Podcasts about The Straits Times

Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Elsa Goh --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Special edition series: Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- 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 #stpodcasttrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late? 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. The world is in a very dangerous place, says Singapore climate scientist Professor Winston Chow. Right when nations need to be united in fighting climate change, we seem more divided than ever, more focused on what are perceived to be more pressing issues, from cost of living to hot wars and trade wars. But climate change is exacting an ever greater toll and is a today problem, not the “tomorrow problem” that many policymakers believe, Prof Chow tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty Scorching heat, increasingly costly climate-linked disasters, melting ice caps and rising sea levels – these are threats that need much greater attention from policymakers, including in SE Asia. The good news is that many nations and businesses remain committed to investing in climate adaptation and cutting emissions, such as green energy investments. And sustainability isn’t dead – it’s just good economics to factor in the cost-benefits of greener investing, he says. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:27 What is your feeling right now given the dark clouds on the climate and policy fronts? 8:41 What is the one thing that has alarmed you? 13:37 Does the average person really understand how serious things are? 18:24 How worried should we be in SE Asia? 20:55 But there is reason for optimism, too, isn’t there? 25:59 What’s your message for those in the climate space? “Don’t lose hope.” 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

As climate impacts worsen and costs increase, can humanity unite to scale up climate action before it’s too late? 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. The world is in a very dangerous place, says Singapore climate scientist Professor Winston Chow. Right when nations need to be united in fighting climate change, we seem more divided than ever, more focused on what are perceived to be more pressing issues, from cost of living to hot wars and trade wars. But climate change is exacting an ever greater toll and is a today problem, not the “tomorrow problem” that many policymakers believe, Prof Chow tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty Scorching heat, increasingly costly climate-linked disasters, melting ice caps and rising sea levels – these are threats that need much greater attention from policymakers, including in SE Asia. The good news is that many nations and businesses remain committed to investing in climate adaptation and cutting emissions, such as green energy investments. And sustainability isn’t dead – it’s just good economics to factor in the cost-benefits of greener investing, he says. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:27 What is your feeling right now given the dark clouds on the climate and policy fronts? 8:41 What is the one thing that has alarmed you? 13:37 Does the average person really understand how serious things are? 18:24 How worried should we be in SE Asia? 20:55 But there is reason for optimism, too, isn’t there? 25:59 What’s your message for those in the climate space? “Don’t lose hope.” 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

On The BIG Show today, we found out about the survivors from 2 different plane crashes, that were sat at Seat 11A, from The Straits Times! Read more here: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/the-11a-seat-connection-air-india-crashs-sole-survivor-and-thai-singer-both-spared-from-same-seat Connect with us on Instagram: @kiss92fm @Glennn @angeliqueteo Producers: @shalinisusan97 @snailgirl2000See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out how developing crucial career skills can help you triumph over times of turmoil. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Developing a vibrant, resilient career in this age will require consistent effort to make deeper and more frequent changes. Mastering what we do in the here and now, does not suffice. Instead, we need to cast an eye towards what our jobs may become and even consider entirely new ones. In the third ST Podcast Live session recorded on June 3 at swish nightspot Rasa at Republic Plaza, we touch on what it takes to thrive at each stage of our careers, against a backdrop of economic upheaval. This special episode of Headstart On Record is in partnership with Workforce Singapore, in support of Career Health, a SkillsFuture initiative. We speak to a young engineer - Mr Noel Png - who did not let poor school grades deter him from an engineering career that took him to Britain and back home, where he also contributed to putting a satellite in space. He is now a telecommunications system engineer at ST Engineering. Oh, he's also met Elon Musk. He shares about his unorthodox approach to networking, how he found mentors who helped him find his direction in life and his thought process to take uncertainty in his stride. Joining him with host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi is veteran senior career coach Parameswari Seenivasan. A trained counsellor with over 15 years’ of experience from Workforce Singapore, she has helped over 2,000 clients in her work. She helps us draw principles and good practices from Mr Png's career experiences. The ongoing series of ST Podcast Live sessions are being held to celebrate 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with three more events planned for the rest of the year. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:13 How a chance encounter led Noel to work in the space industry 5:41 Taking stock of your strengths and values 10:37 How career coaching can help you gain clarity on next moves 16:43 The broader range of options you can explore 18:58 Making sure each transition builds on the next 24:38 Parames’ and Noel’s proudest moments in their careers Find out more from WSG about Career Health SG: https://str.sg/H8Ko More about WSG: https://www.wsg.gov.sg/ Read how the live podcast went down: https://str.sg/uJ4C 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

A conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from cars to even batik shirts. Some call this phenomenon the ‘Second China Shock.’ In this episode, Ravi speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, the eminent Singapore economist and expert on regional politics and geopolitics. Mr Bhaskaran is a partner and board member of Centennial Group, a Washington DC-based policy advisory, and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 What the 'Second China Shock' is about 5:30 ‘Fitness centre’ of global manufacturing 7:05 Countries, industries most affected 10:00 How can Asean respond? 12:30 A protectionist wave ahead 15:00 Why Asean has a lot going for it 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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 conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from cars to even batik shirts. Some call this phenomenon the ‘Second China Shock.’ In this episode, Ravi speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, the eminent Singapore economist and expert on regional politics and geopolitics. Mr Bhaskaran is a partner and board member of Centennial Group, a Washington DC-based policy advisory, and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 What the 'Second China Shock' is about 5:30 ‘Fitness centre’ of global manufacturing 7:05 Countries, industries most affected 10:00 How can Asean respond? 12:30 A protectionist wave ahead 15:00 Why Asean has a lot going for it 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Four cat deaths recently have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Just before the crack of dawn in early May, the mutilated carcass of a community cat was discovered on a road in Yishun. In the days that followed, three more cats were reported to have been seriously injured or found dead in housing estates around Singapore, stoking fears of animal abusers at large. While three of the cases have since been attributed to road traffic accidents rather than deliberate acts of cruelty, they have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers. In this episode, correspondent Ang Qing unpacks the psyche of an animal abuser in Singapore with psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng and criminal lawyer Josephus Tan. They discuss the gaps in Singapore’s animal protection system, how to fix them, as well as why society’s failure to protect vulnerable creatures can have worrying consequences for the nation as a whole. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:45 Inside an animal abuser’s mind 5:29 Understanding psychopathy and spotting red flags 10:19 Gaps in enforcement and how criminals exploit them 15:30 Do some abusers have a sadistic desire to get caught? 18:58 What animal abuse says about Singapore and its people 24:06 Can tougher laws and caning make a difference 32:59 What the ordinary citizen should or shouldn’t do Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Ang Qing (aqing@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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Have you ever been stopped at customs after a nice, shopping-filled holiday? Breezing through the Green Channel is always a relief - but there are rules you need to follow to make sure you have a good experience once you land at Changi airport. Audrey and Emaad discuss the Straits Times article about the tips you need to know to avoid unnecessary travel trouble. Presented by Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo credit: Kua Chee Siong via The Straits Times Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

