Podcasts about st podcasts

More holidays a year sounds great but ensure they stay within budget by using these hacks. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Instead of saving for a home, young people are now saving for travel and leisure. Over half of young workers said saving for trips is among their top financial goals, a survey showed. So travel is clearly a top of mind issue for Singaporeans. But how do we budget for three trips a year? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to achieve your vacation dreams. Her guests are Revolut’s Head of Strategy and Operations Ashley Thomas and ST travel journalist Sarah Stanley. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:23 How early do you plan for 2026’s trips? 4:00 Are more people doing three holidays a year? 8:00 How to set budgets for a trip 16:22 Using AI to plan holidays 18:00 Where are the upcoming popular spots? 21:00 Travel deals and ways to save money Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More holidays a year sounds great but ensure they stay within budget by using these hacks. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Instead of saving for a home, young people are now saving for travel and leisure. Over half of young workers said saving for trips is among their top financial goals, a survey showed. So travel is clearly a top of mind issue for Singaporeans. But how do we budget for three trips a year? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to achieve your vacation dreams. Her guests are Revolut’s Head of Strategy and Operations Ashley Thomas and ST travel journalist Sarah Stanley. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:23 How early do you plan for 2026’s trips? 4:00 Are more people doing three holidays a year? 8:00 How to set budgets for a trip 16:22 Using AI to plan holidays 18:00 Where are the upcoming popular spots? 21:00 Travel deals and ways to save money Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, foreign policy adviser to the Cabinet of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of the most authoritative voices on Japan about the ascend and likely impact of Sanae Takaichi. They discuss Ms Takaichi’s first diplomatic encounter with US President Donald Trump, her hardline approach to defence, and China, Japan’s shifting priorities in Asean as Philippines rises in salience and Indonesia declines, Tokyo’s dread of Trump’s ‘G-2’ talk, the future of the Quad security dialogue, and her approach to economic policy. They also discuss Ms Takaichi’s softer, personal side – her early life, propensity to ride powerful motorbikes, marriage to the same man twice and finally, the question: Now that Japan has its first woman PM, is it time to consider an Empress for Japan? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 Shinzo Abe’s protege? Yes, and no. 5:00 Asean summit and first encounter with Donald J Trump 10:00 Japan’s dread of Trump’s “G-2” talk 12:00: Defence thrust, and the nuclear question 18:30 China, Japan’s key neighbour 22:30 For Tokyo, Indonesia dips while Philippines rises 26:00 Is Quad dead in the water? 31:00 Japan and foreigners 36:10 Sanae Takaichi: woman, wife, rocker, biker 41:20 After woman PM, an Empress for Japan? Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Chen Junyi Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dig deeper into why Singapore's food sustainability targets have changed. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. The original goal was for farms here to produce 30 per cent of the country’s nutritional needs, which include fish, eggs and vegetables. Now it's 20 per cent of Singapore's fibre and 30 per cent of protein needs by 2035. Natasha speaks with Ken Cheong, chief executive of the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation and Ray Poh, founder of Artisan Green, an indoor farm that grows pesticide-free crops – about what measures are needed to help local farms grow and why egg farmers are doing well. What will help every farm become a "good farm" and should we have CDC-type vouchers to get consumers to buy local produce? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:31 Why was the initial goal so difficult to achieve? 4:37 Economies of scale lowers operational costs 7:55 Why transport is the biggest bugbear for local produce 21:56 Why local eggs are safe to be eaten half-boiled 28:52 Will CDC vouchers push more to buy local produce? Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, foreign policy adviser to the Cabinet of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of the most authoritative voices on Japan about the ascend and likely impact of Sanae Takaichi. They discuss Ms Takaichi’s first diplomatic encounter with US President Donald Trump, her hardline approach to defence, and China, Japan’s shifting priorities in Asean as Philippines rises in salience and Indonesia declines, Tokyo’s dread of Trump’s ‘G-2’ talk, the future of the Quad security dialogue, and her approach to economic policy. They also discuss Ms Takaichi’s softer, personal side – her early life, propensity to ride powerful motorbikes, marriage to the same man twice and finally, the question: Now that Japan has its first woman PM, is it time to consider an Empress for Japan? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 Shinzo Abe’s protege? Yes, and no. 5:00 Asean summit and first encounter with Donald J Trump 10:00 Japan’s dread of Trump’s “G-2” talk 12:00: Defence thrust, and the nuclear question 18:30 China, Japan’s key neighbour 22:30 For Tokyo, Indonesia dips while Philippines rises 26:00 Is Quad dead in the water? 31:00 Japan and foreigners 36:10 Sanae Takaichi: woman, wife, rocker, biker 41:20 After woman PM, an Empress for Japan? Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Chen Junyi Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apart from their vocation, teachers also handle administrative work and counselling. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Teachers in Singapore work longer than their peers in other advanced economies. They spend less time teaching but more on planning, counselling and communicating with students’ parents, according to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) released on Oct 7, 2025. In total, the Talis survey polled 194,000 teachers in 55 education systems across Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Teachers in Singapore work an average of 47.3 hours a week, higher than the overall average of 41 hours. Approximately 3,500 teachers and respective school principals across all 145 public secondary schools and 10 randomly selected private secondary schools participated in the survey from April to August 2024. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines why this is happening, and whether there is any way their workload and stress can be reduced. In the studio with her is Ms Sarah Tan, a former secondary school teacher with 17 years of experience and taught till 2020, but now gives tuition. She is also a mother of two children aged 13 and 15. Mr Manogaran Suppiah was formerly the principal of Anderson Serangoon Junior College. He first started out teaching for 16 years, before moving to different departments within the Ministry of Education, including becoming the founding executive director of Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST). In 2022, he retired from his career spanning over 40 years. Highlights (click/tap above): 7:23 Teacher workload: Why it has gone up 11:08 How technology adds to and can also lighten workload 14:10 Learning to use AI tools? 18:18 Administrative duties, parents' expectations 23:20 On teachers having to 'parent' students? 28:43 Mid-career switches from other professions to teaching: Different perspectives 30:00 Why education leaders must find out from teachers what is meaningless 33:08 School leaders, heads of departments and teachers: What's lacking? Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apart from their vocation, teachers also handle administrative work and counselling. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Teachers in Singapore work longer than their peers in other advanced economies. They spend less time teaching but more on planning, counselling and communicating with students’ parents, according to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) released on Oct 7, 2025. In total, the Talis survey polled 194,000 teachers in 55 education systems across Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Teachers in Singapore work an average of 47.3 hours a week, higher than the overall average of 41 hours. Approximately 3,500 teachers and respective school principals across all 145 public secondary schools and 10 randomly selected private secondary schools participated in the survey from April to August 2024. