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Within the span of just a few days, Xi Jinping welcomed both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing, two leaders whose countries remain deeply at odds globally. But while both visits received full state-visit treatment, the tone, optics and outcomes were very different. Trump left Beijing without a major joint statement or formal agreements. Putin, on the other hand, signed more than 20 cooperation deals with Xi, reaffirmed a “multipolar world,” and showcased what both sides called an “unbreakable friendship.” So what exactly is China trying to signal here? And how is Beijing managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow at the same time? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Alexander Korolev, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, aspiring actors sharpened their craft through drama schools, theatre workshops, and years of formal training. But today, a new generation is learning performance skills in a very different way — through TikTok skits, reaction videos, livestreams, and short-form storytelling. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jai Kishan as they discuss 'Tiktok acting' and whether social media has opened the door for a new style of performance that values relatability and authenticity over classical technique.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nazirul Asrar dives into a sweet story where 28-year-old hawker Lim Hwee Yi from Botak Porridge had her pre-wedding photoshoot with her soon-to-be husband in front of her own hawker stall. On top of that, they also did it in front of a bakery, a HDB block and even a parcel locker. So the duo decided to find out where are some of the best wedding photoshoot locations in Singapore, and why curating a personal collection of photos makes the experience more meaningful when we're not focusing on aesthetics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the 2025/26 Singapore Premier League season marks farewells across the league, but Geylang International will feel this one in particular - Vincent Bezecourt. Having arrived on our shores in 2021, the Frenchman went on to make more than a century of appearances in the famous green. Now, as he approaches 33, he steps away from the Eagles..and potentially the beautiful game, entirely. What led to this decision? We find out on Sports Minutes.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is stepping up health measures after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency. What’s making experts especially concerned? This outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, a strain with no approved vaccine and no targeted treatment currently available. So what exactly makes this strain different from previous Ebola outbreaks? How prepared are we if the virus reaches our shores? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Professor Dale Fisher, Director, Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response at NUS to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Success today often comes with a certain image... a corporate job, a sleek title, maybe even a 'dream career' that sounds more glamorous than waking up before dawn to handle fresh seafood at a wet market. So what happens when someone from a younger generation chooses a path most people are walking away from? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to third-generation fishmonger and founder of Seamonger, Joycelyn Quek, who made the unexpected decision to continue her family’s trade. But this isn’t just a story about fish or business. It’s about identity, legacy, sacrifice, and the growing disconnect between younger generations and the traditional trades that once built entire communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nazirul Asrar dive into the newly announced closure of Snow City after 26 years of being open. Looking back at the last two decades, the duo goes on a trip down memory lane as they re-discover what were some of the iconic attractions in Singapore that are now closed and why these places will forever be etched into our memories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025/26 Singapore Premier League season drew to a dramatic close this past weekend - with BG Tampines Rovers leaving it late to seal ACL Two qualification. As ever, Sports Minutes dives beyond the standings and stats to get you up to speed with all the headlines, heroes and villains.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia’s rupiah has plunged to record lows against both the US dollar and Singapore dollar, sparking market anxiety, political backlash and a flood of viral memes online. While Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sought to reassure the public that the country’s economic fundamentals remain strong, growing concerns over inflation, purchasing power and investor confidence are raising questions about the broader health of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. So what’s really driving the rupiah’s sharp decline? How worried should ordinary Indonesians and neighbouring countries like Singapore be about the potential economic ripple effects? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Adam Samdin from the Asia Macro team at Oxford Economics to break it all down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, Singaporeans were sold a familiar retirement formula: work hard, build your CPF, pay off your home, and your golden years would take care of themselves. But for many seniors today, that once-reassuring promise is starting to feel far less certain. Are older Singaporeans now realising that retirement may be far more expensive than they ever imagined? And in a rapidly changing Singapore, is CPF still enough to offer genuine peace of mind? What does real retirement security actually look like today? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Patrick Chang, Author of 'Welcome Protirement: The Essentials A to Z', to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the never-ending battle that unites couples everywhere: housework. Inspired by a viral wedding in China where one newlywed couple literally stepped into a wrestling ring on their big day to decide who would be “exempt” from chores for life, we unpack just how far people are willing to go to settle the great domestic divide. From body slams to laundry loads, this outrageous wedding stunt sparks a bigger conversation many households know all too well: what’s actually the fairest way to divide chores at home? Should it be 50-50, based on income, free time, or simply whoever complains less? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know all about head coaches and club chairmen. But beyond them, who actually contributes to the running of a Singapore Premier League club? Sports Minutes checks in with four members of BG Tampines Rovers Management committee - 3 outgoing and an incumbent - to find out more. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s telecom landscape has taken a sharp and unexpected turn, as Simba’s proposed $1.43 billion acquisition of M1 moves close to collapse. The development follows IMDA’s decision to suspend its review amid allegations that Simba may have used unauthorized radio frequency bands, leading Keppel to confirm it will let the deal expire by May 21. With the transaction now effectively off the table, M1 returns to the market, opening the door to potential new buyers. Who might ultimately step in as the next owner of one of the country’s key mobile operators? And, what does this mean for competition, prices and trust in the sector? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Manoj Menon, Founder, Twimbit, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong sits down with two Singapore football icons: Aleksandar Duric, the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Championship winner who now serves as Principal of ActiveSG Football Academy, and Rafi Ali, a key figure in Malaysia league history with a domestic double in 1994 and an AFF Championship title in 1998, who now coaches at the same academy. They reflect on their journeys from professional football to shaping the next generation at AFA, Singapore’s largest grassroots football platform, which has grown since its launch in 2016 to reach over 4,000 young players across nearly 20 centres islandwide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a quirky story in which a man has been mistakenly listed as the owner of Clementi MRT station on Google. We spend a huge part of our lives commuting between destinations, but have we ever stopped to think about what makes an MRT station great? From food options to convenient stops and confusing exits, the trio decided to find out which MRT station deserves the title as the best in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping companies build resilience, unlock growth opportunities and navigate evolving regulations landscape across issues surrounding carbon, waste and energy – that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Founded in 2013, our guest Evercomm is a Singapore-based engineering and technology company that aims to assist enterprises in optimising resource efficiency, managing climate risk scenarios and meeting international compliance standards to ensure long-term operational and financial sustainability. This is done through the use of the firm’s advanced planning and simulation tools that provide precision-driven carbon, energy and waste reduction strategies that are customised for different company’s needs and operations. The company said its strategic partners include CTBC Bank, Mitsubishi Electric as well as Shell Energy. Its solutions are also used in projects involving the Punggol Digital District and the Jurong Port. But why are such asset performance management solutions provided by Evercomm Singapore critical to enterprises, particularly those in the energy intensive sector? What are the key opportunities for the firm particularly in Southeast Asia where emerging economies walk the tightrope between industrial growth and net-zero ambitions? On Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Ted Chen, Co-founder, CEO and Chief Product Architect, Evercomm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has officially departed Beijing, closing out a tense two-day summit with Xi Jinping that both Washington and Beijing are already branding as historic. Trump is calling the visit “very successful,” while Xi is positioning it as a defining moment in US-China ties. But beyond the grand optics and diplomatic theatre, this meeting tackled some of the world’s biggest flashpoints, from trade, energy and Iran to Taiwan and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. So what was genuinely accomplished behind closed doors? Was this a meaningful reset between two rival superpowers, or simply carefully staged diplomacy? And in the end, who truly leaves Beijing with the stronger hand? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From avocado toast to doom spending, every generation seems to come with its own financial stereotype, but how true are they really? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong and Sakura Seet, Cofounder & CEO, Perfingo, unpack the ongoing money debate between Millennials and Gen Z, exploring whether younger generations are genuinely worse at spending and saving, or simply navigating a far tougher financial reality. They dive into the numbers, the narratives, and the real financial pressures shaping how younger generations spend today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into something that is slowly regaining its popularity — Old technology. Gen Zs of today suddenly find love for the beloved pieces of technology that once shaped many lives back in the 90s and early 2000s. From walkmans to dumb phones and even the PSP, the trio rediscover what old tech they used to own back then and which one of them deserves to make a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral news of New Yorkers camping outside Swatch stores for the latest Audemars Piguet x Swatch “Royal Pop” watch drop to Singaporeans queuing for concert tickets, viral snacks, cheaper petrol and nostalgic collectibles. What's driving this culture of hype and why are people willing to wait hours or even days for something they believe is worth it? The duo swap personal stories about queuing for Lady Gaga and Coldplay tickets, viral restaurants, McDonald’s collectibles and World Cup memorabilia, while exploring how FOMO, trends and nostalgia continue to fuel Singapore’s obsession with standing in line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nanyang Girls’ High School are champions...once again, and at the heart of their 4th consecutive school title are 16-year old twins - Jovia and Jovie Teo. The B Division basketball stars join Sports Minutes to look back on a title-winning campaign filled with pressure, resilience, and special moments shared together on court. They also speak candidly about balancing academics, training, and life beyond basketball.