L'esercito giapponese riesce finalmente nel difficile scopo di conquistare le fortificazioni di Port Arthur. Tuttavia la guerra a terra finirà per divenire uno stallo. Lo scontro fra i due imperi verrà deciso in una delle battaglie navali più importanti della storia. Le conseguenze dell conflitto russo-giapponese avranno ripercussioni geopolitiche di lunghissimo termine.Seguimi su Instagram: @laguerragrande_podcastSe vuoi contribuire con una donazione sul conto PayPal: podcastlaguerragrande@gmail.comScritto e condotto da Andrea BassoMontaggio e audio: Andrea BassoFonti dell'episodio:Jesse Alexander, World War Zero - The Russo Japanese War 1904-1905, The Great War, 2022 Herbert Bix, Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan, HarperCollins, 2000  Georges Blond, Admiral Togo, Jarrolds Publishers, 1961  Noel Busch, The Emperor's Sword: Japan vs Russia in the Battle of Tsushima, Funk and Wagnalls, 1969  Shannon R. Butler, Voyage to Tsuhima, Naval History 26, 2012  Franco Cardini, Sergio Valzania, La scintilla: da Tripoli a Sarajevo. Come l'Italia provocò la Prima Guerra Mondiale, Mondadori, 2014  Micheal Clodfelter, Warfare and Armed Conflicts, a statistical reference, Volume II 1900–91, McFarland, 2017  Richard Connaughton, Rising Sun and Tumbling Bear, Cassell, 2003  J. Corbett, Maritime Operations In The Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905, Naval Institute Press, 1915  Marc Ferro, Nicholas II: Last of the Tsars, Oxford University Press, 1995  Orlando Figes, A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924, Jonathan Cape, 1996Robert Forczyk, Russian Battleship vs Japanese Battleship, Yellow Sea 1904–05, Osprey, 2009  R. Garson, Three Great Admirals – One Common Spirit?, The Naval Review 87, 1999  Andrew Gordon, Social Protest In Imperial Japan: The Hibiya Riot of 1905, Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 12, 2014  Stephen Gwynn, Spring Rice to Robert H. M. Ferguson. The Letters and Friendships of Sir Cecil Spring Rice: A Record, Houghton Mifflin, 1929  Kyung Moon Hwang, A History of Korea, Palgrave, 2010  Marius Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan, Harvard University Press, 2002  Geoffrey Jukes, The Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905. Essential Histories, Osprey Publishing, 2002  Yōko Katō, What Caused the Russo-Japanese War: Korea or Manchuria?, Social Science Japan Journal 10, 2007  Donald Keene, Emperor of Japan, Meiji and his World, 2005  Eugene Kim, Japanese Rule in Korea (1905–1910): A Case Study, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 106, 1962  Yoji Koda, The Russo-Japanese War: Primary Causes of Japanese Success, Naval War College Review 58, 2005  William Koenig, Epic Sea Battles, Octopus Publishing Group, 1977  Rotem Kowner, Historical Dictionary of the Russo-Japanese War, The Scarecrow Press, 2006  Thomas Lyell, Case History of Japan, 1948  Cristopher Martin, The russo-japanese war, Abelard Schuman, 1967  Francis McCullagh, With the Cossacks; Being the Story of an Irishman who Rode with the Cossacks throughout the Russo-Japanese War, Nash, 1906  Bruce Menning, Bayonets before bullets: The Imperial Russian Army, 1861–1914, Indiana University, 1992  Ian Nish, The Origins of the Russo-Japanese war, Longman, 1985  John Noss, Man's Religions, 1980  Oyama Iwao, The National Archives of Japan, National Diet Library  Sarah Paine, The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: Perceptions, Power, and Primacy, Cambridge University Press, 2003  Costantine Pleshakov, The Tsar's Last Armada: Epic Voyage to the Battle of Tsushima, 2002  Roger Reese, The Imperial Russian Army in Peace, War, and Revolution, 1856-1917, University Press of Kansas, 2019  Geoffrey Regan, The Battle of Tsushima 1905, The Guinness Book of Decisive Battles Guinness Publishing, 1992  Edwin Reischauer, Storia del Giappone, Bompiani, 2013  Edward Rhoads, Manchus and Han: Ethnic Relations and Political Power in Late Qing and Early Republican China, 1861–1928, University of Washington Press, 2011  Andrew Rhodes, Same Water Different Dreams: Salient Lessons of the Sino-Japanese War for Future Naval Warfare, Journal of Advanced Military Studies 11, 2020  John Röhl, Wilhelm II: Into the Abyss of War and Exile, 1900–1941, Cambridge University Press, 2014   Lawrence Sondhaus, Naval Warfare, 1815–1914, Routledge, 2001  Richard Storry, Japan and the Decline of the West in Asia, 1894–1943, St. Martins' Press, 1979  Hew Strachan, The First World War. To Arms, Oxford University Press, 2003  The San Bernardino Daily Sun, 30 May 1934  The Straits Times, 4 June 1934  Hesibo Tikowara, Before Port Arthur in a Destroyer: The Personal Diary of a Japanese Naval Officer, John Murray, 1907  Togo Heihachiro, Encyclopaedia Britannica  Ko Unoki, International Relations and the Origins of the Pacific War, Springer, 2016  Vauvineux, Affairs du Corée, 1897  Denis e Peggy Warner, The Tide at Sunrise: A History of the Russo-Japanese War: 1904-1905, Charter House, 1974  Anthony Watts, The Imperial Russian Navy, Arms and Armour Press, 1990  Allen Wildman, The End of the Russian Imperial Army: The Old Army and the Soldiers' Revolt (March-April 1917), Princeton University Press, 1980In copertina: Il capitano Lebediev, in servizio presso una delle fortificazioni di Port Arthur, difende uno dei bastioni della fortezza da solo contro centinaia di soldati giapponesi che eseguono una "scala umana", dal Petit Journal del 25 settembre 1904.Ishikari Lore di Kevin MacLeod è un brano concesso in uso tramite licenza Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Fonte: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100192Artista: http://incompetech.com/

