The Straits Times Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

S1E64: Climate advocate Xuan Zihan on youth in global climate policy-making: Green Pulse Ep 64 Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

Green Pulse Ep 64: Climate advocate Xuan Zihan on youth in global climate policy-making

3:15 min

Synopsis: At the ongoing COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

ST environment correspondent Audrey Tan and climate change editor David Fogarty speak with climate advocate Mr Xuan Zihan, a University College of London student union representative and its co-chair of Conference of the Youth at COP26 in Glasgow.

They discuss the following points:

Why youths should be involved in national and global policy-making starting at COP26 (1:10)
Calling for more ambitious climate governance proposals (1:42)
Using climate finance to hold countries more accountable (2:15)

Read also:

Singapore youth give 18 recommendations for tackling environmental crisis: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/singapore-youth-give-18-recommendations-for-tackling-environmental-crisis

Produced by: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg), David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team & Hadyu Rahim

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Read ST's Climate Code Red site: https://str.sg/3pSz

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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN

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S1E22: Why US infrastructure bill shows Biden is pro-working class President: Washington Report Ep 22 Nov 08, 2021

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Washington Report Ep 22: Why US infrastructure bill shows Biden is pro-working class President

10:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

What's next after passing of US President Joe Biden's US$1 trillion infrastructure bill (3:22)
US Federal Appeals Court freezes Biden's rule requiring US company employees to be vaccinated or get weekly testings (4:57)
Implications of FDA's final approval of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5-11 year-olds in the US (7:10)
Mexicans crossing borders into the US to get approved-Covid19 vaccines before new rules set in; what are these rules? (8:13)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/nirmal-ghosh

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E34: "I'm a perpetual optimist", says Tan See Leng, Manpower Minister: Lunch With Sumiko Ep 34 Nov 08, 2021

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Lunch With Sumiko Ep 34: "I'm a perpetual optimist", says Tan See Leng, Manpower Minister

5:47 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie.

Dr Tan See Leng entered politics after 30 years as a GP and in the corporate world. The Manpower Minister speaks about how his private sector background gives him an 'outside the system' perspective.

Read Sumiko Tan's full stories here: https://str.sg/Jbhe

Lunch With Sumiko videos: https://str.sg/wPrB

Produced by: Sumiko Tan and ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Penelope Lee

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S1E63: Palau President on why climate justice is needed for countries that continue to use more carbon: Green Pulse Ep 63 Nov 07, 2021

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Green Pulse Ep 63: Palau President on why climate justice is needed for countries that continue to use more carbon

17:14 min

Synopsis: At the ongoing COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

ST environment correspondent Audrey Tan and climate change editor David Fogarty speak with the President of the Pacific island state of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr.

He is representing AOSIS (Alliance of Small Island States), which, since 1990, has represented the interests of the 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate change, sustainable development negotiations and processes.

Singapore is also a member of AOSIS. This alliance closely resembles the countries it represents on the global stage, but often punches far above its weight, negotiating historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, among other achievements.

They discuss the following points:

Why a number of islands, whole cultures, will disappear like the dinosaurs if the world does not achieve the COP26 aim to cap global warming at 1.5 deg C above pre-industrial levels (2:13)
Why it's critical for countries not to operate in silos, but share green technologies (3:40)
Why the world is suffering a slow death now, with ports and farms overrun with water, crops destroyed, corals dying, more frequent storms seen in Palau and Singapore (4:58)
Helping small islands go with renewable energy and with infrastructure to cope with rising sea levels (8:23)
Supporting the climate justice issue: Why countries should be held accountable and pay compensation for using more carbon and for damage they're causing (10:27)
Climate finance issue: Are developed countries willing to cough up the US$100 billion needed for the climate adaptation costs of developing countries (12:08)
Is AOSIS' voice finally being heard at the COP climate conference? (13:25)
Mr Whipps Jr recounts the story of the Palau legend and why there is hope for the world to change its ways now (14:24)

6 key issues at COP26: https://str.sg/3pT7

Produced by: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg), David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to Green Pulse Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Audrey Tan on Twitter: https://str.sg/JLMB

Read her stories: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on Twitter: https://str.sg/JLM6

Read his stories: https://str.sg/JLMu

Read ST's Climate Code Red site: https://str.sg/3pSz

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Discover more ST podcast series:

Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2

#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E1: How SME businesses can grow with ESG: BT Podcasts Nov 07, 2021

Show notes

Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast channel showcases niche series Money Hacks, Mark To Market and WealthBT, and sponsored series.

This episode focuses on how sustainability can open up new business growth opportunities for SMEs.

BT correspondent Howie Lim hosts William Longhurst, head of propositions and business development at HSBC, to discuss concrete steps SMEs can take now. This episode is brought to you by HSBC: www.business.hsbc.com.sg/sustainability

Highlights of the conversation:

Top 3 challenges SMEs face when integrating ESG into their business model (1.20)
Reframing sustainability as a growth driver, not just a risk (2.58)
3 reasons ESG is important to a company’s long-term survival (4.00)
SMEs will find it hard to raise investments or financing if they don’t show clear ESG targets and metrics (5:45)
Sustainability = long-term profitability: 4 steps to turn your SME around (9.32)
Why the entire organisation needs to be involved in a business’ sustainability journey (11.58)
Addressing greenwashing; how SMEs can ensure collaborators are legitimate, and how to get your business 'green' certified (12.55)

In the next episode coming Nov 29 - brought to you by HSBC - Howie Lim finds out how mandatory ESG disclosures will affect your business and how you can prepare.