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines why this is happening, and whether there is any way their workload and stress can be reduced. In the studio with her is Ms Sarah Tan, a former secondary school teacher with 17 years of experience and taught till 2020, but now gives tuition. She is also a mother of two children aged 13 and 15. Mr Manogaran Suppiah was formerly the principal of Anderson Serangoon Junior College. He first started out teaching for 16 years, before moving to different departments within the Ministry of Education, including becoming the founding executive director of Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST). In 2022, he retired from his career spanning over 40 years. Highlights (click/tap above): 7:23 Teacher workload: Why it has gone up 11:08 How technology adds to and can also lighten workload 14:10 Learning to use AI tools? 18:18 Administrative duties, parents' expectations 23:20 On teachers having to 'parent' students? 28:43 Mid-career switches from other professions to teaching: Different perspectives 30:00 Why education leaders must find out from teachers what is meaningless 33:08 School leaders, heads of departments and teachers: What's lacking? Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoiler: Politics, and the private lives of politicians. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. For more than a century, it was quite accepted in France that Presidents and male politicians could have mistresses, and no one would pry into their private lives. But public attitudes are changing, and this is manifested in persistent curiosity about President Emmanuel Macron and his wife - who have now taken the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit to battle scurrilous allegations. In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying hosts global affairs correspondent Jonathan Eyal, who takes his skewer to double standards, culture wars and conspiracy theories that are fuelling the change. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:48 Paris in summer: A hotbed of scandals 4:11 Climate and political heat 7:01 Changing political privacy norms in France 9:29 The role of social media and disinformation 13:31 Macron’s political challenges and scandals Read Jonathan Eyal’s article here: https://str.sg/cDua Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This follows a debate over a school's alumni reaction to an ST report on a major scam operation. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. It was a crime report meant to highlight the suspects behind a major scam operation, but a nugget of information sparked an uproar over a school’s image. Last week, The Straits Times reported that two brothers and their cousin were the alleged masterminds running the operation from Phnom Penh. The group ran a government official impersonation scam that was allegedly responsible for 438 scam cases involving losses of at least $41 million. The 27 Singaporeans suspected of being members of the organised criminal group are now wanted by the Singapore police. But that was not what readers were talking about online. What drew attention was a detail in the Oct 30 report that one of the wanted men, Finan Siow, was said to be a former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student who once played for the school’s rugby team. That information – featured in both the article and an infographic – didn’t sit well with the Anglo-Chinese School Old Boys’ Association, which said the school had been singled out. ST explained its editorial decision. But the furore around that piece of information, especially from the school’s alumni on social media platforms, was curious. In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak to two well-known social commentators – comedian Rishi Budhrani, and comedy writer and communication strategist Benjamin “Mr Miyagi” Lee – to find out why we are so fixated on brand-name schools? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:01 Mr Miyagi and Rishi disclose which school they used to attend 3:39 On the ACS Old Boys’ Association’s forum letter 6:56 Rishi and Benjamin on their own reaction to the ST report 8:34 Brand name schools: Baggage and expectations 13:50 Mr Miyagi on his son’s choice of schools 11:49 Judge on merits and achievements, not school links 16:29 School alumni networks have worth too 22:58 Different experiences of school life 30:14 Education is so valued in Singapore, hence such debates 30:48 Old boys: Making the news for wrong reasons Read more: ACS Old Boys’ Association’s forum letter and response from ST: https://str.sg/pG4E Read Natasha Ann Zachariah’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoiler: Politics, and the private lives of politicians. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. For more than a century, it was quite accepted in France that Presidents and male politicians could have mistresses, and no one would pry into their private lives. But public attitudes are changing, and this is manifested in persistent curiosity about President Emmanuel Macron and his wife - who have now taken the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit to battle scurrilous allegations. In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying hosts global affairs correspondent Jonathan Eyal, who takes his skewer to double standards, culture wars and conspiracy theories that are fuelling the change. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:48 Paris in summer: A hotbed of scandals 4:11 Climate and political heat 7:01 Changing political privacy norms in France 9:29 The role of social media and disinformation 13:31 Macron’s political challenges and scandals Read Jonathan Eyal’s article here: https://str.sg/cDua Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. A recent A*Star study found that boys who slept at least nine hours every night had a 51 per cent lower obesity risk and less abdominal fat. Abdominal fat, particularly fat around internal organs, is more strongly linked to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than overall body weight. Published in the journal Obesity (Oct 2025), the study used MRI imaging to examine how sleep habits relate to fat distribution in 10-year-olds in Singapore. In this episode, host and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the study’s authors Dr Cai Shirong and Dr Navin Michael, about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity and overweight in children. Dr Cai And Dr Navin are principal scientists from the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:48 Does catching up on sleep during the weekend reduce the risk of obesity? 7:07 Why was there a weaker association between sleep deprivation and obesity in girls? 8:00 Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents 15:45 Why do we prefer burgers over salad when we are sleep deprived? 17:38 Sleep can help regulate cognition in children 19:43 Examples of caffeinated beverages consumed by children Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. A recent A*Star study found that boys who slept at least nine hours every night had a 51 per cent lower obesity risk and less abdominal fat. Abdominal fat, particularly fat around internal organs, is more strongly linked to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than overall body weight. Published in the journal Obesity (Oct 2025), the study used MRI imaging to examine how sleep habits relate to fat distribution in 10-year-olds in Singapore. In this episode, host and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the study’s authors Dr Cai Shirong and Dr Navin Michael, about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity and overweight in children. Dr Cai And Dr Navin are principal scientists from the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:48 Does catching up on sleep during the weekend reduce the risk of obesity? 7:07 Why was there a weaker association between sleep deprivation and obesity in girls? 8:00 Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents 15:45 Why do we prefer burgers over salad when we are sleep deprived? 17:38 Sleep can help regulate cognition in children 19:43 Examples of caffeinated beverages consumed by children Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vital need for insurance to bridge the region’s ‘protection gap’ and drive the green transition. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Insurance is a safety net and is increasingly vital as climate change risks grow and as more people, homes and businesses are in the path of disaster. But in South-east Asia, the majority of people do not have access to insurance. And the region is facing worsening threats from floods, sea-level rise and heat stress. Only 5 to 7 per cent of all climate-related losses are insured in South-east Asia, says Mr Daniel Fairweather, head of food security systems and biodiversity at Howden, an insurance broking firm. But there is plenty of hope to bridge this “protection gap”, he tells Green Pulse podcast hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty. There are insurance products that can help communities when disaster strikes by rapidly releasing cash payments to meet emergency needs. Mutualised insurance risk pools that combine premiums can also pay out in times of need. Two things are key: Insurers need to work closely with governments and businesses to better assess climate risks and vulnerabilities. Secondly, spread the financial risk by building connections across the region, such as linking up local and national insurance mechanisms, such as risk pools. “Every risk is insurable,” Mr Fairweather says, adding that insurance coverage is also critical to accelerate green investments in the region. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:04 What are some of South-east Asia’s top climate change risks? 4:51 Will insurance losses increase mainly because of climate change or for other reasons, too? 9:10 What are some of the insurance products that can protect communities in the region? 16:06 In some places in the US, insurance coverage has been withdrawn. What’s the reason for this? 24:28 What about the role of insurance in boosting green initiatives in South-east Asia. Is it a catalyst? 28:28 Can the insurance industry thrive despite the rapid march of climate change? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vital need for insurance to bridge the region’s ‘protection gap’ and drive the green transition. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Insurance is a safety net and is increasingly vital as climate change risks grow and as more people, homes and businesses are in the path of disaster. But in South-east Asia, the majority of people do not have access to insurance. And the region is facing worsening threats from floods, sea-level rise and heat stress. Only 5 to 7 per cent of all climate-related losses are insured in South-east Asia, says Mr Daniel Fairweather, head of food security systems and biodiversity at Howden, an insurance broking firm. But there is plenty of hope to bridge this “protection gap”, he tells Green Pulse podcast hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty. There are insurance products that can help communities when disaster strikes by rapidly releasing cash payments to meet emergency needs. Mutualised insurance risk pools that combine premiums can also pay out in times of need. Two things are key: Insurers need to work closely with governments and businesses to better assess climate risks and vulnerabilities. Secondly, spread the financial risk by building connections across the region, such as linking up local and national insurance mechanisms, such as risk pools. “Every risk is insurable,” Mr Fairweather says, adding that insurance coverage is also critical to accelerate green investments in the region. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:04 What are some of South-east Asia’s top climate change risks? 4:51 Will insurance losses increase mainly because of climate change or for other reasons, too? 9:10 What are some of the insurance products that can protect communities in the region? 16:06 In some places in the US, insurance coverage has been withdrawn. What’s the reason for this? 24:28 What about the role of insurance in boosting green initiatives in South-east Asia. Is it a catalyst? 28:28 Can the insurance industry thrive despite the rapid march of climate change? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out how to choose the right employers, training and career paths to ride the wave. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. We are in the thick of it. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken root in our personal and professional lives, and is set to reshape society even more. How best to set ourselves up for success for the years to come? What is the support at hand to help us make better career choices? In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower, as well as for Culture, Community and Youth. MOS Dinesh shares more about who the hotly-scrutinised and recently launched Graduate Industry Traineeships (Grit) are meant for, and why it has taken the form it has. Joining the discussion is Ms Elsie Ng, director for talent solutions in Singapore for professional networking platform LinkedIn. She shares how both employers and workers are reinventing themselves for AI. This is a jam-packed episode that cannot be missed. Highlights: 5:43 What prevents people from taking the first step in upskilling? 9:17 How have skill requirements changed in recent times? 13:40 Huge demand in 'people' skills; why career research is important 17:36 What happens to those who find their efforts aren’t enough to keep up? 24:47 Grit is meant for those who can’t directly enter growth sectors 31:10 Nurturing ready trainees for when the role is eventually created Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out how to choose the right employers, training and career paths to ride the wave. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. We are in the thick of it. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken root in our personal and professional lives, and is set to reshape society even more. How best to set ourselves up for success for the years to come? What is the support at hand to help us make better career choices? In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower, as well as for Culture, Community and Youth. MOS Dinesh shares more about who the hotly-scrutinised and recently launched Graduate Industry Traineeships (Grit) are meant for, and why it has taken the form it has. Joining the discussion is Ms Elsie Ng, director for talent solutions in Singapore for professional networking platform LinkedIn. She shares how both employers and workers are reinventing themselves for AI. This is a jam-packed episode that cannot be missed. Highlights: 5:43 What prevents people from taking the first step in upskilling? 9:17 How have skill requirements changed in recent times? 13:40 Huge demand in 'people' skills; why career research is important 17:36 What happens to those who find their efforts aren’t enough to keep up? 24:47 Grit is meant for those who can’t directly enter growth sectors 31:10 Nurturing ready trainees for when the role is eventually created Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Khung would have turned 10 a few weeks ago, if she were still alive today. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Instead, five years after her death, the findings by a review panel detailed how, within a year, there were several lapses at various agencies that could have helped her. The panel’s report came after the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said in April it would conduct a review of Megan’s case. The girl died in 2020 after suffering physical and emotional abuse by her mother Foo Li Ping and her mother’s then-boyfriend Wong Shi Xiang. The report’s timeline detailed what happened from the time staff members at Megan’s pre-school found bruises on her body to when the couple were arrested for murder, highlighting gaps in communication among agencies, lags in escalating the matter and a lack of follow-ups. These agencies include Child Protective Service and the police. In this episode of The Usual Place, I will discuss what the panel’s findings and recommendations tell us about accountability in the system, the complexities of navigating child abuse cases, and how we can do better to protect the most vulnerable among us. I speak with ST’s senior social affairs correspondent Theresa Tan and director of clinical services at social service agency Pave Integrated Services Soh Siew Fong. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:26 When abuse is dealing with life and death 8:12 Did the many helping hands framework fail? 10:00 When child protection is more than just hiring social workers 10:47 Supervising case workers 17:40 Why do social workers hesitate to make police reports? 