China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards 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. The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong province, where peonies aren't just admired by tourists - they drive a multi-billion yuan industry. Long revered for their cultural significance, peonies now powers a thriving local economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and carrying unexpected political symbolism, including ties to First Lady Peng Liyuan. What can a single city alone reveal about the China’s deeper economic challenges - from changing consumer behaviour to rising youth unemployment and growing regional divides? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The cultural significance of peonies in China 4:04 Peonies in modern Chinese culture 5:42 Toothpaste, cooking oil and TCM - how peony is made into 260 products 13:33 Challenges and strategies for cities in China 17:43 Conclusion and broader economic insights Read Joyce Lim’s article here: https://str.sg/LcLs 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 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards 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. The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong province, where peonies aren't just admired by tourists - they drive a multi-billion yuan industry. Long revered for their cultural significance, peonies now powers a thriving local economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and carrying unexpected political symbolism, including ties to First Lady Peng Liyuan. What can a single city alone reveal about the China’s deeper economic challenges - from changing consumer behaviour to rising youth unemployment and growing regional divides? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The cultural significance of peonies in China 4:04 Peonies in modern Chinese culture 5:42 Toothpaste, cooking oil and TCM - how peony is made into 260 products 13:33 Challenges and strategies for cities in China 17:43 Conclusion and broader economic insights Read Joyce Lim’s article here: https://str.sg/LcLs 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 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Community care for your mental health needs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency 4:16 What is a clinical psychologist? 12:35 Can therapy harm us? 19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector? 31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use 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 & Natasha Liew 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Community care for your mental health needs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency 4:16 What is a clinical psychologist? 12:35 Can therapy harm us? 19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector? 31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use 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 & Natasha Liew 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Singapore’s population is ageing fast and by 2030, about one in four citizens will be over 65. As the retirement age rises and lifespans stretch, it is important for Singaporeans to understand what it really takes to retire well in Singapore, and what kind of life one can expect in those later years. This segment takes a closer look at what makes Singapore a livable place for retirement, from accessible healthcare, public safety, and transport infrastructure. It will look into the government policies that have been implemented to aid the ageing population, its effectiveness, and how that specific demographic is being encouraged to continue to participate in society. It will also examine the trade-offs Singaporeans need to consider as they plan for retirement, including what a fulfilling retirement looks like today and how cultural values, family expectations, and emotional preparedness shape those decisions. Dr. Kelvin Tan, President of the Society for Gerontechnology & Head of Programme in Applied Ageing Studies at SUSS and Lim Ai Leen, Associate Foreign Editor at The Straits Times, share their insights on the topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A regional power grid could help bring clean power to people. But huge challenges remain. 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. Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region. A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to countries less able to produce it. And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore’s demand for low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles remain, including stronger policy support from regional governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of regional power trading networks. 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): 1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997 but languished for years. 3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the grid a reality? 6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the potential benefits 9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key challenge 14:48 What are some of the other challenges? 21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to come together to lure investors 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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 regional power grid could help bring clean power to people. But huge challenges remain. 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. Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments in the region. A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to countries less able to produce it. And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore’s demand for low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles remain, including stronger policy support from regional governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of regional power trading networks. 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): 1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997 but languished for years. 3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the grid a reality? 6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the potential benefits 9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key challenge 14:48 What are some of the other challenges? 21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to come together to lure investors 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Dopo aver dato prova di sé nel conflitto contro la Cina, il nuovo Giappone moderno si ritrova a dover affrontare un avversario apparentemente fuori dalla sua portata: la Russia dello zar Nicola II. Il conflitto che scoppierà fra i due paesi avrà delle ripercussioni a livello mondiale.Seguimi su Instagram: @laguerragrande_podcastSe vuoi contribuire con una donazione sul conto PayPal: podcastlaguerragrande@gmail.comScritto e condotto da Andrea BassoMontaggio e audio: Andrea BassoFonti dell'episodio:Jesse Alexander, World War Zero - The Russo Japanese War 1904-1905, The Great War, 2022 Herbert Bix, Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan, HarperCollins, 2000  Georges Blond, Admiral Togo, Jarrolds Publishers, 1961  Noel Busch, The Emperor's Sword: Japan vs Russia in the Battle of Tsushima, Funk and Wagnalls, 1969  Shannon R. Butler, Voyage to Tsuhima, Naval History 26, 2012  Franco Cardini, Sergio Valzania, La scintilla: da Tripoli a Sarajevo. Come l'Italia provocò la Prima Guerra Mondiale, Mondadori, 2014  Micheal Clodfelter, Warfare and Armed Conflicts, a statistical reference, Volume II 1900–91, McFarland, 2017  Richard Connaughton, Rising Sun and Tumbling Bear, Cassell, 2003  J. Corbett, Maritime Operations In The Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905, Naval Institute Press, 1915  Marc Ferro, Nicholas II: Last of the Tsars, Oxford University Press, 1995  Orlando Figes, A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924, Jonathan Cape, 1996Robert Forczyk, Russian Battleship vs Japanese Battleship, Yellow Sea 1904–05, Osprey, 2009  R. Garson, Three Great Admirals – One Common Spirit?, The Naval Review 87, 1999  Andrew Gordon, Social Protest In Imperial Japan: The Hibiya Riot of 1905, Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus 12, 2014  Stephen Gwynn, Spring Rice to Robert H. M. Ferguson. The Letters and Friendships of Sir Cecil Spring Rice: A Record, Houghton Mifflin, 1929  Kyung Moon Hwang, A History of Korea, Palgrave, 2010  Marius Jansen, The Making of Modern Japan, Harvard University Press, 2002  Geoffrey Jukes, The Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905. Essential Histories, Osprey Publishing, 2002  Yōko Katō, What Caused the Russo-Japanese War: Korea or Manchuria?, Social Science Japan Journal 10, 2007  Donald Keene, Emperor of Japan, Meiji and his World, 2005  Eugene Kim, Japanese Rule in Korea (1905–1910): A Case Study, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 106, 1962  Yoji Koda, The Russo-Japanese War: Primary Causes of Japanese Success, Naval War College Review 58, 2005  William Koenig, Epic Sea Battles, Octopus Publishing Group, 1977  Rotem Kowner, Historical Dictionary of the Russo-Japanese War, The Scarecrow Press, 2006  Thomas Lyell, Case History of Japan, 1948  Cristopher Martin, The russo-japanese war, Abelard Schuman, 1967  Francis McCullagh, With the Cossacks; Being the Story of an Irishman who Rode with the Cossacks throughout the Russo-Japanese War, Nash, 1906  Bruce Menning, Bayonets before bullets: The Imperial Russian Army, 1861–1914, Indiana University, 1992  Ian Nish, The Origins of the Russo-Japanese war, Longman, 1985  John Noss, Man's Religions, 1980  Oyama Iwao, The National Archives of Japan, National Diet Library  Sarah Paine, The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: Perceptions, Power, and Primacy, Cambridge University Press, 2003  Costantine Pleshakov, The Tsar's Last Armada: Epic Voyage to the Battle of Tsushima, 2002  Roger Reese, The Imperial Russian Army in Peace, War, and Revolution, 1856-1917, University Press of Kansas, 2019  Geoffrey Regan, The Battle of Tsushima 1905, The Guinness Book of Decisive Battles Guinness Publishing, 1992  Edwin Reischauer, Storia del Giappone, Bompiani, 2013  Edward Rhoads, Manchus and Han: Ethnic Relations and Political Power in Late Qing and Early Republican China, 1861–1928, University of Washington Press, 2011  Andrew Rhodes, Same Water Different Dreams: Salient Lessons of the Sino-Japanese War for Future Naval Warfare, Journal of Advanced Military Studies 11, 2020  John Röhl, Wilhelm II: Into the Abyss of War and Exile, 1900–1941, Cambridge University Press, 2014   Lawrence Sondhaus, Naval Warfare, 1815–1914, Routledge, 2001  Richard Storry, Japan and the Decline of the West in Asia, 1894–1943, St. Martins' Press, 1979  Hew Strachan, The First World War. To Arms, Oxford University Press, 2003  The San Bernardino Daily Sun, 30 May 1934  The Straits Times, 4 June 1934  Hesibo Tikowara, Before Port Arthur in a Destroyer: The Personal Diary of a Japanese Naval Officer, John Murray, 1907  Togo Heihachiro, Encyclopaedia Britannica  Ko Unoki, International Relations and the Origins of the Pacific War, Springer, 2016  Vauvineux, Affairs du Corée, 1897  Denis e Peggy Warner, The Tide at Sunrise: A History of the Russo-Japanese War: 1904-1905, Charter House, 1974  Anthony Watts, The Imperial Russian Navy, Arms and Armour Press, 1990  Allen Wildman, The End of the Russian Imperial Army: The Old Army and the Soldiers' Revolt (March-April 1917), Princeton University Press, 1980In copertina: Battaglia del fiume Sha, Yoshikuni, 1904Ishikari Lore di Kevin MacLeod è un brano concesso in uso tramite licenza Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Fonte: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100192Artista: http://incompetech.com/