More about:

Singapore’s EFS Green scheme: https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg/en-sg/campaigns/sustainability/enterprise-financing-scheme-green

Personalised action plans: https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg/en-sg/campaigns/sustainability

Sustainability insights from home-grown Singapore companies: https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg/en-sg/insights

Produced by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) Ernest Luis & Lee Kim Siang

Edited by: Howie Lim & Hadyu Rahim

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Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

#BTPodcast

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S1E7: How badminton united Indonesia during Covid-19: Letter From The Bureau Ep 7 Nov 05, 2021

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Letter From The Bureau Ep 7: How badminton united Indonesia during Covid-19

16:41 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Indonesia correspondent Linda Yulisman about the following:

How did the badminton craze come about in Indonesia? (1:04)
Some badminton players who won medals came from struggling families (3:51)
Famous former badminton players in Indonesia like Susi Susanti, Alan Budikusuma, Taufik Hidayat and what they are up to now (8:14)
Reasons behind badminton's popularity in Indonesia (11:09)
Enduring benefits from Indonesia's badminton craze (15:11)

Trailer for 2019 movie biopic of Indonesian badminton legend Susi Susanti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKPD8Obehq4

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Linda Yulisman’s stories: https://str.sg/3xRb

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2

#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad

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S1E116: World leaders pledge to cut methane emissions, end deforestation at COP26: The Big Story Ep 116 Nov 05, 2021

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The Big Story Ep 116: World leaders pledge to cut methane emissions, end deforestation at COP26

5:29 mins

Synopsis: This is a special episode of The Straits Times' video series The Big Story, hosted by Hairianto Diman and Olivia Quay.

More than 100 world leaders made two big commitments on Tuesday (Nov 2) to halt and even reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

In a separate pledge, they agreed to slash emissions of potent greenhouse gas methane by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030.

From Glasgow, science and environment correspondent Audrey Tan speaks to The Big Story about the deals, and also what it's like to cover a global conference amid the pandemic.

Produced by: ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Penelope Lee

Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc

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Follow Hairianto Diman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhairianto/?hl=en

Follow Olivia Quay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaquayhere/?hl=en

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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2

#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad

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S1E71: Why lifelong immunity from Covid-19 is unlikely: Health Check Ep 71 Nov 03, 2021

Show notes

Health Check Ep 71: Why lifelong immunity from Covid-19 is unlikely

15:54 mins

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Singapore is gradually opening its borders to allow for quarantine-free travel as it moves towards a new normal of living with Covid-19. However, at home, restrictions remain in place to protect the unvaccinated seniors and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

The country is seeing very high numbers of daily Covid-19 cases, with a considerable number of people in the hospitals and about 10 or more dying from complications linked to Covid-19. Unvaccinated older adults account for most of these deaths, though some vaccinated people have also succumbed to the complications of the disease.

ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, an expert on infectious diseases at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health to find out more.

Are daily deaths expected in the year ahead, and will this number ever be reduced? (0:35)
Endemics always see infections come and go in waves, and Covid-19 is no different (4:40)
What is known about vaccinated elderly succumbing to Covid-19? (5:22)
Moderation is key to maintaining the balance between staying at home and going out for social benefits (7:00)
Likelihood of lifelong immunity from the first two standard Covid-19 jabs and a booster is unlikely, so yearly boosters should be expected (10:35)
Views on vaccinating children with only one dose of MRNA vaccines, based on medical opinions in Europe and US (13:47)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Penelope Lee and Hadyu Rahim

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

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Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

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S1E22: How Asean countries are joining in climate crisis fight: Regional Round-up Ep 22 Nov 03, 2021

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Regional Round-up Ep 22: How Asean countries are joining in climate crisis fight

10:50 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Developing countries such as Indonesia and Thailand asking for more financial support in climate crisis fight (0:50)
Richer nations working together with developing nations (4:16)
Thailand has made progress in lowering emissions and may need help to do better (5:40)
Countries have to be mindful of climate issues, besides health and economic challenges (7:08)
The implications of misinformation as Myanmar's military government uses fake social media accounts (8:22)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories.

Asian Insider newsletter.

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ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2

#PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E62: Much ado over carbon markets, credits and COP26 negotiations: Green Pulse Ep 62 Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

Green Pulse Ep 62: Much ado over carbon markets, credits and COP26 negotiations

14:13 min

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

One of the key issues negotiators will discuss at the UN climate conference COP26 (from Oct 31 to Nov 12) is on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This relates to carbon markets, and whether countries can trade carbon credits to meet their climate pledges — known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

It will also establish rules on who emissions savings accrue to, if one nation pays to set up a green initiative - say a wind farm instead of a coal plant - in another country.

In this second of a two-part series on what COP26 means for the Asean region, ST environment correspondent Audrey Tan and climate change editor David Fogarty speak with Ms Melissa Low, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Energy Studies Institute, about this contentious issue.

They discuss the following points:

What is Article 6 of the Paris Agreement? (0:48)
Singapore has also announced plans to build a carbon credit exchange: what is the issue of the double counting of carbon credits (4:04)
Use of units generated before 2020 to meet nationally determined contribution targets, also known as the Clean Development Mechanism transition (7:30)
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu has been invited to co-facilitate discussions on this contentious topic: What this means and why choose Singapore? (10:18)
What if countries fail to sort out Article 6 negotiations at COP26? (11:40)

Listen to Part 1 - What COP26 means for Asean: https://omny.fm/shows/green-pulse-1/implications-for-asean-at-cop26-green-pulse-ep-61

6 key issues at COP26: https://str.sg/3pT7

Produced by: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg), David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to Green Pulse Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Follow Audrey Tan on Twitter: https://str.sg/JLMB