30:06 How to attract new case workers 33:42 When physical punishment becomes abuse 41:35 Keeping children safe goes beyond case work Read Natasha Ann Zachariah’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Pave Integrated Services: https://str.sg/fgUd National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH): https://str.sg/JPwNL Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from home-grown singer Regina Song, one of the most streamed Singapore artistes in the past year. Synopsis: Synopsis (headphones recommended): The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In this special episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts Regina Song, one of the most streamed Singapore artistes in the past year. The 21-year-old first encountered fame when her 2024 song, The Cutest Pair, went viral on TikTok. A song from her debut album Fangirl, it has since garnered 54 million streams on Spotify alone. But as she discusses in the podcast interview, the singer wants to be more than just a one-hit wonder. She has been working on new songs and performed two of her newest tunes, Before I Leave and Midsummer Mansion, live on the podcast. In the interview, Song talks about her relationship with social media and how it plays a huge role in how she operates as an artiste. She also discusses the challenges of being a full-time music musician in Singapore, including the lack of a structured system for rising artistes. This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of some 90 ST readers on October 7 at Esplanade Annexe Studio, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 10:23 How an old laptop and piano lessons set her on the path to music 17:30 On how The Cutest Pair made her one of the most streamed Singaporean artistes 23:13 The pros and cons of social media for a singer 28:46 Revealing personal details in confessional lyrics 33:03 The lack of a structured system for rising artistes in Singapore 38:04 A desire to headline bigger festivals and help other musicians pursue their dreams Watch the full performance and podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/JdzuV Listen to Regina Song’s live performance of Before I Leave & Midsummer Mansion here: https://str.sg/MbDc Discover home-grown artiste Regina Song at: YouTube: https://str.sg/ieaZ Spotify: https://str.sg/o2WPs Instagram: https://str.sg/9PLo Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: https://str.sg/7m92 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #musiclabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from home-grown singer Regina Song, one of the most streamed Singapore artistes in the past year. Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio. Listen to Regina Song talk about her musical journey in the full audio-only podcast here: https://str.sg/fsHh Discover home-grown artiste Regina Song at: YouTube: https://str.sg/ieaZ Spotify: https://str.sg/o2WPs Instagram: https://str.sg/htdW Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: https://str.sg/7m92 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #musiclabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grand bargain will be hard to strike at the upcoming US-China presidential summit, says top trade expert. Synopsis: The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler, a panellist at SPH Media’s Oct 9 Asia Future Summit, speaks to US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar to unpack what can be expected from President Donald Trump’s Asia trip. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:09 Why the Trump-Xi meeting still remains unconfirmed 6:11 What China wants out of the meeting 7:39 Wendy Cutler’s gut feel on the summit outcome 12:00 Did Singapore get the ‘best deal’ out of Trump? 14:10 Seoul may get a deal, not New Delhi 17:19 ‘We're gonna be living in a tariff world for the next 3.5 years’ 23:34 Is the sun setting on Apec? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grand bargain will be hard to strike at the upcoming US-China presidential summit, says top trade expert. Synopsis: The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler, a panellist at SPH Media’s Oct 9 Asia Future Summit, speaks to US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar to unpack what can be expected from President Donald Trump’s Asia trip. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:09 Why the Trump-Xi meeting still remains unconfirmed 6:11 What China wants out of the meeting 7:39 Wendy Cutler’s gut feel on the summit outcome 12:00 Did Singapore get the ‘best deal’ out of Trump? 14:10 Seoul may get a deal, not New Delhi 17:19 ‘We're gonna be living in a tariff world for the next 3.5 years’ 23:34 Is the sun setting on Apec? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people switch from smoking to vaping for different reasons. For Mr Muhammad Dandiar Rosli, he saw vaping as a cheaper alternative to smoking, so he decided to give it a try. But it nearly cost him his life. Just a month after he started vaping in 2020, he ended up in hospital after feeling breathless and coughing up thick, yellow phlegm. He thought he had contracted Covid-19, but a bronchoscopy revealed that he had pulmonary alveolar proteinosis – a rare lung disease where the air sacs are clogged with protein and fatty material, making breathing difficult. That marked the start of a long recovery that included two hospital stays and four procedures to “wash out” his lungs. What he underwent is called a lung lavage, where sterile saline is used to wash away the abnormal build-up of protein from the lungs. Five years on, the memory of the treatment – and the hefty medical bill – still affects him today. Mr Dandiar, a private-hire driver, drops by The Usual Place podcast to talk about undergoing the lung lavage procedures and the difficulty of quitting vaping. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:08 The failed attempt to save money by vaping 9:08 “It was too painful, I had to shutdown,” Dandiar on being hospitalised with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. 10:29 The process of lung washing 16:07 Restarting to vape after his first hospitalisation 25:54 Why quitting is so difficult Read Natasha Ann Zachariah’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26. For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just tabled his latest budget for 2026, and will now have to juggle domestic and international impressions over the visit of US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit starting Oct 26. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:57 Was the RM470b allocation in Budget 2026 a creative fiscal feat?5:09 How successful has Anwar been in pushing for financial reforms?8:39 Is the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak a political move ahead of the state election?11:18 Can Malaysia afford to have Trump miss the Asean Summit?13:31 Will Malaysia have to one day choose between the US and China?15:37 Why Malaysians’ anger on the Palestinian cause is real 19:38 How to celebrate an F1 win without alcoholic champagne Read more: Demystifying Budget 2026 tabled by PM Anwar https://str.sg/mpP6 Is Budget 2026 a political strategy for Sabah state polls? https://str.sg/wJ76g Malaysians are unhappy with Trump’s visit to KL https://str.sg/DBc3 Petronas CEO under fire for champagne celebration at Singapore GP https://str.sg/7HoB Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Hosts: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26. For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just tabled his latest budget for 2026, and will now have to juggle domestic and international impressions over the visit of US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit starting Oct 26. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:57 Was the RM470b allocation in Budget 2026 a creative fiscal feat?5:09 How successful has Anwar been in pushing for financial reforms?8:39 Is the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak a political move ahead of the state election?11:18 Can Malaysia afford to have Trump miss the Asean Summit?13:31 Will Malaysia have to one day choose between the US and China?15:37 Why Malaysians’ anger on the Palestinian cause is real 19:38 How to celebrate an F1 win without alcoholic champagne Read more: Demystifying Budget 2026 tabled by PM Anwar https://str.sg/mpP6 Is Budget 2026 a political strategy for Sabah state polls? https://str.sg/wJ76g Malaysians are unhappy with Trump’s visit to KL https://str.sg/DBc3 Petronas CEO under fire for champagne celebration at Singapore GP https://str.sg/7HoB Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz Hosts: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from home-grown rapper Abangsapau, one of the Singapore hip-hop scene’s most promising young rappers. Synopsis (headphones recommended): The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In this special episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts one of the Singapore hip-hop scene’s most promising young rappers, Abangsapau. Known for his trademark sarong, he made his debut in 2019, and in the following year, performed at the 2020 