Gaining exposure, cultural conflictions and intergenerational discussions are all part of the road to inheriting a family business. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Family businesses have been in the spotlight, after the CDL saga that saw father and son in a tussle for control over one of Singapore’s largest companies. But whether it is about inheriting family businesses or family wealth, the process is not a straightforward one. Banks and financial organisations prepare young people to take over family wealth, through programmes and even boot camps. So how does wealth planning work, and how do youths take over their family businesses? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what wealthy kids do to prepare to inherit wealth and companies. Her guests are Darren Hui, who will one day lead his family’s property management business, and former national athlete Kendrick Lee who co-founded Raffles Family Office. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:35 What is family legacy planning and governance? 7:30 The challenges the next generation faces 9:00 Generational differences between father and son 10:49 What difficulties has the family office seen in dealing with multiple generations? 18:02 When did you first realise you were going to inherit the business? 21:00 Will Kendrick let his children take over the business? 22:36 Going from national athlete to family office 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Gaining exposure, cultural conflictions and intergenerational discussions are all part of the road to inheriting a family business. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Family businesses have been in the spotlight, after the CDL saga that saw father and son in a tussle for control over one of Singapore’s largest companies. But whether it is about inheriting family businesses or family wealth, the process is not a straightforward one. Banks and financial organisations prepare young people to take over family wealth, through programmes and even boot camps. So how does wealth planning work, and how do youths take over their family businesses? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what wealthy kids do to prepare to inherit wealth and companies. Her guests are Darren Hui, who will one day lead his family’s property management business, and former national athlete Kendrick Lee who co-founded Raffles Family Office. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:35 What is family legacy planning and governance? 7:30 The challenges the next generation faces 9:00 Generational differences between father and son 10:49 What difficulties has the family office seen in dealing with multiple generations? 18:02 When did you first realise you were going to inherit the business? 21:00 Will Kendrick let his children take over the business? 22:36 Going from national athlete to family office 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Are you thinking about leaving your job? If you are, you don’t have to tell us - but should you tell your boss? Here’s a question many professionals struggle with, and it was addressed by ASkST on the Straits Times. Before you hand in your official resignation, should you ever tell your boss in advance - like a heads up? Audrey, Ryan and Emaad discuss their thoughts. Presented by: Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Produced by: Audrey Siek Edited by: Trisha Yeong Photo credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIn this episode of Rahma with Rose, I sit down with poet and writer Ameera Aslam to explore what it means to soften without losing your edge. Ameera speaks openly about her evolving relationship with Islam, from early rigidity and burnout to a slower, more spacious faith. We talk about spiritual exhaustion, divorce, rebuilding self-worth, and what it takes to listen for your voice in a world that constantly tries to quiet it. Ameera shares how connecting with the Prophet Muhammad, studying with women scholars, and returning to embodied practices helped her move from resentment to trust. This conversation is for anyone navigating disillusionment, identity, or the long road home to themselves.Ameera Aslam is a bestselling author, award-winning poet, translator, editor, and activist from Singapore. Her work has appeared in various publications, both locally and internationally. Desiring Light, her first poetry anthology, won the Daybreak Press Book Awards in 2021. Her third book, When You Think You're Falling, published in March 2024, has been on multiple bestseller lists, including Singapore's national newspaper, The Straits Times. Her activism includes speaking out against domestic violence and supporting domestic violence survivors, as well as raising awareness and funds for migrant workers in Singapore (#SGMuslims4MigrantWorkers).Find Ameera on Instagram: @AmeeraAslamWritesSupport the showFind out more about Rose's work here: https://lnk.bio/dr.rose.aslanWebsite: https://compassionflow.comSupport Rahma with Rose so I can keep producing more episodes here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2197727/supporters/new Music credits: Vocals: Zeynep Dilara Aslan; Ney/drum: Elif Önal; Tanbur: Katherine Hreib; Rebap: Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev

Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia. 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 May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based in Chongqing. They discuss Chongqing’s evolution as an automotive hub and its aspirations to beef up the tech sector to better support the manufacturing of vehicles going forward. Given its geographical location and logistical prowess, Chongqing has thus far focused on Central Asia and other parts of the developing world as key export markets for its vehicles. Even as the US-China trade war rages, Chongqing’s prospects remain upbeat as those in the industry say they will hunker down and continue to focus on markets that are plugged into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a central pillar to President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s political and economic influence worldwide. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 Past history: How Chongqing became an automotive hub 3:45 Chongqing’s automotive sector makes up half of its industry value-added services 5:20 Dummy question: What is the difference between smart cars and EVs? 10:04 Temporary truce in trade war could affect Chongqing? Is China dumping EVs into emerging markets? 13:20 Rail connection critical to Chongqing-Central Asia trade 14:50 Mala food scene in Chongqing: What you need to know Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Hosts: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) & Sarah Ng (ngsls@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 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 ST Podcasts 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.

Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia. 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 May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based in Chongqing. They discuss Chongqing’s evolution as an automotive hub and its aspirations to beef up the tech sector to better support the manufacturing of vehicles going forward. Given its geographical location and logistical prowess, Chongqing has thus far focused on Central Asia and other parts of the developing world as key export markets for its vehicles. Even as the US-China trade war rages, Chongqing’s prospects remain upbeat as those in the industry say they will hunker down and continue to focus on markets that are plugged into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a central pillar to President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s political and economic influence worldwide. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 Past history: How Chongqing became an automotive hub 3:45 Chongqing’s automotive sector makes up half of its industry value-added services 5:20 Dummy question: What is the difference between smart cars and EVs? 10:04 Temporary truce in trade war could affect Chongqing? Is China dumping EVs into emerging markets? 13:20 Rail connection critical to Chongqing-Central Asia trade 14:50 Mala food scene in Chongqing: What you need to know Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Hosts: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) & Sarah Ng (ngsls@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 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 ST Podcasts 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.

Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy. 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. A healthy ocean is one of humanity’s greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy. From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for innovation and investment. The involvement of the private sector can bring in much-needed funding to ensure that the oceans are managed sustainably. But what are the opportunities in this emerging sector, and is there a tension between profit-making and conservation? Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr Alfredo Giron, head of ocean at the World Economic Forum. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:06 What is the blue economy? 6:35 What are the traditional and emerging sectors in the ocean economy? 10:22 How can opportunities in the ocean economy be made available to developing countries? 14:59 What are some examples of bankable ocean projects? 17:45 What do countries think of the potential of the ocean economy? 22:55 What is the appetite like among businesses? 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 & Natasha Liew 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy. 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. A healthy ocean is one of humanity’s greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy. From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for innovation and investment. The involvement of the private sector can bring in much-needed funding to ensure that the oceans are managed sustainably. But what are the opportunities in this emerging sector, and is there a tension between profit-making and conservation? Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr Alfredo Giron, head of ocean at the World Economic Forum. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:06 What is the blue economy? 6:35 What are the traditional and emerging sectors in the ocean economy? 10:22 How can opportunities in the ocean economy be made available to developing countries? 14:59 What are some examples of bankable ocean projects? 17:45 What do countries think of the potential of the ocean economy? 22:55 What is the appetite like among businesses? 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 & Natasha Liew 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

It was a night to remember at the Bishan Stadium but alas, it was one that stung. The Lion City Sailors battled to the brink of AFC Champions League Two glory, but Sharjah FC’s winner in stoppage time ultimately crushed their dreams. Sports Minutes dissects it all in the company of three players who lived every second of that emotional final - Hariss Harun, Toni Datkovic & Hami Syahin, as well as The Straits Times' Deepanraj Ganesan. READ MORE:Lion City Sailors denied at final hurdle as Sharjah FC clinch AFC Champions League Two title at Bishan Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An entrepreneur shares his hard-earned lessons on working with one’s hands. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. For much of human history, manual work and the skilled trades have been the default way to earn your keep. Even in a small, advanced economy such as Singapore, there remains a need for this work to be done, that requires a mix of hard graft and mindfulness. To piece together how to be successful in the trades, ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, an entrepreneur who slogged to build businesses across landscaping, hospitality and outdoor education. His guest is: Mr Clarence Chua, co-founder of The Sundowner Nature Experience Centre Highlights (click/tap above): 1:53 Did Clarence always know he would be working a skilled trade? 10:07 What is the most satisfying part of Clarence’s job? 11:18 Tips for those hoping to pursue a skilled trade 21:06 Dealing with parental disapproval Read about Mr Chua’s work here: https://str.sg/iiCi 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

An entrepreneur shares his hard-earned lessons on working with one’s hands. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. For much of human history, manual work and the skilled trades have been the default way to earn your keep. Even in a small, advanced economy such as Singapore, there remains a need for this work to be done, that requires a mix of hard graft and mindfulness. To piece together how to be successful in the trades, ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, an entrepreneur who slogged to build businesses across landscaping, hospitality and outdoor education. His guest is: Mr Clarence Chua, co-founder of The Sundowner Nature Experience Centre Highlights (click/tap above): 1:53 Did Clarence always know he would be working a skilled trade? 10:07 What is the most satisfying part of Clarence’s job? 11:18 Tips for those hoping to pursue a skilled trade 21:06 Dealing with parental disapproval Read about Mr Chua’s work here: https://str.sg/iiCi 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

