Podcasts about The Straits Times

Starting with Punggol, The Straits Times looks at how a city in nature can co-exist with wildlife. 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. SINGAPORE - In recent months, a globally endangered monkey has unsettled Singapore’s youngest housing estate Punggol, with dozens of reports made against long-tailed macaques for entering human homes. In turn, the authorities have responded to the wild monkeys, which are not considered threatened in the Republic, with an arsenal of measures that range from sterilisation to pelting them with water gel guns, a move that made headlines in August. These solutions, however, are just a matter of playing “catch up” with a situation that could have been anticipated as the northern neighbourhood was once forested land, wildlife rescue veteran Kalaivanan Balakrishnan told The Straits Times during a podcast recording published on Sept 3. The chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) said: “In the case of Punggol, we should have known at least a decade ago, when the developments were happening, that one day, this will happen because back then, there were already macaques there.” Following ST’s award-winning Green Trails podcast, co-hosts Ang Qing and Shabana Begum return to discuss human-wildlife coexistence in Singapore with Mr Kalaivanan and Ms Jasvic Lye, campaign manager of Our Wild Neighbours, an outreach initiative. Have a listen to this new episode of Green Pulse to find out more about how solutions to manage urban wildlife – and people’s acceptance of the animals – can be improved. This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience at The Fashion Pulpit in Jalan Besar as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:12 Gaps in Singapore’s approach to human-wildlife conflict 10:16 Biggest challenges when managing conflict 14:25 Common myths about wildlife that Singaporeans buy into 18:10 How wildlife can guide city planning 22:45 What young people can do to better manage human-wildlife encounters How we can beat the heat in Singapore: https://str.sg/952d More on Our Wild Neighbours: https://str.sg/K8Jw More on Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (Acres): https://str.sg/F6c6 Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre sanctuary expansion fundraiser: https://str.sg/v443 Follow Ang Qing on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ichp Read her articles: https://str.sg/i5gT Follow Shabana Begum on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/83Ge Read her articles: https://str.sg/5EGd Hosts: Ang Qing (aqing@sph.com.sg) & Shabana Begum (nshab@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing should not be about timing the market, but growing money over the long term. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Day trading is exciting - all the watching of stock movements and trying to buy low, sell high. But experts often say, hold for the long term, and use the benefit of compounding. What does that mean? How long exactly is the long haul and what does holding for the long term mean? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at investing for the long-term future, rather than the here and now. Her guests are Group Head, Deposit and Wealth Management, UOB Gidon Jerome Kessel and Leong Ji Keet, a financial blogger at SG Money Guide. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00: What does investing for the long term mean? 6:23 Which assets should I buy for long-term investing? 8:00 How long is a long-term investment? 14:45 Long-term strategies vs day trading 15:49 Are high-yield bank accounts investments? 19:00 Investing for retirement Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing should not be about timing the market, but growing money over the long term. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Day trading is exciting - all the watching of stock movements and trying to buy low, sell high. But experts often say, hold for the long term, and use the benefit of compounding. What does that mean? How long exactly is the long haul and what does holding for the long term mean? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at investing for the long-term future, rather than the here and now. Her guests are Group Head, Deposit and Wealth Management, UOB Gidon Jerome Kessel and Leong Ji Keet, a financial blogger at SG Money Guide. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00: What does investing for the long term mean? 6:23 Which assets should I buy for long-term investing? 8:00 How long is a long-term investment? 14:45 Long-term strategies vs day trading 15:49 Are high-yield bank accounts investments? 19:00 Investing for retirement Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fatal fires in Singapore are on the rise, with at least eight deaths reported so far this year. From faulty batteries to kitchen accidents, the risks are varied and often overlooked until tragedy strikes. But beyond knowing how to react in an emergency, another question looms: what happens if your home, or your neighbour’s, is damaged in a fire? David Sun, Crime Correspondent at The Straits Times & Justin Chan, Managing Partner, Justin Chan Chambers LLP join the Breakfast Show to unpack why fire-related deaths are climbing, what the most common household risks are today, and the legal questions that follow in a fire’s aftermath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coming months will see several changes in the political landscape as parties make moves on various fronts. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. In this episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei are joined by Ibrahim Suffian, also known as Ben, the co-founder and programs director of Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. With Malaysia’s opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) holding its annual conference in September, and the 17th Sabah election that is likely happening by year-end, what is on the horizon for Malaysia’s political scene? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:32 PAS no longer just a supporting actor in Malaysia’s political scene 7:37 PAS as an alternative for Barisan National and Umno and its more moderated image 10:47 Possible leadership change in the coming PAS congress and ambitions of federal power 14:17 What’s next for PAS and its standing in Perikatan Nasional (PN)? 18:55 The coming Sabah elections and the state of play 27:16 Why the death of 13-year-old Sabah student Zara Qairina has become part of the political discussion 29:39 The rise of state nationalism in Sabah 35:52 News nugget: Malaysians generally feel optimistic about ageing Read more: The state of play in Sabah as elections loom - https://str.sg/oKkNK 6 in 10 Malaysians upbeat about ageing - https://str.sg/DhRU 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: 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 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coming months will see several changes in the political landscape as parties make moves on various fronts. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. In this episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei are joined by Ibrahim Suffian, also known as Ben, the co-founder and programs director of Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. With Malaysia’s opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) holding its annual conference in September, and the 17th Sabah election that is likely happening by year-end, what is on the horizon for Malaysia’s political scene? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:32 PAS no longer just a supporting actor in Malaysia’s political scene 7:37 PAS as an alternative for Barisan National and Umno and its more moderated image 10:47 Possible leadership change in the coming PAS congress and ambitions of federal power 14:17 What’s next for PAS and its standing in Perikatan Nasional (PN)? 18:55 The coming Sabah elections and the state of play 27:16 Why the death of 13-year-old Sabah student Zara Qairina has become part of the political discussion 29:39 The rise of state nationalism in Sabah 35:52 News nugget: Malaysians generally feel optimistic about ageing Read more: The state of play in Sabah as elections loom - https://str.sg/oKkNK 6 in 10 Malaysians upbeat about ageing - https://str.sg/DhRU 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: 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 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Even if you’re not aware, we’re all affected by rising temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore’s high humidity. Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can reduce our true potential by curbing exercise and access to fresh air and by spending more time in front phones and televisions, harming our vision – and even reducing vitamin D intake. But for those who work outside, they have fewer choices. And those without regular access to air-conditioning are also at increasing risk. Fortunately, much is being done to help people and educate them on the growing threat from rising temperatures caused by climate change and hotter urban environments. And for this special episode of the Green Pulse podcast, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with a dynamic duo who have helped shape Singapore’s response to heat. They are Associate Professor Jason Lee, director of the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of Singapore and Ms Jaime Lim, a director at the Occupational Safety and Health Division at the Ministry of Manpower. This episode was recorded and filmed on Aug 12 at The Fashion Pulpit in Jalan Besar, in front of an intimate live audience of about 95 people. It was the fourth ST Podcast Live! session celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with two more events planned for the rest of the year. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:30 Despite the sharp spike in temperatures, do people think high heat is still not a concern? 8:35 The Ministry of Manpower has an acclimatisation programme for newly arrived outdoor workers. How does this programme work? 12:05 How the government and scientists work together to create heat policies. 17:50 What have been the reactions from businesses to MOM’s heat protection advisories and policies? 25:25 Much has been done but what other aspects of heat risk need more attention? More on NUS' Heat Resilience & Performance Centre (HRPC): https://str.sg/Byiw MOM's heat stress measures for outdoor work: https://str.sg/5j9K Resources for workplaces and workers: https://str.sg/Hup2 Heat stress levels: https://str.sg/5WrT Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures. Even if you’re not aware, we’re all affected by rising temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore’s high humidity. Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can reduce our true potential by curbing exercise and access to fresh air and by spending more time in front phones and televisions, harming our vision – and even reducing vitamin D intake. But for those who work outside, they have fewer choices. And those without regular access to air-conditioning are also at increasing risk. Fortunately, much is being done to help people and educate them on the growing threat from rising temperatures caused by climate change and hotter urban environments. And for this special episode of the Green Pulse podcast, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with a dynamic duo who have helped shape Singapore’s response to heat. They are Associate Professor Jason Lee, director of the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of Singapore and Ms Jaime Lim, a director at the Occupational Safety and Health Division at the Ministry of Manpower. This episode was recorded and filmed on Aug 12 at The Fashion Pulpit in Jalan Besar, in front of an intimate live audience of about 95 people. It was the fourth ST Podcast Live! session celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with two more events planned for the rest of the year. Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:30 Despite the sharp spike in temperatures, do people think high heat is still not a concern? 8:35 The Ministry of Manpower has an acclimatisation programme for newly arrived outdoor workers. How does this programme work? 12:05 How the government and scientists work together to create heat policies. 17:50 What have been the reactions from businesses to MOM’s heat protection advisories and policies? 25:25 Much has been done but what other aspects of heat risk need more attention? More on NUS' Heat Resilience & Performance Centre (HRPC): https://str.sg/Byiw MOM's heat stress measures for outdoor work: https://str.sg/5j9K Resources for workplaces and workers: https://str.sg/Hup2 Heat stress levels: https://str.sg/5WrT Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called innovation and technology an “overarching priority,” announced new support for SMEs to harness AI, and rolled out initiatives from town-level job matching to expanded SkillsFuture training. He also unveiled bold redevelopment plans for Singapore’s north, from new housing in Kranji to a transformed Woodlands regional centre alongside coastal protection measures. So what do these announcements mean for workers, businesses, and families? Dr. Reuben Ng, Behavioural and Data Scientist at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS and Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent at The Straits Times, join the Breakfast Show to break down the top takeaways and what they signal about Singapore’s next stage of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why this sector also has back-of-house roles that call for talents from all walks of life. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Find out why job seekers should not just think of front-facing guest roles in this sector, as host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Ms Adeline Phua, managing lyf partner and vice-president for business development at Ascott, the lodging business of CapitaLand Investment. You may have come across lyf (pronounced life) properties, that are creatively designed. It is known for its appeal to young travellers and inventive activities for guests. Ms Phua argues why hospitality is something Singaporeans should look deeper into, beyond just traditional or stereotypical job roles associated with the sector. Do you have to be an extrovert to work in hospitality? No. Not everyone has to be interacting with guests on the frontline, with a surfeit of meaningful roles behind the scenes in areas including facilities management, designing and sustainability. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:23 Kombucha-brewing classes, world record attempts and other memorable guest activities 6:10 Hospitality roles in SG: Is there room to improvise? 13:23 The range of roles and skills needed at a company like lyf 16:54 Wanted: Ex-kindergarten teachers, ex-zoo professionals, illustrators, content creators? 20:49 How’s the sector holding up in this current economy? 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 & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why this sector also has back-of-house roles that call for talents from all walks of life. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Find out why job seekers should not just think of front-facing guest roles in this sector, as host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Ms Adeline Phua, managing lyf partner and vice-president for business development at Ascott, the lodging business of CapitaLand Investment. You may have come across lyf (pronounced life) properties, that are creatively designed. It is known for its appeal to young travellers and inventive activities for guests. Ms Phua argues why hospitality is something Singaporeans should look deeper into, beyond just traditional or stereotypical job roles associated with the sector. Do you have to be an extrovert to work in hospitality? No. Not everyone has to be interacting with guests on the frontline, with a surfeit of meaningful roles behind the scenes in areas including facilities management, designing and sustainability. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:23 Kombucha-brewing classes, world record attempts and other memorable guest activities 6:10 Hospitality roles in SG: Is there room to improvise? 13:23 The range of roles and skills needed at a company like lyf 16:54 Wanted: Ex-kindergarten teachers, ex-zoo professionals, illustrators, content creators? 20:49 How’s the sector holding up in this current economy? 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 & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Buddhist principles guide tough business decisions, build trust, and create a healthier workplace culture? In this episode, Glints co-founder Ying Cong shares real-life lessons from 11 years of leading a startup—navigating challenges from employee boundaries to co-founder conflicts—while staying grounded in his “inviolable principles.” His reflections show how mindfulness and compassion can be powerful tools in leadership and life.