National Day Parade (NDP). He is currently signed to Def Jam Recordings South East Asia, the regional wing of the iconic American hip-hop music label. The 26-year-old has just put out his self-titled debut album, a 14-track release filled with brutally honest recollections of the experiences that shaped him into the person that he is today. The rapper, who also performed at the 2025 NDP, did not have an easy childhood and had to deal with issues such as a broken family, substance abuse and bullying. But as he discusses in the podcast, it is important for him to be as authentic as he can with his music, as it helps him connect with, and empower his audience. This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of some 90 ST readers on October 7 at Esplanade Annexe Studio, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:46 How he got the name Abangsapau, and what it means 5:36 How talking back to his teachers led to him winning public speaking competitions 7:33 On his difficult childhood, experiences with substance abuse, family issues and witnessing his mother's struggle with depression 15:53 Sharing his experiences through his music led to a fan overcoming suicidal ideations 18:26 He wrote over 300 love songs when he was still juggling his former day job at a hospital 24:00 Performing with his mother at the 2020 NDP 27:18 His hope for a future where Singaporeans are proud of their local artists and support the local music scene Listen to Abangsapau’s live performance of wow. and selamat, sayang here: https://str.sg/fwvW Discover home-grown artiste Abangsapau at: YouTube: https://str.sg/oGhpp Spotify: https://str.sg/KwtC Instagram: https://str.sg/DSEN Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: https://str.sg/7m92 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #musiclabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear home-grown rapper Abangsapau's intimate live take of wow. and selamat, sayang, two songs from his latest debut album, Abangsapau. Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio. Listen to Abangsapau talk about his musical journey in the full audio-only podcast here: https://str.sg/sNxa Discover home-grown artiste Abangsapau at: YouTube: https://str.sg/oGhpp Spotify: https://str.sg/KwtC Instagram: https://str.sg/DSEN Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: https://str.sg/7m92 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #musiclabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A greener, climate-friendly future is an opportunity to do well financially and not just to do good. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. What is it like to be on the frontline of climate finance and investing? To many, it might seem a pretty challenging time, with some nations and big oil and gas firms doubling down on fossil fuels. And the world is distracted with wars and upended trade flows. But to Ms Kyung-Ah Park, Chief Sustainability Officer for Singapore investment firm Temasek, there’s plenty to be hopeful about. Investors are increasingly looking at the opportunities in South-east Asia, a huge market of 700 million people with growing energy needs. Sure, there are headwinds, she tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty, with AI soaking up a lot of investment cash, plus geopolitics and policy uncertainty buffeting investors. But the direction is clear. As a long-term investor, the clean energy and transition agendas are a “must do”, she says. It’s just good business and a lot of investors are staying the course. And the trick is to make green investments appealing, with different layers of risk and reward that attract investors with differing appetites, a bit like a sandwich. Have a listen to our latest episode and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:11 You were just at New York Climate Week and the UN General Assembly. Are you feeling more hopeful about global climate investment? 7:20 What is the appetite for climate investments in SE Asia? 10:35 And what are some of the investment risks? What are some of the key obstacles for the region? 19:25 How do you de-risk some of these investments to make them more appealing, more appetising? 28:45 There’s been a heavy reliance on Western capital – but are things changing? Is this Asia’s time to rise? 31:19 What would success look like at the COP30 UN climate talks? Is the US$1.3 trillion finance goal achievable? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A greener, climate-friendly future is an opportunity to do well financially and not just to do good. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. What is it like to be on the frontline of climate finance and investing? To many, it might seem a pretty challenging time, with some nations and big oil and gas firms doubling down on fossil fuels. And the world is distracted with wars and upended trade flows. But to Ms Kyung-Ah Park, Chief Sustainability Officer for Singapore investment firm Temasek, there’s plenty to be hopeful about. Investors are increasingly looking at the opportunities in South-east Asia, a huge market of 700 million people with growing energy needs. Sure, there are headwinds, she tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty, with AI soaking up a lot of investment cash, plus geopolitics and policy uncertainty buffeting investors. But the direction is clear. As a long-term investor, the clean energy and transition agendas are a “must do”, she says. It’s just good business and a lot of investors are staying the course. And the trick is to make green investments appealing, with different layers of risk and reward that attract investors with differing appetites, a bit like a sandwich. Have a listen to our latest episode and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:11 You were just at New York Climate Week and the UN General Assembly. Are you feeling more hopeful about global climate investment? 7:20 What is the appetite for climate investments in SE Asia? 10:35 And what are some of the investment risks? What are some of the key obstacles for the region? 19:25 How do you de-risk some of these investments to make them more appealing, more appetising? 28:45 There’s been a heavy reliance on Western capital – but are things changing? Is this Asia’s time to rise? 31:19 What would success look like at the COP30 UN climate talks? Is the US$1.3 trillion finance goal achievable? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Platform work can expand employment options and opportunities, but only with careful regulation. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Digital platform work has become a fixture of Singapore society, with a contingent of almost 70,000 plying their trade, mostly in ride-hailing or food delivery. In a special episode of Headstart On Record, co-host Tay Hong Yi moderates a fireside chat with four panellists across the platform work ecosystem at the Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work on Sept 29. Hear their views on the challenges that come with this new format of work, the prospects that come with expanding it to a wider range of jobs, and what needs to be done to make it meaningful for young talent. The panellists were: Ms Yeo Wan Ling, assistant secretary-general at the National Trades Union Congress Mr Hao Shuo, chief executive officer, Singapore National Employers Federation Mr Lim Yew Heng, group managing director for public affairs, transformation and post-merger integration at Grab Mr Elvin Tan, Asia-Pacific head of operations at human resources services firm Persol Highlights (click/tap above): 4:01 How NTUC develops support for platform workers despite limited data 8:38 Is it a good idea to expand platform work to other jobs? 9:56 Should we be worried about platform work eroding Singapore’s skill base? 12:04 Are employers ready to recognise platform work as work experience? 18:26 The toughest balancing acts Grab makes Read what went down during the dialogue: https://str.sg/gTPf Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament convened in September, but a familiar face from the previous term wasn’t there. Progress Singapore Party’s secretary-general Leong Mun Wai was a notable presence as a Non-Constituency MP during the 14th term of Parliament, sometimes having heated exchanges with ministers and PAP MPs. But he and fellow party member Hazel Poa did not retain their NCMP spots following the General Election in May. Their PSP team for West Coast-Jurong West GRC lost to the PAP slate, which won the five-man GRC with 59.99 per cent of the vote to PSP’s 40.01 per cent. In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with Mr Leong about steering the party in its next phase post-GE2025 and the challenges of not being in Parliament. How will PSP evolve its practices and policy communications without a Parliamentary presence, and remain relevant? Highlights (click/tap above): 4:06 Increasing online presence to explain party positions 6:05 Mr Leong on heated exchanges as NCMP 10:45 How PSP will explain its policy ideas to the public post-GE2025 19:19 What will PSP really stand for "after Dr Tan Cheng Bock"? 