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into Calbee's new announcement — new black and white packaging for their selected products. Will people still want to buy their favourite snacks even if the packaging has changed drastically? But more importantly, this change got us thinking about the past... And so we revisit some of our favourite childhood snacks that we used to enjoy while growing up in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing from May 13 to 15 for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in their first face-to-face meeting in more than six months. The talks come at a sensitive moment in US-China relations, with both sides under pressure over trade tensions, tariffs and supply chain restrictions involving critical sectors such as rare earth minerals and semiconductors. Beyond economics, the agenda is expected to extend to major geopolitical flashpoints, including Taiwan and the ongoing war involving Iran, alongside emerging concerns over artificial intelligence and technological competition. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong and Dr Benjamin Ho, Assistant Professor and Coordinator at the China Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), look ahead to what’s at stake in this summit and what both Washington and Beijing are hoping to achieve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people today are starting families later in life. Be it due to careers, finances, personal goals, or simply waiting for the right time. But while society talks a lot about delaying parenthood, we rarely talk about what happens after that decision is made. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Tim Oh from Kiss92 to learn what it's like to have children at a stage of life where many others are already thinking about slowing down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into one of the most unusual MRT sightings yet: a man in a full suit and tie wearing a metal bucket over his head, sparking questions about stress, modern life, and just how far commuters will go to shut the world out. They also explore a growing conversation around rest and recovery, after research suggests that more frequent breaks may be better for mental health than long, rare holidays. But in a hustle-driven culture, are we actually taking enough leave or quietly judging those who do? And when it comes to holidays, is fully disconnecting on leave a right or a luxury you still feel pressured to justify?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has rejected Iran’s latest peace response as 'unacceptable', raising fresh doubts over whether diplomacy can cool a conflict that is already disrupting global energy flows and driving up prices. In Southeast Asia, ASEAN is now under pressure to respond, with leaders floating ideas like regional fuel stockpiles, food reserves and faster crisis coordination. But with long-standing agreements still unevenly implemented and domestic priorities often taking precedence, can these proposals move from discussion to real-world action in time to matter? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Singaporeans, insurance is something we know we should think about — but figuring out when to actually start can feel confusing. Is it after your first paycheck? When you’re buying a home? Starting a family? Or only when life throws an unexpected challenge your way? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Isaac Goh, Senior Financial Services Manager from Great Eastern to unpack the question of timing when it comes to insurance, and why different generations in Singapore approach it so differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drawn alongside with World Cup-bound Australia and Iraq, and Tajikistan in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup, how will our Lions fare? Plus, the penultimate round of Singapore Premier League fixtures throw up more drama and debate. All that and more in the company of Deepanraj Ganesan, sports reporter with The Straits Times.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a viral news that took over China's social media platforms where men are now modelling women's lingerie for sale on shopping livestreams. But what really caught attention wasn’t the outfits, it was the reaction: people treating it as just another day at work. From professional 'queuers' to nature doctors, the trio discusses what makes a job 'unique'. If everything can be considered a job now, just how many options are available out there in Singapore?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Singapore residents who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are currently being tested at NCID for the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, following its link to an overseas outbreak that has already caused fatalities.Although health authorities continue to assess the global risk as low, concern has been raised because this particular strain has, in rare instances, shown the potential for human-to-human transmission, prompting a rapid public health response in Singapore.So what is hantavirus, how is it spread, and should we be worried? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong and Professor Paul Tambyah, Former president of the Asia-Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, unpack what is known so far, why this virus is drawing attention, and what the latest developments mean for Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From career ambitions and the constant need to “do it all”, young mothers are navigating a very different world than the generations before them. As terms like “Gen Z mum” trend across social media, young motherhood really looks and feels like in 2026 — emotionally, socially, and personally. In Part 2 of our Mother's Day specials on The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jewels Lim, Co-Founder of ROUND3Media who is also a Gen Z single mum, to learn about the realities of becoming a mother while still navigating youth, identity, and adulthood in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral TikTok that had Singaporeans collectively clutching their kopi cups, after an Australian tourist branded Yishun as “Singapore’s most dangerous hood” and claimed it showed “how Singapore really is.”From heartland stereotypes and Crazy Rich Asians comparisons to the age-old East vs West vs North side rivalry, the crew unpacks whether this was an honest look at everyday Singapore or just one outsider judging an entire country from a back alley. And more importantly, why does Yishun always seem to end up in the spotlight? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates are falling. So why are so many Singaporeans still choosing the more expensive option? Even as floating-rate home loans become cheaper again, many homeowners are sticking with fixed-rate packages, paying more for the certainty that their monthly repayments won’t suddenly spike. But with inflation worries, global tensions, and uncertainty over where interest rates are headed next… is that caution justified? Are homeowners making a smart financial hedge, or overpaying for peace of mind? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics, Huttons Asia, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sailors rejoiced sealing back-to-back titles, but there was much heartbreak elsewhere as late goals ruled the day this past SPL weekend. And with transfer rumours swirling, could there be more heartbreak in store for some clubs? Deepanraj Ganesan, sports reporter with The Straits Times, chimes in on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where academic pressure, mental health, and expectations are all colliding — are we finally rethinking what “good parenting” actually looks like? In Part 1 of a Mother’s Day Special of The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jade Rasif, who is a mother of one, to find out how millennials are going about being a parent, and to find out what actually works best for the future generation of Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral new manga Single x 35 — the internet’s latest obsession not because it’s fantasy, but because it feels almost too real for Singaporeans. Set against the all-too-familiar backdrop of MRT rides, resale flat bidding wars, office burnout and the quiet panic of being in your 30s without life “figured out,” the trio unpack why this hyper-local story about 35-year-old Shun Li is striking such a nerve online. Plus, they ask listeners the big question: what really is the hardest part about living in Singapore today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Isaac Tng, Founder of SixMoreDays to find out if millennials are trying too hard to “stay relevant”. Once known as the trendsetters, millennials are increasingly being called out for doing things to keep up with the times. In Singapore, where generational expectations and career pressures run high, this tension feels especially familiar. So, is the idea that millennials are “out of touch” actually fair? Or is it just another cycle of generational rivalry playing out online?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh graduates may be taking a little longer to land that first full-time job, but according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, that doesn’t necessarily mean the job market is weakening. In Parliament, he pointed out that while recent figures show softer fresh graduate employment outcomes, those numbers are coming off an unusually strong post-Covid hiring surge, when companies were aggressively rehiring to catch up on demand. So is this just a temporary adjustment, or a structural shift in how young people enter the workforce? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Professor Lawrence Loh, Department of Strategy and Policy, National University of Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a Michael Jackson tribute flash mob that has since gone viral this week. From moonwalks to high kicks, what makes it viral is not the perfectly synchronised movements and routines of the legendary pop star. Instead, the group of dancers put a unique twist to this tribute by donning their traditional Malay costumes and took a spin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab’s new cross-border taxi booking feature now allows users in Singapore to book rides straight to Johor and surrounding areas via the app, with trips requiring at least 12 hours’ advance booking. While the move promises greater convenience and wider access to destinations like Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai, fares are dynamic and can even end up higher than traditional street-hail options. With cashless payments, fluctuating pricing and new pickup rules on both sides of the border, does this make cross-border travel truly easier or just more complicated? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Terence Fan, Assistant Professor Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong and Chris J. “Mohawk” Reed, the founder of Black Marketing, unpack a familiar but increasingly heated narrative: every generation thinks the next one just isn’t built for the world of work. That perception is starting to show up in hiring decisions too, with some surveys suggesting fewer than 1 in 10 employers feel Gen Z are fully prepared for work, and nearly half saying they aren’t ready at all. So what’s really going on here? Are Gen Z genuinely unprepared, or is the modern workplace failing to keep up with them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lion City Sailors have been crowned 25/26 Singapore Premier League Champions - becoming back-to-back title winners for the first time in their history. And Sports Minutes, checks in with Head Coach Jesus Casas to mark historic occasion.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.