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Stelios interviews Byron Shepherd of the Morning Shot podcast about the situation in South Africa, the country's infrastructural collapse, its race relations, and its future.
Resale HDB flats crossing the million-dollar mark were once rare outliers but for younger buyers today, they’re becoming a genuine part of the search. As price gaps narrow between larger resale flats and smaller new condo units, more first-timers are asking whether private property now makes better sense, or if public housing still offers the stronger long-term value. Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at mogul.sg joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving this shift, how consumer psychology shapes perception of the “million-dollar threshold”, and the trade-offs young couples face as they weigh space, lifestyle, and future needs. We also explore whether renting is increasingly becoming a viable strategic option in today’s market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore has seen a string of abrupt business closures — from Art Works to Twelve Cupcakes and Jollibean — leaving employees suddenly jobless and owed unpaid wages. These incidents highlight a recurring gap: when companies collapse without warning, what real protections do workers have, and what immediate steps can they take to safeguard themselves? Krist Boo, Senior Business Correspondent at the Straits Times & Ian Lim, Partner, TSMP Law Corporation and head of TSMP’s Employment & Labour team, join the Breakfast Show to unpack how current laws work, what recourse workers actually have, and the practical actions employees should take the moment a closure is announced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COP30 wrapped up in Belém, Brazil last week, concluding two weeks of negotiations aimed at charting the next phase of global climate action. Countries ultimately agreed on a deal that captures both areas of progress and the deep divides that shaped this year’s talks. From the push to triple adaptation finance by 2035, to the absence of a fossil fuel roadmap, to developments on forests, methane and climate finance, the summit delivered a mix of breakthroughs and difficult compromises. Ang Qing, Correspondent at The Straits Times who was on the ground at COP30, joins the Breakfast Show to break down the key takeaways and what they mean for SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore’s ageing population is reshaping what recovery looks like after a hospital stay, with community care taking on a larger role in helping patients regain confidence closer to home. St. Andrew’s Community Hospital is opening a new facility in Bedok featuring real-world rehabilitation spaces, dementia-inclusive design, and tech-enabled care to support safer, smoother transitions back to daily life. Dr. Angel Lee, Medical Director of St. Andrews Community Hospital joins the Breakfast Show how community hospitals fit into Singapore’s wider care pathway and what this next phase of community care means for patients, caregivers, and the heartland communities they return to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rod and Karen respond to listener feedback. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theblackguywhotips Twitter: @rodimusprime @SayDatAgain @TBGWT Instagram: @TheBlackGuyWhoTips Email: theblackguywhotips@gmail.com Blog: www.theblackguywhotips.com Teepublic Store Amazon Wishlist Crowdcast Voicemail: (980) 500-9034Go Premium: https://www.theblackguywhotips.com/premium/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hiring is one of the most important and most difficult decisions any leader can make. Beyond qualifications, the right hire can depend on cultural fit, growth potential, and even timing. For SMEs, the challenge is even sharper, every role matters, and resources to recruit, train, and retain talent are often limited. Eugene Goh, Advisor and Co-Founder of TalentKraft joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how SMEs can approach hiring more strategically, and what effective talent decisions look like in resource-constrained environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. government has reopened after a record 43-day shutdown that froze key services, stalled economic data, and disrupted everything from airport operations to food assistance. Now the question is how quickly the world’s largest economy can get back on track — and what the missing data means for global markets and policymakers. Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of Washington Office at Penta Group, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the political dynamics behind the deal, the risks of another shutdown in January, and the signals Singapore should watch as Washington works to restore stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Singapore renews its focus on social mobility, attention is turning to how the private sector can help level the playing field. Beyond hiring or donations, can businesses play a deeper role in shaping opportunity from education access to employability and financial resilience? DBS Foundation has announced a new SGD14.5 million partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to support 8,000 students from lower-income families each year. The initiative aims to ease financial pressures so students can stay in school, while providing mentorship and financial literacy training to prepare them for work and independent living. Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation & Group Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how such collaborations between private and public institutions can make a lasting impact and what it will take to build a more inclusive model of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As COP 30 unfolds in Belém, Brazil — the gateway to the Amazon — world leaders are marking ten years since the Paris Agreement with a renewed focus on resilience, equity, and climate action that connects to real lives.From the launch of the global “Beat the Heat” initiative to efforts strengthening carbon markets and adaptation finance, the talks are moving from pledges to practical progress. Audrey Tan, Assistant News Editor, The Straits Times and Melissa Low, Research Fellow, NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions join the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s taking shape at this year’s COP and what it means for Singapore and the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore has dropped its “30 by 30” ambition, the goal of producing 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, and replaced it with revised targets for fibre and protein production by 2035. The shift comes amid farm closures, cost pressures, and a tougher funding climate for the agri-tech sector. Under the new plan, Singapore aims to produce 20% of its fibre needs, such as leafy greens, sprouts and mushrooms and 30% of its protein needs by 2035. Shabana Begum, Correspondent (with a focus on Environment and Science) at The Straits Times and Webster Tham, Co-Founder of Tomato Town (Singapore's 1st Vertical Hydroponics Farm) to unpack what the recalibration reveals about the realities of local farming in a land-scarce city, how urban and aquaculture farms are adapting to stay viable, and what the government’s proposed shared-facility model could mean for the next phase of food-security planning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A record 55 organisations have earned a spot on this year’s Great Place To Work® Singapore Best Workplaces™ list — recognised for building high-trust, people-first cultures. But the latest Insights Report 2025 also highlights a challenge for the wider workforce: only one in five employees in typical workplaces say they trust their leaders. Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director of Great Place To Work ASEAN & ANZ, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the report’s findings and discuss what the best workplaces in Singapore are doing differently to build trust, psychological safety, and performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homeownership remains a cornerstone of the Singapore dream — 93% of respondents in ERA’s latest My Dream Home Survey 2025, conducted with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, still see owning a home as a key life milestone, even amid higher prices and tighter lending rules. Eugene Lim, Key Executive Officer of ERA Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the survey findings and discuss how these shifting mindsets are reshaping housing choices, and what they reveal about the future of homeownership in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The APEC Summit in Seoul unfolded last week, against a backdrop of shifting global power dynamics, from President Trump’s early departure and renewed U.S.–China trade talks to President Xi’s call for unity and proposals for new global AI cooperation. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what the summit revealed about Asia-Pacific leadership, how countries like Singapore are navigating this changing landscape, and what to watch as China prepares to host APEC in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leaders are often expected to stay composed under pressure, make quick decisions, and guide others through uncertainty. Yet behind that sense of control lies a growing conversation about how those in senior roles manage their own mental and emotional well-being. As therapy and executive coaching become more common tools for reflection and growth, how are leaders using them to build resilience and clarity? And what does it take to create workplaces where those conversations can happen more openly? Dr. Jonathan Marshall, Executive Coach and Psychologist, Marshall Consulting, joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between leadership, self-awareness, and mental well-being and how understanding the difference between therapy and coaching can help leaders decide which form of support best fits their needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Small and medium-sized enterprises make up the backbone of Singapore’s economy, yet a new Flo Energy survey finds that 62 percent still prioritise cost over sustainability when choosing an energy provider. As Singapore pushes toward its net-zero target by 2050, what will it take to bring SMEs on board the green transition? Matthijs Guichelaar, Co-founder and CEO of Flo Energy, and Jeryl Yep, Co-founder and Innovation Lead at Semula, join the Breakfast Show to discuss what’s driving the gap between ambition and action, how SMEs can balance cost with sustainability, and the kinds of support that could help smaller firms play a stronger role in Singapore’s low-carbon future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing are flaring again. A quiet rule change by the US Bureau of Industry and Security has widened Washington’s trade blacklist, prompting Beijing to tighten its export controls on rare earths — critical materials for everything from smartphones to fighter jets. The back-and-forth has rattled markets, and raised questions about how far this standoff could go. Jeep Kline, Founder and Managing Partner at Raisewell Ventures, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving this escalation, how it’s reshaping global supply chains and investment flows, and what it means for Asia’s role in the shifting trade landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singtel’s Australian subsidiary, Optus, has faced a series of service disruptions and regulatory scrutiny in recent months putting its crisis communications and brand management to the test. As the company works to rebuild confidence among customers and regulators, attention has turned to how it has handled public messaging and stakeholder engagement. Lars Voedisch, Founder & Group CEO of PRecious Communications joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how Singtel