20:20 Wanting to lead national conversation on economy 22:55 How does PSP stand out differently from other parties? 25:00 Will PSP move beyond the electro west? 28:00 "I learnt a very hard lesson about the powerful PAP machinery": Mr Leong Read Natasha Ann Zachariah’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three finance graduates had used data to create a business that completes the BYD experience in a restaurant Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. While other car dealerships put a cafe in their showrooms, 1826’s car selling business is built into its restaurants. In this episode, two of 1826’s three founders, Davin Ongsono and Sean Tan, reveal some of the secret ingredients to the company’s ability to sell cars in Singapore. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:00 The food and beverage part of the business gets the priority 12:00 Background of 1826’s co-founders 19:00 Disruptor to the conventional way of the food and beverage business 30:00 Playing on the unique features of the electric vehicles to spark buying interest 38:00 How BYD bids for certificates of entitlement (COEs) 47:00 Spreading the message on green mobility Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people. They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement. They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity. This episode is brought to you by Citi. Highlights: (click/tap above) 1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples 7:30 The shift to South-east Asia 9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade 11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank" 12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia 14:10 Why Vietnam is booming 17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia 19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift Read more Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/ Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsider #STAISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people. They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement. They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity. This episode is brought to you by Citi. Highlights: (click/tap above) 1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples 7:30 The shift to South-east Asia 9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade 11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank" 12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia 14:10 Why Vietnam is booming 17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia 19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift Read more Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/ Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsider #STAISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hybrid work arrangements were once widely seen as the future of work, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic upended the daily grind we were used to. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.Now, some businesses and employers appear to be changing course. Last week, the National University of Singapore raised eyebrows when it was reported that all full-time staff were required to work from the office five days a week, starting Oct 1. The move follows similar return-to-office mandates by big companies, both in Singapore and abroad, including Grab and Amazon. The discussion over where work should happen has been going on since the pandemic. However, if staff are pushing back on a full return, why do some employers still insist on moving ahead with these mandates? If returning to the office becomes a requirement, how should the workplace accommodate different work styles?In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with: Ives Tay, a learning and development consultant who has experience with adult education, training quality assurance and workforce development, and Nicole Chua, director in workplace consulting and People Strategy Lead in Asia-Pacific for global real estate services company JLL Highlights (click/tap above): 6:57 We can be productive in the office - and at home 9:12 WFH allows workers to break their day into focused blocks 13:52 Have the courage to speak with managers about policies 18:07 Are some ruining WFH for the rest? 19:45 Employees should be transparent about their movements 22:57 Government should address tensions over flexible work arrangements 29:31 Ensuring the WFH benefits remain 31:53 Is WFH short-changing fresh graduates? 35:27 Consequences for employers enforcing RTO measures Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying new iPhones, wardrobe makeovers and single-use products have become social norms. But what happens to the old, replaced items? Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Annual launches like Apple’s iPhone have spurred the desire to own the latest piece of technology, as consumers face up to marketing tactics from smartphones to fast fashion. Usually, older items that are replaced are being tossed away to make way for the new. What else can be done to the replaced items apart from sending them to the landfill? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines whether we have a throwaway culture that’s grown despite years of public education and outreach and whether we are too quick to chuck stuff to make way for new ones. She also explores if the iPhone 17 is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 16. Her guests are Mr Tan Ching Hwee, founder of myhalo, a platform allowing users to trade-in, repair, sell, and buy used digital devices; and Mr Lionel Dorai, executive director of Zerowaste SG, an NGO that advocates for Singapore to go zero waste through public education. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:03 Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17 12:53 Batteries in phones can be replaced 17:03 Pairing earbuds from different sets - does it work? 23:44 The repairing culture in curbing throwaways in fast fashion 31:46 How to decipher green washing tactics 35:34 Would CDC vouchers to subsidise repair costs encourage more to repair? Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in for a discussion on whether there is an environmental and business case for Asia’s ocean crop. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As discussions on the blue economy pick up, one particular area has garnered plenty of attention: Seaweed. Environmental groups have pointed to the environmental benefits of restorative seaweed aquaculture, while investor interest in the crop has also grown. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has also noted that seaweed production can generate socio-economic benefits to coastal communities. But given the world’s long history of seaweed aquaculture, why has this crop suddenly gained so much attention? And what promise does this emerging area have for South-east Asia and its coastal communities? Host Audrey Tan chats with Mr Simon Davis, founder of seaweed biotechnology company Seadling, on this issue. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:52 What accounts for the resurgence of interest in seaweed? 3:50 What are the environmental benefits of farming seaweed? 16:00 What are the challenges to scaling up seaweed farming? 19:48 How is Seadling working with farming communities to upskill them? 23:38 Are there negative environmental impacts of seaweed farms? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in for a discussion on whether there is an environmental and business case for Asia’s ocean crop. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As discussions on the blue economy pick up, one particular area has garnered plenty of attention: Seaweed. Environmental groups have pointed to the environmental benefits of restorative seaweed aquaculture, while investor interest in the crop has also grown. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has also noted that seaweed production can generate socio-economic benefits to coastal communities. But given the world’s long history of seaweed aquaculture, why has this crop suddenly gained so much attention? And what promise does this emerging area have for South-east Asia and its coastal communities? Host Audrey Tan chats with Mr Simon Davis, founder of seaweed biotechnology company Seadling, on this issue. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:52 What accounts for the resurgence of interest in seaweed? 3:50 What are the environmental benefits of farming seaweed? 16:00 What are the challenges to scaling up seaweed farming? 19:48 How is Seadling working with farming communities to upskill them? 23:38 Are there negative environmental impacts of seaweed farms? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing your CPF might be exciting, but ensure you have enough too for housing and retirement. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Retirement seems like ages away for a young person, and the CPF that accumulates can feel like money just sitting in a fund. But what can we use CPF for? And should we all invest our CPF? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to use your CPF, whether for investment or housing needs. Her guests are Angeline Teo from CPF Board and Gen Z undergrad Quang Long. 2:58 What are the different CPF accounts? 9:54 How do CPF savings grow? 11:50 Using CPF for housing 14:55 What CPF cannot be used for 16:28 How to invest your CPF 20:05 Other considerations when investing your CPF Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well? Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises. She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life. In this episode, host and ST's foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices 6:55 Socio-economic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices 9:15 The Catholic church's role in social welfare 13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion 17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: https://str.sg/wN4UL Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A marathon Parliament session unfolded last week, as MPs debated the President’s Address over five days. A total of 81 MPs spoke in support of the motion, including the 32 newly elected members who delivered their maiden speeches. They raised issues ranging from job and wage anxieties to bridging the wealth inequality gap and the disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with Workers’ Party MPs Fadli Fawzi and Kenneth Tiong about their Parliament debut. I chatted with both Aljunied GRC MPs about their speeches, and what life has been like after the 2025 General Election. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:25 Prepping for their Parliament debut 4:01 “It’s like the teacher calling your name.” 6:45 Social mobility is the true test of meritocracy: Fadli 9:24 Pitfalls of idealising meritocracy 12:03 An elderly woman and her pigeons 14:13 Leading the Meet-the-People sessions 16:11 Speaking in Parliament versus at GE2025 20:46 The supportive wives behind these MPs 22:46 Challenging the PAP-lite claims 27:20 A need for direct answers from the Government Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well? Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in. One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises. She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life. In this episode, host and ST's foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices 6:55 Socio-economic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices 9:15 The Catholic church's role in social welfare 13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion 17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: https://str.sg/wN4UL Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss. But it can be managed. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss.Death, divorce, the loss of a home or a job, fast declining health are among the major events that people grieve. To learn more about coping with grief, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Lin Jing, a counsellor from the Singapore Association for Mental Health. SAMH is one of the few social service agencies focusing on mental health here that operates a general helpline for the public at 1800-283-7019 They also discuss what is grief counselling about. If your grief feels like it's too much to bear, please reach out for help. We have included more helplines below. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:00 When should you consider grief counselling? 12:45 When guilt is thrown into the picture 23:00 Understanding cognitive behaviourial therapy, grief counselling and grief therapy 29:10 Building a life around the loss of a child… 32:00 Appearing strong and unaffected by grief, when you are crumbling inside Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788 Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to cope with losing a sense of normalcy in your life. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Loss is an inevitable part of life, and grief is our response to any significant loss. To learn more about coping with grief, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Lin Jing, a counsellor from the Singapore Association for Mental Health. SAMH is one of the few social service agencies focusing on mental health here that operates a general helpline for the public at 1800-283-7019 They also discuss what is grief counselling about. If your grief feels like it's too much to bear, please reach out for help. We have included more helplines below. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:00 When should you consider grief counselling? 12:45 When guilt is thrown into the picture 23:00 Understanding cognitive behaviourial therapy, grief counselling and grief therapy 29:10 Building a life around the loss of a child… 32:00 Appearing strong and unaffected by grief, when you are crumbling inside Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788 Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They revisit the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, focusing on Beijing’s message to the world and what it reveals in terms of foreign policy preoccupations. China’s WWII narrative was loud and clear: We have come a long way from being a victim to a great power. Additionally, the communist party is now strong enough to protect the nation. For the domestic audience, the event was a great source of pride and served to galvanise the people during a time of great power rivalry with Washington. Taken together with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum and the Xiangshan Forum on defence matters, September was a high-key month for China’s narrative building efforts as a responsible global player. It sought to portray itself as a great power with friends, while leading the call for a new security order. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if China’s narrative shaping efforts would strengthen its hand when dealing with the United States. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:14 What is the big deal about the parade? 2:34 Futuristic weapons under the spotlight 5:21 Indonesian President Prabowo gets prime seat 6:57 Why WWII history matters to the Chinese government 8:49 Massive logistical preparations before the event 11:03 Do Chinese people still feel anger or resentment towards the war? 16:10 The West didn’t want to endorse China’s WWII narrative 17:30 China’s vision for a new security order 20:32 Looking ahead: APEC in South Korea and a Trump-Xi meeting Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-showcases-military-diplomatic-prowess-at-parade-attended-by-putin-kim Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit have been catching some heat lately, following a spate of at least 15 instances of rail delays and interruptions since July. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.In the first three weeks of September, there were six incidents occurring due to train faults or signalling issues. Meanwhile, the Land Transport Authority figures show the MRT network’s reliability over 12 months ending June 2025 fell to its lowest level since 2020. It’s understandable why commuters are frustrated.Upgrades have been made to refresh ageing MRT lines, and new lines have been added. Plus, MRT and bus fares for adults went up by 10 cents in December 2024. Yet, troubles persist. Earlier this week in Parliament, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow answered a range of questions from MPs about the matter, and spoke about follow-ups that the operators and LTA were working on together. Was it an adequate response to the spate of disruptions, which have included hours-long disruptions on the East-West Line and Sengkang-Punggol LRT system in August? What else can be done to restore commuters’ confidence in our public transport systems?In this episode of The Usual Place, I chatted with: Former ST senior transport correspondent Christopher Tan, who has covered Singapore’s transport scene since 1989, and Dr Samuel Chng, a research assistant professor who heads the Urban Psychology Lab in the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:16 A review of Mr Siow’s parliament debut 5:36 New trains, refreshed lines, so why the disruptions? 