Why does President Donald Trump seem so intent on winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, President Donald Trump’s ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize is the topic of discussion for ST's assistant foreign editor Clement Tan who hosts colleague and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar. They discuss the motivations behind his desire for the award and the international political implications of his nomination at a time when a number of wars are raging and the ensuing loss of innumerable lives frame his presidency. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:23 Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize 3:07 Trump vs. Obama: A rivalry 4:07 Global reactions and nominations 7:05 Trump's diplomatic efforts 9:59 Current major conflicts and Trump's role 13:43 Nobel Peace Prize nomination process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo 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: Clement Tan (clemtan@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 SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does President Donald Trump seem so intent on winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. In this episode, President Donald Trump’s ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize is the topic of discussion for ST's assistant foreign editor Clement Tan who hosts colleague and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar. They discuss the motivations behind his desire for the award and the international political implications of his nomination at a time when a number of wars are raging and the ensuing loss of innumerable lives frame his presidency. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:23 Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize 3:07 Trump vs. Obama: A rivalry 4:07 Global reactions and nominations 7:05 Trump's diplomatic efforts 9:59 Current major conflicts and Trump's role 13:43 Nobel Peace Prize nomination process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo 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: Clement Tan (clemtan@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 SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We even invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this episode with our host and two human guests. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Preliminary findings from a recent MIT study in June in the US, concluded that people using just generative AI (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT, became lazier with each subsequent essay they wrote. The study, conducted in Boston, categorised three groups of test subjects aged 18 to 39 according to the tools that they used: ChatGPT, Google or no tools. The brain activity of these writers were scanned across 32 regions of their brain. The result found that ChatGPT users had the lowest brain activity, and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioural levels,” according to the study. But the way ChatGPT is used was critical, as the study found that test subjects who used ChatGPT only after writing the essays on their own, had significant increases in brain connectivity. Just how can ChatGPT be used to enhance productivity without making us lazy? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues and looks at how her human guests maintain the balance between optimising the use of ChatGPT and becoming over-reliant on it. Her guests are Shahrman Nayan, creative director of OneDash22, a local video production company and an avid user of Gen AI for his work; and Cheryl Chia, founder of BrainFit, an education centre for children and young adults, building their cognitive, thinking, and study skills through programmes grounded in scientific approaches. We also invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this podcast discussion. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:00 How can youths use ChatGPT without becoming lazy 13:14 "I can make people lazier if they use me to avoid thinking critically": ChatGPT 15:21 Cognitive functions like memory and concentration have been going down: Cheryl 29:04 How young people can use Gen AI to improve critical thinking 37:03 How Shahrman uses Gen AI like ChatGPT to get his colleagues to produce creative work Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Rebekah Chia and Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We even invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this episode with our host and two human guests. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Preliminary findings from a recent MIT study in June in the US, concluded that people using just generative AI (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT, became lazier with each subsequent essay they wrote. The study, conducted in Boston, categorised three groups of test subjects aged 18 to 39 according to the tools that they used: ChatGPT, Google or no tools. The brain activity of these writers were scanned across 32 regions of their brain. The result found that ChatGPT users had the lowest brain activity, and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioural levels,” according to the study. But the way ChatGPT is used was critical, as the study found that test subjects who used ChatGPT only after writing the essays on their own, had significant increases in brain connectivity. Just how can ChatGPT be used to enhance productivity without making us lazy? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues and looks at how her human guests maintain the balance between optimising the use of ChatGPT and becoming over-reliant on it. Her guests are Shahrman Nayan, creative director of OneDash22, a local video production company and an avid user of Gen AI for his work; and Cheryl Chia, founder of BrainFit, an education centre for children and young adults, building their cognitive, thinking, and study skills through programmes grounded in scientific approaches. We also invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this podcast discussion. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:00 How can youths use ChatGPT without becoming lazy 13:14 "I can make people lazier if they use me to avoid thinking critically": ChatGPT 15:21 Cognitive functions like memory and concentration have been going down: Cheryl 29:04 How young people can use Gen AI to improve critical thinking 37:03 How Shahrman uses Gen AI like ChatGPT to get his colleagues to produce creative work Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Rebekah Chia and Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore turned 60 over the weekend – and what a celebration it was. From the packed stands at the Padang to the sea of red and white across the heartlands, the National Day Parade 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. But just how big were the festivities this year? How did the crowd turnouts and atmosphere compare to previous years? And what moments truly stood out? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong takes a look back at the highlights of SG60 with Angelica Ang, reporter for the Straits Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Declaring war “against everybody” including China and hoping for the right result is very worrying. 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. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, on US policy toward Asia. Mr Bolton speaks on the chaos and confusion in the Trump White House, the lack of a coherent policy toward Asia including senseless tariffs slapped on key security partners, and Mr Trump’s proclivity to personalise foreign policy. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 A tone-deaf presidency 4:45 Asia in Trump 2.0 6:30 Singapore’s shock over tariffs 10:20 Is Trump more than an aberration? 11:30 Trump’s China fascination 13:40 Desperation for a Nobel; Trump in Asian conflicts 16:40 Are Quad and Aukus dead in the water? 