Podcasts about asia first

The NIDS team responds to an article from ForeignAffairs.com titled "Why America Still Needs Europe."

Simon's weekly roundup for the Sunday morning edition of "Asia First" on CNA 938 Radio in Singapore.  The anchor is Justine Moss.

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: 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… 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

Simon's live round-up of Saturday's developments in the US for "Asia First:  Weekend Edition" on Singapore's CNA 938 Radio.  The presenter is Justine Moss.

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 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. 

Simon's live report for "Asia First", the breakfast-time broadcast on pan-Asian news channel CNA.  The anchors are Christine Chan and Julie Yoo.