and Optus have navigated the communications challenges surrounding the outages, what lessons can be drawn from their response, and how large companies can manage reputation and trust when crises unfold across borders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By March 2026, Google will roll out new age assurance measures in Singapore to automatically apply safeguards for users under 18 — from blocking access to adult-only apps to activating wellbeing tools on YouTube and Search. The move, introduced under IMDA’s new Code of Practice for Online Safety, aims to make digital spaces safer for young users. Rachel Teo, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Singapore, and Beatrice Tan, Head of YouthTech Institute at YouthTech SG, join the Breakfast Show to discuss how these protections will work, what privacy and education challenges remain, and how families, schools, and platforms can share responsibility in guiding the next generation onlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rising tariffs from the US are rippling through global supply chains, forcing Singapore exporters to adapt in new ways. To help, the government has launched the Business Adaptation Grant (BizAdapt) offering up to $100,000 to support firms in reconfiguring operations, diversifying markets and seeking trade advisory services. Mark Lee, Vice-Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how the scheme can help businesses navigate tariff pressures, which sectors are feeling the impact most, and what it will take for Singapore companies to stay competitive in an uncertain trade landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More Singaporeans in their 40s and 50s are rethinking their careers, some by choice, others by circumstance. Whether triggered by retrenchment, a desire for more meaningful work, or the need to stay relevant in a changing economy, starting over midlife brings both opportunity and uncertainty. Noel Ang, Principal Career Coach, Workforce Singapore and Cheong Choy Kiew, Executive and Team Coach, Batang Tiga Consulting, who made her own successful mid-career switch after decades in the corporate world, join the Breakfast Show to discuss what it takes to make that leap, how employers can better support career transitions, and what a “second career” can really mean later in life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two years after the October 7 attacks, the Gaza war shows glimmers of movement as President Donald Trump unveils a 20-point peace plan, accepted by Israel and partially acknowledged by Hamas. The proposal lays out an immediate ceasefire, hostage releases, and a transitional technocratic government for Gaza, but key disputes over disarmament and Israeli withdrawal remain. As talks begin in Cairo, Trump has urged all sides to “move fast,” warning that further delay could bring “massive bloodshed.” Dr. Lincoln Mitchell, Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s at stake for Israel, Hamas, and Washington and whether this marks the start of a genuine path to peace or just another fragile pause in a long, grinding conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore draws a firm line on freelance work. Foreigners need valid passes to take on physical gigs like food delivery, private hire driving or on-site photography, whereas the lines are more blurred for firms hiring overseas talent for remote jobs such as coding, design and content creation. The approach has sparked debate over fairness, competition, and how Singapore can protect local livelihoods while staying open to global expertise. Dr. Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what this divide means for workers, businesses and the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The recent retrenchments at Agoda have stirred debate after clauses in its severance terms drew criticism from unions and the Ministry of Manpower. The saga highlights bigger questions facing workers in Singapore: What should employees expect in a layoff, what rights do they retain, and where are the boundaries of employer obligations? So how are severance agreements usually structured, what recourse exists if workers feel pressured, and should Singapore move towards stronger legal protections on retrenchment benefits? Ian Lim, Partner, TSMP Law Corporation and head of TSMP’s Employment & Labour team, joins the Breakfast Show to break down the legalities and what this means for both workers and employers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Nations marks its 80th General Assembly in New York this week, with leaders gathering to debate conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine alongside wider challenges facing the global community. From humanitarian crises to climate risks and women’s rights, the session comes at a moment when international cooperation is being put to the test. What should we watch for in the days ahead, and how might Singapore position itself in this complex landscape? Bhavan Jaipragas, Deputy Opinion Editor at The Straits Times, joins the Breakfast Show to share his insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Donald Trump announced a US$100,000 fee on H-1B visas on Friday, in what could be the most sweeping change to America’s skilled worker programme in decades. The move has rattled tech giants, sparked warnings of talent flight, and raised questions about whether protectionism will come at the cost of US innovation. So what does this say about Trump’s broader immigration agenda, how might it affect the global race for tech talent, and what opportunities or risks does it present for Asia? Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of the Washington Office at Penta Group, joins the Breakfast Show to break down the stakes in Washington and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the first day of debates on the President’s Address, MPs pressed the Government on Singapore’s position in the Gaza crisis, enforcement against vaping and drug-laced Kpods, and accountability for recent train disruptions. So what do these exchanges reveal about the Government’s priorities heading into this new term, and what should Singaporeans be watching for in the days ahead? Nicholas Fang, Managing Director at Black Dot, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the top takeaways and their implications for Singaporeans at home and abroad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From managing attendance to setting expectations around digital availability, workplace policies are meant to guide fair practice — but they can also blur into overreach. In Singapore’s hybrid and always-connected work culture, how do we define what’s “reasonable” oversight versus what feels intrusive? And what risks do companies face when trust is eroded and staff feel constantly monitored? Raunak Bhandari, seasoned HR professional and leader at Google, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the evolving norms around workplace boundaries and why these issues matter for morale, retention, and reputation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore’s public housing model rests on a simple but often overlooked fact: HDB flats come with 99-year leases that eventually run down to zero. With the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) set to roll out in the coming years, homeowners will need to grapple with what that really means for flat values, compensation, and the future of ageing towns. How compensation is structured, how precincts are chosen, and how expectations are managed will shape whether the scheme strikes the right balance between today’s flat owners and tomorrow’s Singaporeans. Joining the Breakfast Show to unpack the trade-offs and implications are Ng Keng Gene, Land Use Reporter at The Straits Times, and Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at Mogul.sg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyber threats are escalating, and SMEs are finding themselves increasingly in the firing line, from phishing and ransomware to costly business email compromise. Yet a QBE survey shows fewer than 4 in 10 SMEs in Singapore carry cyber insurance, with many citing cost or doubts about relevance. The real challenge is understanding what’s at stake: the financial risks of downtime, how coverage fits alongside basic cyber hygiene, and whether insurance should be treated as core to risk management. Sam Russell-Vick, Senior Cyber Underwriter, QBE Asia, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the rising risks, why uptake remains low, and how SMEs can balance prevention, protection, and preparedness in 2025 and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 15th Parliament of Singapore opened on Friday, 5 September with the swearing-in of 97 elected Members of Parliament and two Non-Constituency MPs, including a record number of women and 32 first-time MPs. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s address laid out the Government’s priorities for the term, touching on keeping social mobility alive, strengthening unity, adapting to a shifting global order, and ensuring inclusive growth amid economic headwinds. So what do these priorities mean for jobs, wages, and opportunities? How will they shape the way Singapore navigates global uncertainty and domestic concerns in the years ahead? Joining the Breakfast Show is Dr. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University, to unpack the signals, challenges, and opportunities from this new parliamentary term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the final quarter of the year approaches, performance reviews will soon take centre stage and for many employees it brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The challenge is knowing how to prepare: what evidence of impact to bring to the table, how to align with next year’s priorities, and when it makes sense to raise questions about reskilling or internal moves. Shalynn Ler, Managing Director at Ethos BeathChapman (EBC Singapore), joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how employees can approach appraisals constructively, avoid common pitfalls, and keep conversations focused on both immediate outcomes and longer-term growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fatal fires in Singapore are on the rise, with at least eight deaths reported so far this year. From faulty batteries to kitchen accidents, the risks are varied and often overlooked until tragedy strikes. But beyond knowing how to react in an emergency, another question looms: what happens if your home, or your neighbour’s, is damaged in a fire? David Sun, Crime Correspondent at The Straits Times & Justin Chan, Managing Partner, Justin Chan Chambers LLP join the Breakfast Show to unpack why fire-related deaths are climbing, what the most common household risks are today, and the legal questions that follow in a fire’s aftermath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Public Hygiene Council has launched a new Train-the-Trainers programme to equip corporate “cleanliness champions” with the skills to rally colleagues and lead clean-up initiatives, with the aim of fostering a stronger culture of shared responsibility. So why should companies take on responsibility for public cleanliness, and can workplace-led efforts spark lasting change beyond the office? Dr. Christina Liew, Executive Director of the Public Hygiene Council, and Jimmy Yeap, Head of CSR & Employee Engagement at HP, join the Breakfast Show to unpack the goals of the programme, how it’s being put into practice, and what it could mean for Singapore’s hygiene culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called innovation and technology an “overarching priority,” announced new support for SMEs to harness AI, and rolled out initiatives from town-level job matching to expanded SkillsFuture training. He also unveiled bold redevelopment plans for Singapore’s north, from new housing in Kranji to a transformed Woodlands regional centre alongside coastal protection measures. So