19:00 Taiwan has reason to be worried 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 & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the first part of the headline has you nodding, then this episode of The Usual Place podcast is for you. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Some young adults are struggling with everyday conversations and other basic forms of social interaction.Whether it’s making small talk with strangers, holding eye contact, or just answering a phone call (just text me please!), Gen Zs and millennials are declaring that dealing with other people isn’t always their vibe. They need help to fix their awkwardness. That’s where the School of Yapping by social impact organisation Friendzone comes in, reported The Straits Times in July. Over four workshops, participants aged 20 to 35 practise how to be “confident, connected, and comfortable” talking to others. In this episode of The Usual Place, I will chat with Tham Jun Han, the 32-year-old co-founder of Friendzone; Nur Haziqah Mohd Yazib, a 25-year-old case worker who took part in the workshop recently; and Savanna Tai, a 22-year-old university student who has had to change the way she communicates as she wants to become a journalist. We discuss why social interactions are harder now for young adults than ever before, whether the Covid-19 pandemic made things worse, and what we stand to lose if we don’t find a way to connect again. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:46 Understanding group dynamics and how to start conversations 15:02 Haziqah and Savanna on their experiences in changing their skill sets and approaches so far 19:41 On personality tests 24:10 Could the Covid-19 pandemic have affected the way a generation communicates? 27:09 What will young people lose if they don’t know how to communicate well or are not socially confident? Read ST’s article on courses in yapping: https://str.sg/d82q Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Declaring war “against everybody” including China and hoping for the right result is very worrying. 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. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, on US policy toward Asia. Mr Bolton speaks on the chaos and confusion in the Trump White House, the lack of a coherent policy toward Asia including senseless tariffs slapped on key security partners, and Mr Trump’s proclivity to personalise foreign policy. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 A tone-deaf presidency 4:45 Asia in Trump 2.0 6:30 Singapore’s shock over tariffs 10:20 Is Trump more than an aberration? 11:30 Trump’s China fascination 13:40 Desperation for a Nobel; Trump in Asian conflicts 16:40 Are Quad and Aukus dead in the water? 19:00 Taiwan has reason to be worried Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Perimenopause is the stage before menopause that many women here do not talk about, largely due to stigma or a lack of awareness. The transition phase in perimenopause ends in menopause, which marks the end of a woman's natural fertility. This affects not just her reproductive organs but her entire body, adding to the confusion in distinguishing between ageing or illness. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the co-director of the KK Menopause Centre, to counter the misinformation out there. Prof Ruskhini is also the head and a senior consultant at the Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Highlights (click/tap above): 2.28 Symptoms of perimenopause 7.23 Older women can still have hot flushes 11.03 Some women develop an awareness of their heartbeat 18:39 What can women do about their symptoms? 30:08 The four symptoms of menopause that doctors won't argue about 31:59 Oestrogen cream to treat vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Perimenopause is the stage before menopause that many women here do not talk about, largely due to stigma or a lack of awareness. The transition phase in perimenopause ends in menopause, which marks the end of a woman's natural fertility. This affects not just her reproductive organs but her entire body, adding to the confusion in distinguishing between ageing or illness. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the co-director of the KK Menopause Centre, to counter the misinformation out there. Prof Ruskhini is also the head and a senior consultant at the Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Highlights (click/tap above): 2.28 Symptoms of perimenopause 7.23 Older women can still have hot flushes 11.03 Some women develop an awareness of their heartbeat 18:39 What can women do about their symptoms? 30:08 The four symptoms of menopause that doctors won't argue about 31:59 Oestrogen cream to treat vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When discussing climate change, mother doesn’t always know best. 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. For many people, climate change is scary and the science behind its causes and impacts is bewildering. And with all the other bad news these days, sometimes the easiest thing is just to hope climate change will fade away. Add in a noisy minority who vehemently deny climate change is real, or even believe it’s all a conspiracy, and it can be hard for people to know how best to respond or what’s even real. In our latest Green Pulse episode, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with Adam Switzer, a Professor of Coastal Science at the Asian School of the Environment at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He gives us some tips and tricks on how to speak to people about climate change, including amplifying the stories of hope, a focus on solutions as well as educating people about the clear trends that show climate change is real, such as data showing rising temperatures, sea levels and carbon emissions. But what happens when your own mother is a hardened denialist? Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:45 What does climate denialism mean to you? 5:55 How to help people who don’t understand climate science and feel unable to respond? 10: 44 ‘We need to focus on solutions’. 12:10 What are top tips to help people sort out real science from cherry-picked, greenwashed science? 16:44 How to balance the bad news of climate change with the need for urgency? 23:17 Talk to people. It’s not hard to find common ground on climate change, such as health and money. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When discussing climate change, mother doesn’t always know best. 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. For many people, climate change is scary and the science behind its causes and impacts is bewildering. And with all the other bad news these days, sometimes the easiest thing is just to hope climate change will fade away. Add in a noisy minority who vehemently deny climate change is real, or even believe it’s all a conspiracy, and it can be hard for people to know how best to respond or what’s even real. In our latest Green Pulse episode, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with Adam Switzer, a Professor of Coastal Science at the Asian School of the Environment at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He gives us some tips and tricks on how to speak to people about climate change, including amplifying the stories of hope, a focus on solutions as well as educating people about the clear trends that show climate change is real, such as data showing rising temperatures, sea levels and carbon emissions. But what happens when your own mother is a hardened denialist? Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:45 What does climate denialism mean to you? 5:55 How to help people who don’t understand climate science and feel unable to respond? 10: 44 ‘We need to focus on solutions’. 12:10 What are top tips to help people sort out real science from cherry-picked, greenwashed science? 16:44 How to balance the bad news of climate change with the need for urgency? 23:17 Talk to people. It’s not hard to find common ground on climate change, such as health and money. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working a full-time job but having a side-hustle is gaining traction, but here are things to look out for before taking the plunge. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Side hustles are becoming more common, with people opening weekend cafes, selling coffee or doing other jobs besides their full-time work. But are side hustles for everyone? Will it become necessary as people try to get extra income and find fulfilment outside their day jobs? And what do you need to look out for before starting a side hustle? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the art of the side hustle and how to start one. Her guests are Tris Su, owner of weekend matcha business Tofu Tofu, and Juliet Tan, founder of human resources consultancy firm Emplifi. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:14: How does a home-based matcha maker run her side hustle? 4:17 What counts as a side hustle? 5:55 Juggling the side hustle with her full-time job 7:53 What to do before starting a side hustle 14:15 The trend of side hustling and why start one? 24:00 Can I start a side hustle now? Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social isolation is especially acute in the capital city of Seoul—and it’s not just among the elderly. 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. South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo, who has lived in South Korea for six years, describes what life in Seoul can be like, and explains why loneliness is a looming epidemic not just for the aged but for young people there as well. Steps are being taken to address the challenge, with local authorities rolling out measures ranging from cafes where anyone can drop by for a steaming hot bowl of ramyeon to 24-hour call centres. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 All alone in Seoul 4:59 Intense competition in exams and for jobs 6:41 A district in southern Seoul City 11:47 Tackling the problem before depression sets in 15:04 Are mindsets shifting? Read Wendy Teo’s article here: https://str.sg/f4bN 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) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social isolation is especially acute in the capital city of Seoul—and it’s not just among the elderly. 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. South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo, who has lived in South Korea for six years, describes what life in Seoul can be like, and explains why loneliness is a looming epidemic not just for the aged but for young people there as well. Steps are being taken to address the challenge, with local authorities rolling out measures ranging from cafes where anyone can drop by for a steaming hot bowl of ramyeon to 24-hour call centres. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 All alone in Seoul 4:59 Intense competition in exams and for jobs 6:41 A district in southern Seoul City 11:47 Tackling the problem before depression sets in 15:04 Are mindsets shifting? Read Wendy Teo’s article here: https://str.sg/f4bN 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) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first time in history this is happening in India What is Jim Buying? A restraint of trade and why commodity prices are cheap Looking to learn from one of the greats – GOAT! This episode's guest: Jim Rogers - The Investment Biker NEW! DOWNLOAD THE AI GENERATED SHOW NOTES (Guest Segment) Jim Rogers, a native of Demopolis, Alabama, is an author, financial commentator, adventurer, and successful international investor.  He has been frequently featured in Time, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Barron's, Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Business Times, The Straits Times and many media outlets worldwide.  He has also appeared as a regular commentator and columnist in various media and has been a professor at Columbia University. After attending Yale and Oxford University, Rogers co-founded the Quantum Fund, a global-investment partnership.  During the next 10 years, the portfolio gained 4200%, while the S&P rose less than 50%.  Rogers then decided to retire – at age 37.  Continuing to manage his own portfolio, Rogers kept busy serving as a full professor of finance at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and, in 1989 and 1990, as the moderator of WCBS's 'The Dreyfus Roundtable' and FNN's 'The Profit Motive with Jim Rogers'. In 1990-1992, Rogers fulfilled his lifelong dream: motorcycling 100,000 miles across six continents, a feat that landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records.  As a private investor, he constantly analyzed the countries through which he traveled for investment ideas.  He chronicled his one-of-a-kind journey in Investment Biker: On the Road with Jim Rogers.  Jim also embarked on a Millennium Adventure in 1999.  He traveled for 3 years on his round-the-world, Guinness World Record journey. It was his 3rd Guinness Record.  Passing through 116 countries, he covered more than 245,000 kilometers, which he recounted in his book Adventure Capitalist: The Ultimate Road Trip.   Check this out and find out more at: http://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Follow @andrewhorowitz Looking for style diversification? More information on the TDI Managed Growth Strategy - HERE Stocks mentioned in this episode: (SLV), (GLD), (CMG), (DOW), (KSS), (KOSS), (DHI), (SHW)

Ultimately, the outcome might depend on both sides’ threshold for pain. 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 July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They take stock of the twists and turns in the tariff negotiations between Washington and Beijing. Both sides have weaponised access to rare earths and advanced chips as well as the potential sale of short video app TikTok, among other issues, in a bid to gain leverage. Ultimately, how the negotiations pan out may depend on how much pain both sides are prepared to endure. On the horizon is talk about a possible visit by President Donald Trump to China and how this might play a decisive role for some sort of deal. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The twists and turns of US-China tariff negotiations 3:24 How Beijing has weaponised the access to rare earths 5:40 China can now buy Nvidia H20 AI chips again. What are the implications? 7:49 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes waves in China 9:54 Can Americans be happy without Chinese goods? 12:41 How the sale of TikTok might be a bargaining chip 13:56 Transhipment taxes add a layer of uncertainty 17:59 What a grand bargain might look like 19:37 Who will win the trade war? Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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.

Ultimately, the outcome might depend on both sides’ threshold for pain. 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 July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They take stock of the twists and turns in the tariff negotiations between Washington and Beijing. Both sides have weaponised access to rare earths and advanced chips as well as the potential sale of short video app TikTok, among other issues, in a bid to gain leverage. Ultimately, how the negotiations pan out may depend on how much pain both sides are prepared to endure. On the horizon is talk about a possible visit by President Donald Trump to China and how this might play a decisive role for some sort of deal. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The twists and turns of US-China tariff negotiations 3:24 How Beijing has weaponised the access to rare earths 5:40 China can now buy Nvidia H20 AI chips again. What are the implications? 7:49 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes waves in China 9:54 Can Americans be happy without Chinese goods? 12:41 How the sale of TikTok might be a bargaining chip 13:56 Transhipment taxes add a layer of uncertainty 17:59 What a grand bargain might look like 19:37 Who will win the trade war? Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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.