A recent ST-Milieu survey has found some striking similarities Gen Zs and their parents have, in the way they view their life priorities and challenges. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. In this episode, we’ll revisit the old stereotype that the younger generation has it all too good, that they’ve gone soft and are not resilient enough to withstand hardships or even hard work. Young adults on the other hand, often lament that their parents don’t understand them enough. But how true are any of these often-held views? A recent survey commissioned by The Straits Times found that Gen Zs, like their parents before them, feel disheartened and frustrated when they cannot find work. This generational gap is also reflected in the findings of an online survey, conducted by Milieu Insight for ST. In October and November 2024, the poll of 800 Gen Zs between ages 16 and 27, and 600 parents of Gen Zs explored the two generations’ views on goals, stress, money, self-esteem and joblessness. The parents were asked to answer based on recollections of their views when they were in their 20s. But there are slight differences between how they approach work and gain wealth, and we discuss this with a father-son pair in this episode. Lawyer Michael Han, 55, is an occasional columnist. He is joined by his son Jazer Han, 22, now an economics undergraduate at the Singapore Management University (SMU). Highlights (click/tap above): 5:22 Mr Han on sacrificing work-life balance for career growth? 10:35 Mr Han: Not about generational gaps; more like different seasons in life 14:05 Jazer on time outside of 'school and work', extra commitments, fulfilment 16:15 Jazer's view on urgency to complete tasks 26:20 How Jezer got scammed $15,000 from his savings? 38:29 Is the younger generation really 'strawberry' or 'snowflake'? Read ST’s article on how Gen Zs and their parents approach work and life differently: https://str.sg/FCkq Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days? ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode. They are: Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support. Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be. They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships. Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences. This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past? 5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age 10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25 16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout 19:13 Navigating social media safely 22:20 Advice to their younger selves 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days? ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode. They are: Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support. Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be. They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships. Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences. This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past? 5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age 10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25 16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout 19:13 Navigating social media safely 22:20 Advice to their younger selves 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Three students in their early 20s tell us how they're approaching this. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Retirement used to be a word for middle-aged workers, perhaps as they started to think of how to lay up enough savings to enjoy their twilight years. But with movements like Fire - also known as financial independence, retire early - younger workers are starting to talk about retirement and prepare for the time they can kick their feet back and stop working. And for university students in their early 20s, preparing for retirement is already underway, to hit their goals of retiring early and to fund their ideal retirement lifestyles. So how early should you think of retirement and how can you plan for it? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at retirement planning even when you're in your 20s and if Fire can really work. Her guests are three NTU students in their early 20s - Tina Aw, Charmaine Chia and Aurene Graciella. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:51 How old were you when you first thought about retirement? 5:33 Hustling from the age of 12 to achieve Fire 8:20 The mental and social costs of Fire 9:15 What is your ideal retirement age? 11:58 How are you preparing for retirement? 24:56 How much will you need per month in retirement? 27:44 Will you consider micro-retirement? Listen to "Should we play with FIRE?": https://str.sg/5mHc 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Indonesia’s capital, one of South-east Asia’s most crowded cities, contains 12 million people in a land area of 660 sq km. 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. The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlina Arshad has lived in Jakarta for 16 years - and moved five times. What are the lessons that she’s picked up in searching for the right apartment in Indonesia’s capital city? In this city of contrasts, private-sector developers are on a tearing streak to build high-end condominiums for an expanding middle class. At the same time, graveyards and slums are just round the block from these homes. And for decades now, the government has strove to resolve the housing and urban development challenge in Jakarta. What plans does the Prabowo administration now have? Highlights (click/tap above): 0:58 Every move an exciting and chaotic journey 4:03 Drawing the curtains on a graveyard 5:57 Indonesians’ attitudes towards the dead 8:31 Why Jakarta is so crowded 10:48 Fixing the housing challenge Read Arlina Arshad’s article here: https://str.sg/b9qb 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Indonesia’s capital, one of South-east Asia’s most crowded cities, contains 12 million people in a land area of 660 sq km. 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. The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlina Arshad has lived in Jakarta for 16 years - and moved five times. What are the lessons that she’s picked up in searching for the right apartment in Indonesia’s capital city? In this city of contrasts, private-sector developers are on a tearing streak to build high-end condominiums for an expanding middle class. At the same time, graveyards and slums are just round the block from these homes. And for decades now, the government has strove to resolve the housing and urban development challenge in Jakarta. What plans does the Prabowo administration now have? Highlights (click/tap above): 0:58 Every move an exciting and chaotic journey 4:03 Drawing the curtains on a graveyard 5:57 Indonesians’ attitudes towards the dead 8:31 Why Jakarta is so crowded 10:48 Fixing the housing challenge Read Arlina Arshad’s article here: https://str.sg/b9qb 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Christie Chiu, Wong Yang and Isabelle Kumar - young journalists with The Straits Times - reflect on their experiences and insights. Synopsis: Every noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - The Usual Place moves to a half-hour daily livestream - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter. Joining her on the couch are young reporters Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar. Beyond witnessing the election unfold up close through their work, Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar, are also experiencing it from a personal angle – as first-time voters. What have their own Gen Z friends been saying to them about similar experiences that helped shape their approach to content ideas? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:26 Christie and Yang’s response to being labelled the ‘Gen Z version’ of TV presenters Glenda Chong and Steven Chia 7:53 Did being reporters help them learn anything for themselves as young first-time voters? 8:54 Their rally experiences 13:50 “They are also human” - Isabelle on her observations while filming candidates like PAP’s Foo Cexiang and WP’s Alexis Dang 19:14 “Be kind” to one another - the trio’s key personal takeaways from GE2025 Today’s shirt worn by Natasha was sponsored by Good Addition. Host: Natasha 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 episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u 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 ST Podcasts 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.

Success used to mean good grades, and then landing a good job. But is this changing? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. In this special edition of In Your Opinion - filmed in front of a live audience - two youths share their experiences in starting up a business, and whether school grades would determine success at the workplace. About 100 people attended two recordings at indie cinema The Projector at Golden Mile Tower on the evening of April 15. The special live recording was organised in partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC), in support of the SG Youth Plan – an action blueprint created by youths, for youths and the world that they will lead. Hosted by ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong, this episode features two young entrepreneurs - Ms Adella Yeo and Mr Nabill Shukry. Currently an account manager at a software company, Ms Adella Yeo Rae-Nyse had co-founded MatcHub, a startup that matched fellow NUS students to find suitable job roles based on their personality. A part-time student with SUSS studying marketing, Nabill Shukry Johary juggles school with a business he started up in 2021 with his father - Cheekies, a home-based delivery service of healthy meals for the Muslim market - in a bid to help his family move out of their one-room rental apartment in Tampines. Is Singapore ready for diverse pathways to success so that young people can feel accomplished in their own ways? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Journey to entrepreneurship 7:39 The point of going to university is not just for the paper qualifications 10:32 How academic grades play a part post-school 16:19 Challenge the conventions of success 27:14 Advice for youths to forge their own success Every voice matters, and if you want to share ideas and have your voice heard, you can do your bit in the SG Youth Plan Quest at: https://go.gov.sg/sgyp-mc Find out more about NYC’s upcoming engagement sessions: https://www.YouthPlan.gov.sg Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Recent high-profile office return mandates belie a broader availability of flexi-work options from more firms. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Those of us who are humming along at a comfortable rhythm with hybrid work might have watched with worry recent developments of major firms insisting on five days in office a week by default. After all, it seemed like an equilibrium was reached in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic of working remotely for at least part of the week. Moreover, this comes after Singapore has issued landmark guidelines that make putting in place a process to fairly evaluate flexi-work arrangement requests compulsory. To piece together what to make of this mixed outlook, ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, a two-decade corporate veteran who now works with industry players to put in place progressive workplace practices. His guest is: Mr Aslam Sardar, chief executive of the Institute for Human Resource Professionals Highlights (click/tap above): 2:20 What is driving some employers to get workers back in the office so often? 5:11 Flexi-work arrangements are still more prevalent than before 7:57 Is there a chance of a “domino effect” of firms issuing office return mandates, one after the other? 15:31 How are employers here weighing up their options for office returns? 21:07 What to do if your employer asks you to return to the office more often Read about recent moves to make flexi-work more pervasive here: https://str.sg/tgoM 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