what do these announcements mean for workers, businesses, and families? Dr. Reuben Ng, Behavioural and Data Scientist at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS and Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent at The Straits Times, join the Breakfast Show to break down the top takeaways and what they signal about Singapore’s next stage of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A recent workplace injury claim involving salad chain Sumo Salad has stirred public debate about whether Singapore’s compensation system is vulnerable to abuse and what protections exist for small business owners. But new figures from the Ministry of Manpower show that 94% of such claims are actually paid out by insurers, not employers. So how does the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) really work? How are fraudulent claims detected? And what should both employers and workers know before making or handling a claim? Jonathan Yuen, Head of Employment & Commercial Litigation at Rajah & Tann, and Ang Yuit, President of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises join the Breakfast Show to unpack how Singapore’s workplace injury claims process works, how long it typically takes, and what safeguards are in place to protect against misuse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From helping households cope with rising costs to celebrating Singapore’s 60th birthday, government vouchers have become a familiar form of support. But with some using their CDC and SG60 vouchers on items like AirPods or gaming consoles, questions have surfaced: Is there a “right” way to spend them? Terence Ho, Associate Professor (Practice) at the Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences joins the Breakfast Show to take a closer look at how Singaporeans are using their SG60 and CDC vouchers and what the public conversation reveals about expectations around fairness, spending, and support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On August 4, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong announced a major new review of Singapore’s long-term economic strategy. Five new committees have been formed to tackle challenges ranging from global competitiveness and tech innovation, to entrepreneurship, workforce resilience, and economic restructuring. What does this move signal about the pain points facing Singapore’s economy today? And how might this strategy reshape opportunities for businesses and workers over the next decade? Song Seng Wun, Economic Advisor at CGS International joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving this strategic reset and what pain points Singapore must confront to remain resilient in an increasingly volatile global landscapeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore’s unemployment rate may be low but behind the numbers are stories of struggle, reinvention, and quiet resilience. As layoffs rise and AI reshapes how people apply for jobs, many Singaporeans are finding that traditional job search tactics are no longer enough. Many are finding that polished résumés and persistence no longer guarantee results. Teo Kai Xiang, journalist at the Straits Times’ Life Desk joins The Breakfast Show to discuss his article titled “‘I applied to over 300 jobs’: What people wish they knew before they got laid off” which explores how retrenched Singaporeans are navigating long-term unemployment not just financially, but emotionally and what it really takes to stay resilient in a job market marked by burnout, rejection, and automation. How are jobseekers breaking through the noise and rewriting the rules of what it means to bounce back?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many fresh grads are anxious about finding a job, but should they be? Manpower Minister Tan See Leng is urging graduates and parents to “stay calm,” pointing to new figures that show the employment rate for the 2025 university graduating cohort was 51.9% in June, 4 percentage points higher than in June 2024. That suggests the graduate job market may be on sturdier ground than expected, even amid global uncertainty. So how worried should graduates really be and what can they do to boost their chances? Loh Pui Wah, Independent Business Consultant & Career Coach and Ng Kian Boon, Host of the Red Dot Perspective (YouTube), join the Breakfast Show to unpack the outlook, highlight where opportunities are emerging, and explore how fresh graduates can navigate the current hiring scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Randstad’s 2025 Singapore survey shows nearly 9 in 10 employees believe a sense of community helps them perform better, and lack of appreciation ranks among the top three reasons staff feel discouraged across all age groups. Yet many workplaces still struggle to build cultures where people feel recognised. This segment will explore why appreciation often falls through the cracks, how it ties into the pillars that drive belonging at work, and what leaders can do to personalise recognition to keep their teams engaged and loyal in a high-stress job market. Jasmine Liew, CEO of Breakthrough Catalyst and the Premier Partner of Appreciation at Work, shares her thoughts on the Breakfast Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As China’s manufacturing engine powers ahead, this segment looks at how Southeast Asia is grappling with a fresh wave of competition or what some have called the “Second China Shock.” We explore how cheap, tech-driven Chinese exports are reshaping industries from textiles to autos, why ASEAN’s own export markets are feeling the strain, and what options the region has to protect local jobs without jeopardising ties with Beijing. Ravi Velloor, Associate Editor and Senior Columnist with The Straits Times joins the Breakfast Show to share his perspectives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore is raising stamp duties on homes sold within four years to curb short-term speculation, reversing a move from 2017. This comes as sub-sales surge to their highest in over a decade, driven by rising prices and investor activity. Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at mogul.sg, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what’s fueling the spike in quick resales, how the new rules might reshape investor behaviour, and what ripple effects this could have on developers, transaction volumes, and even the HDB resale and rental markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As geopolitical tensions rise, this segment looks at how international bodies like the UN are responding to conflict and whether they remain effective platforms for diplomacy. This will explore what the Israel-Iran situation reveals about the limits of multilateral consensus, how small states like Singapore continue to see value in the UN Charter, and what recent debates suggest about the future of global cooperation. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs joins The Breakfast Show to share his insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become more widely available, educators across Singapore, from secondary schools to universities, are grappling with a growing dilemma of how to adapt teaching and assessment methods to keep pace with AI, without losing the essence of independent thinking and learning. This segment explores how local educators are adapting. Are students being taught how to use these tools responsibly, or are they learning to game the system? How is AI being governed by educational institutions? How do we strike the right balance between embracing new tech and maintaining academic integrity? Professor Venky Shankararaman, Vice Provost (Education) & Professor of Information Systems at SMU and Danish Lukawski, Founder and Generative AI Lecturer at DANAMIC joins the Breakfast Show to share their insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Across Asia, reports of passengers having valuables stolen mid-flight are on the rise with some cases pointing to coordinated criminal groups targeting specific routes. In 2024 alone, Hong Kong saw a 75% surge in cases, while airports in Tokyo and Singapore have reported similar upticks. In Singapore, there were 4 reported cases between January 2023 and September 2024, with one case involving a man who stole the equivalent of about S$120,000 from a jeweller on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight in March 2024. The issue has grown serious enough for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to put it on the agenda this year, highlighting concerns around onboard security and cross-border enforcement. This Morning Shot episode explores what’s driving this trend, why certain routes are more vulnerable, and what’s being done, or not done, to deter in-flight theft. Dr. Alan Tan, Professor, NUS Law School (specialising in Aviation Law) joins the Breakfast Show to share his insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this rare role reversal hosted by Morning Shot, BizNews founder Alec Hogg opens up about the wild beginnings of Moneyweb and BizNews, the evolution of digital journalism, and his take on South Africa's future. Original content by Morning Shot, republished with permission.
While more Singaporean fathers want to play an active role at home, workplace culture and policy haven’t fully caught up. With only around half of eligible dads taking paternity leave, the reality is that many working fathers face structural and cultural barriers when it comes to being present parents. Dr. Xander Ong, CEO of Centre for Fathering joins the Breakfast Show to explore how far Singapore has come in supporting working dads and how much further we need to go. Are employers ready to offer flexibility and emotional support for fatherhood the way they’ve done for working mothers? What will it take to build truly inclusive family-first workplaces, where both parents are empowered to be caregivers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore’s population is ageing fast and by 2030, about one in four citizens will be over 65. As the retirement age rises and lifespans stretch, it is important for Singaporeans to understand what it really takes to retire well in Singapore, and what kind of life one can expect in those later years. This segment takes a closer look at what makes Singapore a livable place for retirement, from accessible healthcare, public safety, and transport infrastructure. It will look into the government policies that have been implemented to aid the ageing population, its effectiveness, and how that specific demographic is being encouraged to continue to participate in society. It will also examine the trade-offs Singaporeans need to consider as they plan for retirement, including what a fulfilling retirement looks like today and how cultural values, family expectations, and emotional preparedness shape those decisions. Dr. Kelvin Tan, President of the Society for Gerontechnology & Head of Programme in Applied Ageing Studies at SUSS and Lim Ai Leen, Associate Foreign Editor at The Straits Times, share their insights on the topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Behind every shuttered café or restaurant is a difficult, often deeply emotional decision. Rising rents, falling margins, changing consumer habits, all of these weigh heavily on owners trying to balance financial survival with personal investment and passion. This segment unpacks the real-world pressures and challenges the F&B Industry is facing today, taking a look into the tipping points business owners face especially with steep rental costs, the support structures that could make a difference, and what’s at stake if more independent players are forced out of Singapore’s F&B landscape. With insights from long-time F&B operator Heidi Tan, co-owner of Flor Patisserie, and Dr. Guy Llewellyn, Assistant Professor of Hospitality at EHL Hospitality Business School, to help us unpack what’s really going on and what might need to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.