We put off work because work, for some reason, puts us off. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Procrastination: The frustratingly human tendency to postpone work we can and should get started on earlier. It may seem tempting to berate ourselves for being lazy, unmotivated or disorganised. Instead, procrastination is actually our brains trying to shield us from uncomfortable feelings, putting a hidden toll on ourselves. In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi hosts an expert on the psychology of people who work together in groups. She shares with us what research tells us about procrastination and other quirks of our mind that permeate our work and daily life. She also goes into the “dark things” she relishes researching, such as why people are cynical at work, and the fallout from narcissist leaders. The guest is: Dr Ruchi Sinha, organisational psychologist and associate professor (practice) at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 What is procrastination and what type of procrastinator are you? 11:06 What are some strategies to help you manage procrastination? 14:07 Procrastination is about misplaced priorities too 16:22 Is it any easier for Dr Sinha to beat procrastination, as an expert? 17:05 The “pretty dark stuff” Dr Sinha studies, such as narcissism at workplaces 23:04 How does Dr Sinha translate research in her field to real life? Read more about procrastination here: https://str.sg/C9QS 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 SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Combs, widely known as Puffy or P Diddy, remains at the center of intense national headlines this week. After months of highly public legal battles, Combs was acquitted of the most severe sex trafficking and racketeering charges, though the jury did convict him on two lesser prostitution-related offenses. This partial verdict arrives after a turbulent trial that began in May, with the jury deliberating on key charges they could not unanimously agree upon. The high-profile case brought a parade of witnesses, including three women who delivered harrowing accounts of alleged sexual assaults during the prosecution's nearly seven-week presentation, as reported by The Straits Times and CBS News. New York prosecutors emphasized testimony describing graphic details, while Combs has continued to plead not guilty to all federal charges.The legal saga has been further inflamed by ongoing conspiracy theories circulated by QAnon followers, who reimagined details from Combs' past—including his infamous 2004 party—as evidence of shadowy Hollywood plots. According to EURweb, the movement twisted the recent legal outcome into new narratives, painting Combs alternately as a symbol of elite wrongdoing or as a persecuted truth-teller punished for “knowing too much.”Behind the courtroom drama lies the ripple effect on Combs's vast business empire. Despite immense personal and professional upheaval, his financial standing reportedly remains formidable. IMDB News notes his music, fashion, and beverage ventures, particularly his lucrative Cîroc vodka deal, continue to drive revenues that some sources claim have topped a billion dollars in recent years.Interest in the Combs trial has also fueled an explosion of commentary and analysis in podcasts and talk shows, such as “The Diddy Diaries,” which has delivered raw explorations of the case and insider takes from legal experts and music industry voices.Listeners are reminded that, despite the acquittal on the biggest charges, a Michigan court also ordered Combs to pay $100 million in a separate civil judgment related to an alleged 1997 incident, as reported by CBS. Meanwhile, public opinion remains sharply divided, with Combs issuing a public apology video acknowledging “inexcusable” past behavior.Thank you for tuning in to this Quiet Please production. Come back next week for more. For me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

Power Plays, Public Health, Pop Culture Shifts & Scrambled Eggs in the Heartland. Welcome to this week’s International News Review. We’re joined by Lin Suling, Opinion Editor at The Straits Times, to unpack the stories that we found interesting this week and one that cracked us up.First, the MAGA movement is in turmoil as Trump’s reversal on Epstein documents sparks backlash from his base. Next - here at home… the Health Sciences Authority’s intensified crackdown on drug-laced vapes has led to dramatic arrests in Bishan and Yishun.Across the Pacific, CBS has announced the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, marking a seismic shift in late-night television. And finally, in a uniquely Singaporean twist, passers-by scrambled to salvage eggs from a roadside spill in Jurong West—a Singapore story. Join Saturday Mornings host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to build a $200M startup while staying grounded in Buddhist values? In this episode, Ying Cong, co-founder of Glints, shares candid stories from his entrepreneurial journey—from navigating PR crises to letting go of ego and status. With wisdom drawn from his daily two-hour meditation practice and real-world experience, he explores how Dhamma can shape leadership, decisions, and even definitions of success.

“LazyCabbie” drives for 10 hours daily, besides making insightful videos on his working life. 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. Contrary to the name of his YouTube channel, Mr Eddie Jui is anything but lazy. The 48-year-old drives 10 hours daily and spends nearly as much time making videos. Like the friendly cabbie making conversation with his passenger, Mr Jui’s videos are candid and honest. And based on how fast the LazyCabbie YouTube channel is growing, it is resonating with people.More on the conversations between Mr Eddie Jui and senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe below. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Spending at least two to three hours just to get the right angles for the videos. 14:20 Trying to create an online community that is more forward-looking and positive. 18:00 Taxi driving as a sunset industry but one that pays the bills, if you need money urgently. 20:10 Reacting to the rise of autonomous driving potentially taking away taxi driving as a vocation. 23:00 Do not treat driving as a career because there is no progression. Zero progression. Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. 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 becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities. But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices, international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate and nature investments to make them more palatable for private and government funders. Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection, sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation and much more. The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk and allow private capital to “work its magic”. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments? 6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on climate and catalytic funding? 12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders? 18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies interested in Asia? 21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for philanthropists in Asia? 25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy individuals knocking on PAA’s door? Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. 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 becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities. But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices, international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate and nature investments to make them more palatable for private and government funders. Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection, sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation and much more. The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk and allow private capital to “work its magic”. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments? 6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on climate and catalytic funding? 12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders? 18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies interested in Asia? 21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for philanthropists in Asia? 25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy individuals knocking on PAA’s door? 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity may point to body image issues in men. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Outdated stereotypes of what a man should be like continue to exist today, with a new generation of social media influencers like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross producing content that posits to teach men how to be men. But does it make someone any less of a man if they decide to speak up about the issues they face? For years, ST journalist Aqil Hamzah, 28, has grappled with body image issues, but was too afraid to seek help, thinking it wouldn’t be the manly thing to do. Years of skipping meals took a toll on his health, and it was only after losing clumps of hair that he decided to seek help for it. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues that have plagued her co-host Aqil alongside psychiatrist Adrian Loh, who specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry. The trio then discuss if toxic masculinity has a role to play in men’s unwillingness to speak up about their issues. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:56 Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues 03:27 Is BMI an accurate indication for weight management? 08:50 Obsessing over the scales 21:21 What is toxic masculinity and how should people deal with it? 24:51 How role models repeat a vicious cycle & the different reactions to therapy 33:35 The importance of feeling things Read Aqil’s article on body image here: https://str.sg/kuf8 Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Follow Aqil Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ttUo Read his articles: https://str.sg/i5gS Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitalisation and critical illness insurance are vital, but beware of being upsold or paying too much for premiums. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. What do young people need to know when buying their first insurance package? Insurance is an essential part of “adulting”, but it can be daunting when choosing from a wide range of products on a tight budget. Some can also find that insurance agents pressure them into buying products that they are not certain they need. In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what you need to know before buying insurance. Her guests are NTU undergraduate Megan Wee and DBS bank Singapore head of bancassurance Loh Wanyun. 1:40: What are the different types of insurance? 9:00 Corporate vs personal insurance 11:00 How much should I spend on insurance? 13:25 How to deal with pushy agents 15:50 How much insurance is enough to cover me? 18:05 What are investment-linked policies? 21:00 Where should I buy insurance from? 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 ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot. 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. Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting it out while teetering on poles. But the city has been gripped in what Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung says is an almost “visceral fear” over a recent government edict to reduce the use of bamboo in construction projects due to safety concerns. ST foreign editor Li Xueying catches up with her over a similar debate arising over the would-be demolition of Choi Hung, Hong Kong’s first large-scale public housing project completed in the 1960s. Having undergone the social turmoil and political changes of recent years since the 2019 protests, Hong Kongers are seeking comfort in the things that can remain the same - and quietly protesting the changes coming their way. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:53 Changes in government regulations over bamboo scaffolding 2:25 Safety concerns 9:24 A fear of change 11:42 Why Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate has to go 17:02 Has cultural nostalgia been weaponised? Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/dbo9 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) 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should schools, educators and students adapt accordingly? Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday, as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. In June, three students at the Nanyang Technological University received zero marks for an assignment after they were found to have used generative artificial intelligence tools, or Gen AI, in their work. They were penalised for academic misconduct as the assignments contained non-existent academic references and statistics or broken web links, the university said. The case drew wider attention after one of the students posted about it on online forum Reddit, sparking debate about the impact of AI on academic integrity. All six universities here generally allow students to use Gen AI to varying degrees, depending on the module or coursework. Students are required to declare when and how they use such tools to maintain academic integrity. With Gen AI creeping into everyday life and gaining popularity among students, when is it wrong or right to turn to AI for help with your studies? Given its likely prevalence in schoolwork, how should schools, educators and students adapt for the future? In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, my three guests - Singapore Management University’s Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Michelle Lee, final-year university student Zildjian Garcia and The Straits Times education correspondent Elisha Tushara, who is a former teacher - weighed in on the debate around AI tools for schoolwork and the future of learning. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:37 Was the initial punishment the three students received warranted? 5:36 How rampant is the use of Gen AI tools among faculty members and students? 7:54 Do educators have a love-hate relationship with Gen AI tools? 17:05 Why Elisha and Michelle are worried about their children losing resilience in learning 19:55 Zildjian points out that AI tool users “always forget” that they might not be accurate 22:13 Are Gen AI tools just a new way students are gaming the system to get their certificates? 27:02 Should AI literacy be made a compulsory module for Institutes of Higher Learning? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda HongFollow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot. 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. Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting it out while teetering on poles. But the city has been gripped in what Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung says is an almost “visceral fear” over a recent government edict to reduce the use of bamboo in construction projects due to safety concerns. ST foreign editor Li Xueying catches up with her over a similar debate arising over the would-be demolition of Choi Hung, Hong Kong’s first large-scale public housing project completed in the 1960s. Having undergone the social turmoil and political changes of recent years since the 2019 protests, Hong Kongers are seeking comfort in the things that can remain the same - and quietly protesting the changes coming their way. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:53 Changes in government regulations over bamboo scaffolding 2:25 Safety concerns 9:24 A fear of change 11:42 Why Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate has to go 17:02 Has cultural nostalgia been weaponised? Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/dbo9 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) 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Caregivers Alliance Limited is an organisation that focuses on supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions as well as those who have developed mental health challenges due to caregiving. It has a small outpost at the Institute of Mental Health, where families can seek caregiver support. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Evelyn Chng, who is based at the outpost, about the cases that she has seen there, the mental health burden of caregiving, and what caregivers can do about it. She heads CAL’s Community Outreach Team or Crest programme. Crest, which acts as a mental health first-stop touchpoint, was developed by the Agency for Integrated Care and the Ministry of Health. Ms Chng also talks about the challenges of caring for her adult son, who is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:15 Who are these caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH? 10:15 Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey 14:40 How Evelyn takes care of herself 17:36 A strict father rebuilds his bond with son who was being treated for depression 24:40 A piece of advice for caregivers of persons with mental health conditions 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Caregivers Alliance Limited is an organisation that focuses on supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions as well as those who have developed mental health challenges due to caregiving. It has a small outpost at the Institute of Mental Health, where families can seek caregiver support. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Evelyn Chng, who is based at the outpost, about the cases that she has seen there, the mental health burden of caregiving, and what caregivers can do about it. She heads CAL’s Community Outreach Team or Crest programme. Crest, which acts as a mental health first-stop touchpoint, was developed by the Agency for Integrated Care and the Ministry of Health. Ms Chng also talks about the challenges of caring for her adult son, who is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:15 Who are these caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH? 10:15 Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey 14:40 How Evelyn takes care of herself 17:36 A strict father rebuilds his bond with son who was being treated for depression 24:40 A piece of advice for caregivers of persons with mental health conditions 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From black to green: A new type of carbon credit could speed up the region’s shift to renewable energy and cut air pollution 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. Carbon credits are increasingly regarded as a key way to accelerate investment in renewable energy in Asia while also shutting down polluting coal plants early. Burning coal is a top source of planet-warming CO2 and air pollution. Asia faces a major challenge of meeting its growing appetite for electricity while also curbing emissions growth. A further challenge: The average age of coal power plants in the region is about 15 years – when the plants have a life of up to 50 years. To compensate plant owners, a coalition of power companies, banks, governments and philanthropy have come together to embrace transition credits, which monetise each tonne of CO2 saved from shutting down a coal plant early. The money from credit sales helps pay for the renewable energy power generation that replaces the coal power plant. But how far are we from viable transition credit projects and the sale of these credits? And who will buy them? 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): 1:42 What are transition credits? 3:53 Are there any projects in the pipeline that could yield transition credits? 5:53 Any idea how much transition credits might be? 9:08 Who will be the main buyers? 11:46 What are the criticisms of transition credits? 16:19 The chicken-and-egg problem. Build the green power project first, credit money comes later. 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From black to green: A new type of carbon credit could speed up the region’s shift to renewable energy and cut air pollution 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. Carbon credits are increasingly regarded as a key way to accelerate investment in renewable energy in Asia while also shutting down polluting coal plants early. Burning coal is a top source of planet-warming CO2 and air pollution. Asia faces a major challenge of meeting its growing appetite for electricity while also curbing emissions growth. A further challenge: The average age of coal power plants in the region is about 15 years – when the plants have a life of up to 50 years. To compensate plant owners, a coalition of power companies, banks, governments and philanthropy have come together to embrace transition credits, which monetise each tonne of CO2 saved from shutting down a coal plant early. The money from credit sales helps pay for the renewable energy power generation that replaces the coal power plant. But how far are we from viable transition credit projects and the sale of these credits? And who will buy them? 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): 1:42 What are transition credits? 3:53 Are there any projects in the pipeline that could yield transition credits? 5:53 Any idea how much transition credits might be? 9:08 Who will be the main buyers? 11:46 What are the criticisms of transition credits? 16:19 The chicken-and-egg problem. Build the green power project first, credit money comes later. 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 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For our June episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow at RSIS, as they unpack Malaysia’s showing at global forums. From hosting a landmark Asean Summit and joining BRICS, his diplomatic engagements with leaders from China, Russia, and the Middle East, PM Anwar has advanced Malaysia on the world stage. But domestically, challenges are mounting. With talk of nepotism and several movements within the unity government, what could come next? How will this reshape the political field as the country inches closer to its 16th General Election that must be held by early 2028? Highlights (click/tap above): 6:58 Malaysia as Asean chair and PM Anwar’s showing 9:44 How can PM Anwar and Asean effect change, especially in Myanmar? 14:20 Translating Malaysia’s international appearance for the domestic audience 18:20 Malaysia’s diplomatic balancing act between the US and China 23:09 Nurul Izzah’s rise to PKR No.2 post, Rafizi Ramli’s exit from Cabinet 31:08 Timing, motivations and implications: Why Tengku Zafrul Aziz is joining the PKR 41:50 Quelling Umno’s upset; what to expect at the next Cabinet reshuffle, moves ahead of next general election 47:08 News nugget from Malaysia: Penang’s new char kway teow champion Read more: Malaysia’s showing at Asean - https://str.sg/Gp5Q Fallout from Malaysia’s PKR election - https://str.sg/mbjY Zafrul’s jump to the PKR - https://str.sg/kbSe 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: 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 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.

On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For our June episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow at RSIS, as they unpack Malaysia’s showing at global forums. From hosting a landmark Asean Summit and joining BRICS, his diplomatic engagements with leaders from China, Russia, and the Middle East, PM Anwar has advanced Malaysia on the world stage. But domestically, challenges are mounting. With talk of nepotism and several movements within the unity government, what could come next? How will this reshape the political field as the country inches closer to its 16th General Election that must be held by early 2028? Highlights (click/tap above): 6:58 Malaysia as Asean chair and PM Anwar’s showing 9:44 How can PM Anwar and Asean effect change, especially in Myanmar? 14:20 Translating Malaysia’s international appearance for the domestic audience 18:20 Malaysia’s diplomatic balancing act between the US and China 23:09 Nurul Izzah’s rise to PKR No.2 post, Rafizi Ramli’s exit from Cabinet 31:08 Timing, motivations and implications: Why Tengku Zafrul Aziz is joining the PKR 41:50 Quelling Umno’s upset; what to expect at the next Cabinet reshuffle, moves ahead of next general election 47:08 News nugget from Malaysia: Penang’s new char kway teow champion Read more: Malaysia’s showing at Asean - https://str.sg/Gp5Q Fallout from Malaysia’s PKR election - https://str.sg/mbjY Zafrul’s jump to the PKR - https://str.sg/kbSe 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: 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 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.

Hear from the home-grown composer and producer behind recent National Day Parade songs. Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In this special episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts award-winning Singaporean composer, producer, and music director Evan Low. A recipient of the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in 2024, Low has worked on over 200 songs. He is best known for being a co-composer and musician on recent National Day Parade songs The Road Ahead (2021) sung by artistes such as Linying, Not Alone (2024) by Benjamin Kheng and the 2018 remake of We Are Singapore. The artiste also known as Evanturetime has also toured with international pop star and Taiwanese singer A-mei and has performed to massive crowds in venues such as the Beijing National Stadium in China. Low, who first took piano lessons at the age of five, graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Music and Audio Technology. He then honed his skills at famed American music school Berklee College of Music, thanks to scholarships from the school as well as the Media Development Authority. This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of nearly 80 attendees on June 3 - at swish nightspot Rasa at Republic Plaza, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:43 Realising the impact of music: How Evan cried during piano practice when he was a kid 3:54 How he ended up choosing to further his studies in music instead of science 6:36 On developing his own set of ‘special skills’ while studying music in the US 10:56 The pressure of coming up with NDP songs 18:20 How he got singer Benjamin Kheng to venture outside his comfort zone on NDP song Not Alone 26:46 How he balances his finances as a full-time musician 29:25 On helping others achieve their dreams of pursuing music as a career Watch the full podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/b3tL Discover Evan Low’s music at: Spotify: https://str.sg/9ALG Instagram: https://str.sg/oKkAJ Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi (dinohadi@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast: Channel: Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts 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 -- #musiclabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.