It has been a week filled with days and dates to remember. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In the lead-up to Singapore's next general election that will be held on May 3, 2025, Natasha looks at how MPs, and others involved, are preparing themselves. Parliament was dissolved on April 15. Nomination day is on April 23 and Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3 to elect 97 MPs across 33 constituencies. This episode is a download on how political parties have been introducing their slate of candidates in the lead-up to Nomination Day. Natasha hosts news editor Royston Sim and reporter Ng Wei Kai to get their take on what voters can expect in the coming days. They also talk about how The Straits Times will cover the election such as across multiple social media platforms, a live blog, interactive graphics and a daily show of this podcast. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:33 What should voters look out for in the lead up to Nomination Day 4:12 Why are some parties more cautious than others about revealing candidates? 5:27 Will we see surprises on Nomination Day? 7:05 Speculation on whether WP chief Pritam Singh will move out of Aljunied GRC 9:30 Political parties showing their cards 11:07 How will geopolitical concerns factor at the ballot box 13:21 Royston shares ST’s GE2025 coverage plans (links below) 18:54 The Usual Place podcast goes daily during the hustings Follow ST’s GE2025 coverage here: Live Blog: https://str.sg/ge2025-live Latest articles: https://str.sg/kkXQ Daily GE videos from the ground: https://str.sg/HyNx Unpacked newsletter: https://str.sg/JGMTq The Usual Place daily GE wrap (day after Nomination Day till day before Cooling-Off Day): https://str.sg/wEr7u Which constituency are you in?: https://str.sg/eMRkx Filmed by: ST Video (Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza) Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Edited by ST Video: Johnboy Iype John and Philip Cheong Executive producers: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u 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 ST Podcasts 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.

Eyesight and vehicle costs are major concerns for seniors who drive. 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. Mr Danny Yeo has been driving since 1974. The 75-year-old has no issues passing the medical check-up required to maintain his licence. Still, the freelance actor thinks that he would probably hang up his car keys when he turns 85 as he expects his reflexes to decline. He said among his peers, failing eyesight is the most common reason for them to stop driving, as is the cost of keeping a car, which has been rising together with the high certificate of entitlement (COE) premiums. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:38 He paid $5,000 for used Fiat in 1974 5:42 The medical check-up needed every three years to revalidate the licence for drivers aged 65 and above 8:03 Listen to your body - don't just depend on medical checkups 10:50 A driving test for seniors above 70 to ensure that they are fit to drive? 19:00 If you have issues that make driving dangerous, stop for the sake of other drivers and pedestrians. 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: Amirul Karim 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Following the journey of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, From Dreams to Goals takes you deep behind the headlines to explore the stories from nations aspiring to qualify for the tournament in Australia next year. Each week From Dreams to Goals will focus on delving deep and telling the story of women's football in countries from Saudi Arabia to India, from Indonesia to Nepal and everywhere in between, talking to players, coaches and journalists to explore the unique story of each country as they drive forward on the road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. In the first of our country profiles, we are joined by former Straits Times reporter Ervin Ang to run the rule over their chances in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers. We discuss the development of women's football in the country, the struggles, the stars and the way forward as they get set to compete in Group A alongside Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Bhutan. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X: https://x.com/GinaBagnulo3  Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginabagnulo  Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annie_rude_  Follow Ervin Ang on X: https://x.com/ErvinAngSP  Follow Ervin Ang on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ervin_ang  Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

With countries scaling back on climate action, should the world start preparing for harsher climate impact? 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. Given the geopolitical headwinds on climate action, should countries start focusing on climate adaptation? There are two key prongs of climate action – mitigation, or efforts to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and adaptation, or taking steps to prepare for climate impacts. Mitigation has long been a key focus of climate action globally. But with the United States, one of the world’s largest emitters, backing out of the Paris Agreement, and many other countries and companies scaling back on climate action, should the world start to prioritise climate adaptation? Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss this question in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:39 What is climate adaptation? 4:03 What climate impacts does Asia have to prepare for? 7:40 What are some examples of climate adaptation? 11:03 What is hindering progress on adaptation? 14:03 What are the challenges to scaling adaptation finance? 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

