up for consideration this week… Cruises have been called petri dishes and barred from countries for fear of spreading COVID-19. How badly will this billion-dollar industry get hit? (1:23) What price can you put on a life…in the Philippines it’s about USD$200. What are the ethics of adoption in places of poverty? (8:50) Also, a new therapeutic garden springs up in Telok Blangah - designed to help people interact with nature and improve their mental well-being. (14:02) Finally, if the world’s got you down and you need a hug, a new service in Indonesia called Indocuddle might just be the answer. (17:55) This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm. If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of today’s Good and Bad Lists or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg.

Up for consideration this week… We discuss the slow but sure spread of COVID-19 across the world, catching countries off-guard and everyone scrambling to supermarkets. (1:20) Fold-able phones are all the rage now – they aren’t a new idea - remember flip phones of the past? Are these new versions just a fad or an absolute must-have? (8:18) Plus, we like our chicken nuggets and fish balls because they are a guilty pleasure. But what’s really in them and are they all that bad? (11:12) And finally, Singapore is becoming a nation of urban gardeners because increasing numbers are growing what they can eat and planting their green flags towards a sustainable future. Are you on the bandwagon yet? (17:05) This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Mediacorp’s Channel 5. If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of today’s Good and Bad Lists or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg.

Up for consideration this week…. We wade through the political turmoil after Malaysia’s 94-year-old Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad resigns and how it couldn’t come at a worse time. (1.40) An Indonesian minister suggests a quick fix to improve the country’s poverty rate by calling on the  rich to marry the poor – simplistic or out of the box idea?Pie in the sky? (6:50) China considers a 'complete ban' on the wildlife trade. Animals across Asia rejoice but how will it impact the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine? (11:40) And finally, How Singapore's leading F&B players are aiming for a zero carbon footprint – why everyone benefits. (17:50) This week, Steve is joined by: Melanie Oliveiro, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 5-8pm on CNA938, and John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm at CNA938.

Up for consideration this week... We discuss everything from older workers using SkillsFuture credits to deficits and rainy day funds in what's been called an "extraordinary" Budget. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says COVID-19 is not as deadly as other coronaviruses - but for the regular man-on-the-street does fear overtake facts? Thieves steal toilet paper and surgical masks - what's driving this behaviour? And finally, Crocs shoes that smell like KFC chicken - could this be the weirdest food and fashion collaboration? This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Mediacorp’s Channel 5. If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of today’s Good and Bad Lists or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg.

Up for consideration this week…When DORSCON levels moved to orange, Singaporeans made a run for noodles, rice and toilet paper. Should we go easy on panic buyers and understand their fears? Necessity proves to be the mother of mask-making - how companies like Foxconn who make mobile phones, shifted their production lines to churn out masks in a bid to ease the global shortage. Also, a group of young bank staff got into trouble for hiking when they were supposed to be working. Does output matter more than actual number of hours when you work from home? And finally, a feel-good story to lift our spirits - South Korean movie Parasite swept the big awards at the Oscars. This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays at 10pm and John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm at CNA938.

Up for consideration this week… Empty parking lots at malls and hotpot restaurants. How painful is the economic fallout from the Novel Coronavirus going to be? (1:49) Doing good in trying times, how Singaporeans are stepping up to share masks, work overtime and help one another – but could we be doing more? (7:19)  Also, who among us is guilty of not washing hands with soap after going to the toilet? Do we need a toilet police in these epidemic times especially when fecal-oral transmissions are possible? (13:13) And finally, paying it forward after the pain of battling cancer – how survivors give back to help others. (16:17)) This week Steve is joined by two CNA938 presenters: Susan Ng, host of Weekend Life that airs Saturday and Sunday 11am-1pm, and Daniel Martin, host of Life&Style that airs weekdays from 2-5pm. If you’d like to get in touch to tell us what you thought of today’s Good and Bad Lists or have suggestions of what you think should be on our next episode then please email Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg.

Up for consideration this week….   Men behaving badly. A peeping tom gets jail time. So does another commuter who rubbed himself against a woman on the train. What’s causing this rash of sexual offences? (1:20)   Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat calls on Singaporeans to resist having “nativist tendencies” – but can we reign in our worst impulses, especially against foreigners? (5:57)   The difficulty of stopping an enemy you can’t see. How the Wuhan coronavirus is now on everyone’s radar. (11:44)   And finally, pets who earn their keep. The rise of 4-legged social media influencers who are earning fans and money for their owners. Yay or Nay? (17:06)   Steve is joined by two CNA938 Presenters Melanie Oliveiro, host of Singapore Today weekdays 5-8pm and Keith de Souza, host of Asia First, Weekend Edition, 7-8am. 

Up for consideration this week… The awful things that happen when communication between employers and maids break down. Jail time for a maid who served the family food mixed with her bodily fluids and stole from them too. (1:49) The polytechnic path is paved with more money. Latest figures show that more poly graduates were employed six months after graduation, with higher median salaries. (6:44)  Also, when your plans go up in smoke: players and spectators at the Australian Open are choking and we wonder if this is the new normal? (11:00) And finally, a royal family feud resolved – so far. The Queen agrees that grandson Harry and wife Meghan can exit their senior royal role but opinions are still divided on whether this is a good or bad move. (15:10) This week Steve is joined by two CNA938 presenters: Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am, and Lance Alexander, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 6-9pm. 

Up for consideration this week… The misconceptions of Male Rape. An Indonesian student was dubbed the “most prolific rapist in UK history” when he violated 190 men in Manchester and went unnoticed for more than 2 years. (2:18) When putting your baby in a rubbish chute is your only option. An abandoned baby boy found alive by a cleaner at an HDB Block in Bedok. (8:40) Also, Bushfires rage on in Australia with celebrities raising awareness, and funds battle them. Valuable spokespeople? Or Self-serving opportunists? (14:00) Does your workplace help you to help others? Should more companies actively enable volunteerism? (18:40) This week, Steve is joined by: Melanie Oliveiro, host of Singapore Today that airs weekdays from 5-8pm on CNA938, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Mediacorp’s Channel 5.

Up for consideration this week -  The perils of getting in cars with strangers. (1:54)  One of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make just got a little easier and more affordable. (8:20)  When a PMD ban on footpaths leads to a growth in cycling lanes. (12:38)  And it’s never good when your head of state is accused of crimes. (14:46)  This week Steve is joined by; Dawn Tan, host of Singapore Tonight that airs weeknights on CNA TV at 10pm, and Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First which airs weekdays from 7-10am.

Up for consideration this week - From Singapore topping the list for food security to the body shaming of Singapore's (first and only) Olympic Gold Medalist, and from a life saved in the heat of competition at the SEA Games to several lives lost on an adventure to a volcano in New Zealand. This week Steve is joined by; Daniel Martin, host of Life and Style that airs weekdays from 2-5pm on CNA938, and Avril Hong, news presenter from Asia First which airs weekdays on CNA TV from 7-10am.