11:16 Is it fair to say the incidents are unrelated? 17:56 Plan Bs and Cs when trains go down 20:19 Not an apple-to-apple comparison with other cities’ 25:13 What does MKBF mean for a commuter? 30:22 Expectations of the new rail reliability task force 35:28 With most trips running smoothly, is our frustration justified? 38:36 Mr Siow’s report card so far Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai, Natasha Liew and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They revisit the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, focusing on Beijing’s message to the world and what it reveals in terms of foreign policy preoccupations. China’s WWII narrative was loud and clear: We have come a long way from being a victim to a great power. Additionally, the communist party is now strong enough to protect the nation. For the domestic audience, the event was a great source of pride and served to galvanise the people during a time of great power rivalry with Washington. Taken together with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum and the Xiangshan Forum on defence matters, September was a high-key month for China’s narrative building efforts as a responsible global player. It sought to portray itself as a great power with friends, while leading the call for a new security order. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if China’s narrative shaping efforts would strengthen its hand when dealing with the United States. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:14 What is the big deal about the parade? 2:34 Futuristic weapons under the spotlight 5:21 Indonesian President Prabowo gets prime seat 6:57 Why WWII history matters to the Chinese government 8:49 Massive logistical preparations before the event 11:03 Do Chinese people still feel anger or resentment towards the war? 16:10 The West didn’t want to endorse China’s WWII narrative 17:30 China’s vision for a new security order 20:32 Looking ahead: APEC in South Korea and a Trump-Xi meeting Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-showcases-military-diplomatic-prowess-at-parade-attended-by-putin-kim Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickleball has been a smash hit in Singapore over the past couple of years, but not everyone’s a fan. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. The game has attracted players of all ages looking to learn a new skill, keep active or meet fellow ‘picklers’. On the flip side, pickleball has sparked complaints from residents living near Housing Board courts, who say the games are too noisy and disrupt the peace. Last week, a Straits Times report looked into the tensions that have arisen amid pickleball’s growing popularity. Complaints have surfaced on online forums, while angry residents have aired their grievances on social media and written in to ST’s Forum page. MPs and town councils have stepped in with measures, though these vary across neighbourhoods. They include restricting playing times for games, switching off the lights at courts after a particular time, and even banning pickleball from badminton courts, thus reducing the opportunities for play. (Pickleball courts are nearly identical in size to badminton courts, but smaller than tennis courts.) The backlash against the game has been frustrating for players, who are competing to book spaces at ActiveSG facilities, as demand balloons. There are private courts, but they are a more expensive option. In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with: - Jeremy Soh, founder of pickleball club Performance Pickleball who picked up the sport less than two years ago; and - Assistant Professor Nurul Amillin Hussain, a social scientist from Nanyang Technological University. What made the game popular, and can pickleball players and residents find common ground? Also, why do tensions keep arising over sports in the heartlands? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Is pickleball a real sport? 7:13 A good sport to repopulate urban spaces 10:03 How much does it cost to get started? 12:43 Facing complaints when playing in public courts 17:40 Are we more intolerant than before? 19:35 Silent balls can help, so why don’t players use them? 27:48 Is noise in the ear of the beholder? 29:41 Is pickleball just a fad? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai, Natasha Liew and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a 36-year-old will be racing on the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Oct 2025 Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. Host and senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe chats with Mr Roy Tang, who puts in his best effort as a financial adviser to fund his racing. Instead of stepping on the brakes after a high-speed accident on track, he goes full throttle and will be competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Follow Roy’s racing exploits on his Instagram account: @onemantank Highlights (click/tap above): 4:36 Competing in Europe’s Formula 4, a category for karters to transition to professional racing 9:15 Racing in the dangerous Macau Grand Prix circuit 13:00 Surviving a 229kmh traffic accident 17:10 Committing to the Porsche Carrera Cup 19:37 Driving 1,000km on the simulator to prepare for the big race Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. When it comes to climate action, financiers are increasingly turning to the Three Ps to find the cash they need: Public, private and philanthropic money. With trillions of dollars needed annually to shift the world away from polluting fossil fuels, cash-strapped governments don’t have the financial muscle to do this. Much of the money needs to come from the private sector, with philanthropy providing a much needed boost. This mix of money from all three, called blended finance, is designed to be cheaper concessional capital. It helps de-risk early-stage investments, especially in developing nations, and helps attract more investors. In 2023, climate blended finance totalled US$18.3 billion, up from about US$6 billion in 2015. But while the amount is growing, it’s still a fraction of what is needed. Are there positive signs blended finance can be significantly scaled up? And is there a risk only certain types of projects will be attractive candidates for blended finance? Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:13 What is blended finance? 5:16 Why is blended finance becoming increasingly talked about? 8:52 What are some of the projects in Asia that could benefit? 10:40 How much money has been flowing into blended finance, especially for climate projects? 13:04 But what are some of the drawbacks – is there a risk that some types of projects will miss out? 18:06 COP30: If a roadmap for US$1.3 trillion in climate finance is sketched out, this could be a big boost. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public, private and philanthropic money is proving to be a successful mix to accelerate climate action. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. When it comes to climate action, financiers are increasingly turning to the Three Ps to find the cash they need: Public, private and philanthropic money. With trillions of dollars needed annually to shift the world away from polluting fossil fuels, cash-strapped governments don’t have the financial muscle to do this. Much of the money needs to come from the private sector, with philanthropy providing a much needed boost. This mix of money from all three, called blended finance, is designed to be cheaper concessional capital. It helps de-risk early-stage investments, especially in developing nations, and helps attract more investors. In 2023, climate blended finance totalled US$18.3 billion, up from about US$6 billion in 2015. But while the amount is growing, it’s still a fraction of what is needed. Are there positive signs blended finance can be significantly scaled up? And is there a risk only certain types of projects will be attractive candidates for blended finance? Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:13 What is blended finance? 5:16 Why is blended finance becoming increasingly talked about? 8:52 What are some of the projects in Asia that could benefit? 10:40 How much money has been flowing into blended finance, especially for climate projects? 13:04 But what are some of the drawbacks – is there a risk that some types of projects will miss out? 18:06 COP30: If a roadmap for US$1.3 trillion in climate finance is sketched out, this could be a big boost. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.