With countries scaling back on climate action, should the world start preparing for harsher climate impact? 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. Given the geopolitical headwinds on climate action, should countries start focusing on climate adaptation? There are two key prongs of climate action – mitigation are efforts to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while adaptation involves preparation for climate impacts. Mitigation has long been a key focus of climate action globally. But with the United States, one of the world’s largest emitters, backing out of the Paris Agreement, and many other countries and companies scaling back on climate action, should the world start to prioritise climate adaptation? Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss this question in this episode. Have a listen and let us know your thoughts! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:39 What is climate adaptation? 4:03 What climate impacts does Asia have to prepare for? 7:40 What are some examples of climate adaptation? 11:03 What is hindering progress on adaptation? 14:03 What are the challenges to scaling adaptation finance? 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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 master's can help you get ahead in your career, but consider the expenses involved carefully too. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It’s a question that comes up in our 20s and 30s - if we need additional educational qualifications to give us a leg up in our careers. But how do you decide whether to pursue a master’s degree? How do you go about choosing courses, and most crucially, how do you finance such an endeavour? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at whether you should do a master’s and what to consider before plunging into it. Her guests are Charmaine Yee who studied an MSc in wealth management and now works in private equity, and expert Kenneth Tan from OCBC who is Managing Director of consumer unsecured lending. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:46 How her master’s got her into private equity 5:06 Do you need an MBA to work in finance? 10:11 How much does a master’s cost? 13:54 How do I fund a master’s? 18:36 Planning now to do a master’s five years later 20:54 Transitioning from work to school again 25:22 How about working and studying part time? 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 --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Xi’an is famous for its terracotta warriors but still faces significant challenges in air pollution. 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. In six of the 10 years between 2014 and 2023, Xi’an had the poorest air quality among China’s new top-tier cities, which are the most commercially attractive cities after Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. In 2023, the city ranked fifth from the bottom out of 168 key cities in China, having recorded harmful PM2.5 levels of 48 ug/m3 on average that year, much higher than the healthy limit of 5 ug/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While there are improvements in air quality over the years - thanks to measures taken by the government, there is still a long way to go. The local residents, while they do not disregard the pollution, are more concerned with their financial situation. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with ST correspondent Ang Qing - who shares her experiences being in Xi'an for three months, a city known for its terracotta warriors and its air pollution challenges. They also talk about the role of civic engagement and environmental activism in China, highlighting the efforts of young activists and their challenges advocating for change. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:03 Qing’s personal journey in Xi’an 5:54 The state of air quality in Xi’an 8:42 Government measures and community responses 11:34 Public perception and future challenges? 14:22 Qing's takeaways: Civic engagement and environmental activism in China Read Ang Qing’s article here: https://str.sg/JUC7c 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Xi’an is famous for its terracotta warriors but still faces significant challenges in air pollution. 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. In six of the 10 years between 2014 and 2023, Xi’an had the poorest air quality among China’s new top-tier cities, which are the most commercially attractive cities after Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. In 2023, the city ranked fifth from the bottom out of 168 key cities in China, having recorded harmful PM2.5 levels of 48 ug/m3 on average that year, much higher than the healthy limit of 5 ug/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While there are improvements in air quality over the years - thanks to measures taken by the government, there is still a long way to go. The local residents, while they do not disregard the pollution, are more concerned with their financial situation. In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with ST correspondent Ang Qing - who shares her experiences being in Xi'an for three months, a city known for its terracotta warriors and its air pollution challenges. They also talk about the role of civic engagement and environmental activism in China, highlighting the efforts of young activists and their challenges advocating for change. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:03 Qing’s personal journey in Xi’an 5:54 The state of air quality in Xi’an 8:42 Government measures and community responses 11:34 Public perception and future challenges? 14:22 Qing's takeaways: Civic engagement and environmental activism in China Read Ang Qing’s article here: https://str.sg/JUC7c 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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 safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. HPV or the human papillomavirus is a common virus that is sexually transmitted, and while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer. In March 2025, the Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS) published an updated set of national cervical cancer screening guidelines. The guidelines now recommend HPV self-sampling as an option to traditional cervical cancer screening methods. In Singapore, cervical cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in women, with 309 new cases and 172 deaths in 2023, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer. However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively, said the World Health Organisation (WHO). It aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, with the following strategy: Vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with preventive HPV vaccines by age 15; Screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test like HPV DNA screening by age 35, and again by age 45; Treat 90 per cent of women who have precancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Felicia Chin, an obstetrician and gynaecological oncologist at Gynae Onco Partners about HPV DNA self-testing, what it entails, and who should screen for cervical cancer. Until late last year, Dr Chin was a senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She sits on the SCCPS committee. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:54 Explaining the various tests for cervical cancers 3:14 Guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Singapore 4:32 How does HPV self-sampling work? 5:23 Difference between a self-test and a pap smear 13:42 Cervical cancer symptoms Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Eden Soh 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

A safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. HPV or the human papillomavirus is a common virus that is sexually transmitted, and while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer. In March 2025, the Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS) published an updated set of national cervical cancer screening guidelines. The guidelines now recommend HPV self-sampling as an option to traditional cervical cancer screening methods. In Singapore, cervical cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in women, with 309 new cases and 172 deaths in 2023, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer. However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively, said the World Health Organisation (WHO). It aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, with the following strategy: Vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with preventive HPV vaccines by age 15; Screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test like HPV DNA screening by age 35, and again by age 45; Treat 90 per cent of women who have precancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Felicia Chin, an obstetrician and gynaecological oncologist at Gynae Onco Partners about HPV DNA self-testing, what it entails, and who should screen for cervical cancer. Until late last year, Dr Chin was a senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She sits on the SCCPS committee. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:54 Explaining the various tests for cervical cancers 3:14 Guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Singapore 4:32 How does HPV self-sampling work? 5:23 Difference between a self-test and a pap smear 13:42 Cervical cancer symptoms Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Eden Soh 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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Thousands of mainland Chinese are choosing Malaysia’s laid-back vibes over their stressful lives back home. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For March, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, and special guest Dr Ong Kian Ming, both based in Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to settle down in multicultural Malaysia, as thousands of mainland Chinese on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa scheme have discovered. Affordable property, international schools, local food and a relaxed lifestyle are all draws, but are there drawbacks? As it is, signage in the Chinese language has already sparked off a war of words between politicians. Speaking of politics, the recent Democratic Action Party (DAP) election saw the Lim family influence diminished. Former deputy minister and party insider Dr Ong gives us the lowdown on what happened on March 16, and his predictions for the DAP’s future. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:21 MM2H: Why is it so popular with mainland Chinese? 06:43 Cultural shift, retail landscape change from influx of Chinese 11:19 How Chinese brands are adapting to local market 14:57 Furore over Chinese signage 19:43 DAP election: How the party’s evolved in Malaysian politics 26:56 Will DAP turn into MCA 2.0 30:49 Mood at party polls 38:02 Lim Guan Eng's future role and influence 42:38 News nugget: What’s your desert island Malaysian snack? Read more: MM2H scheme - https://str.sg/bsDx Malaysia’s DAP election - https://str.sg/Kiqx Heated exchange Malaysia’s MCA and DAP - https://str.sg/FS6T Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@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 --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts 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.

Who is Dr Anji Sinha? Our US bureau chief finds that the key to this story lies in relationships. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. As of the publication of this episode on March 21, nothing much is known about the person recently nominated by US President Donald Trump to become the top American diplomat in Singapore beyond his or her name. The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar reveal the detective work involved in trying to uncover who US President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore is - from following the breadcrumbs laid out by contacts to dealing with dead ends and working the phones to reveal the Florida connection. Highlights (click/tap above): 03:00 The significance of the US Ambassador to Singapore 04:55 Uncovering who Dr Anji Sinha is 07:34 A tip-off and a subtle hint 09:53 Dealing with hesitant sources, sensitive diplomatic matters 14:17 Broadening contacts 17:28 The Trump administration’s cautious approach 19:46 The Florida Connection 25:02 Looking ahead: The confirmation process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62 Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@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 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 ST Podcasts 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.