Stay ConnectedSynopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media.
From considering UEC path to starting school at six – is Malaysia's education overhaul built to last?
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 February episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Eddin Khoo, historian, writer, educator, and founder of Malaysian traditional culture conservation group Pusaka.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:08 There are more encroachment into the Chinese minority in Kelantan now. What has changed in the last five years?
7:35 PAS’ return to federal government seems imminent. What lessons should non-Muslims draw from Kelantan’s experience?
11:19 Has the government found a durable solution on Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) or will this just spell more trouble in the future?
16:23 PM Anwar seems to have found a political balancing act on UEC. How sustainable is this?
19:38 Was the rollback on the Standard One readiness test responsive governance or poor planning?
22:12 What do Malaysians actually want from the education system?
26:52 If you were elected mayor of KL, what would you fix first?
Read more:
Where Muslims pray in ‘Beijing Mosque’ and a Chinese community finds its way https://str.sg/chinese-minority-kelantan
Malaysia makes Malay and history compulsory for Chinese independent school route to public universities: https://str.sg/7BNQ
After Sabah drubbing, debate reignites over little-known exam that could break up PM Anwar’s coalition: https://str.sg/n6yA
Who should run KL? Study into local polls stirs fears over demographics: https://str.sg/ci5e
Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr
Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK
Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz
Host: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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Will the recent changes to the preferential additional registration fee (PARF) rebate and the current COE prices turn away car buyers?
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his Budget speech on Feb 12 that the PARF rebate will be lowered by 45 percentage points.
The maximum rebate a car owner can expect to receive will be halved from $60,000 to $30,000.
If you're looking to buy a car, should you go for a new car, a second-hand ICE vehicle, or just give up that dream altogether?
In this episode of The Usual Place, ST’s senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and veteran automotive consultant Say Kwee Neng share their thoughts.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:21 What is the significance of the PARF?
4:21 Is the PARF rebate reduction a “stick” to get buyers to choose EVs?
8:56 A stealthy wealth tax?
14:53 The implications of older EVs on the road
19:11 The iPhone vs older EVs comparison
24:11 What’s happens to the used car market now?
27:06 Most cost-efficient option now
30:36 Are your dreams of owning a car over?
Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
Executive producer: Danson Cheong
Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law
Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:
Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Booming arrivals, stubborn humidity – but dull and overpriced?
Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Singapore’s tourism pitch is not just about selling its picture-perfect skyline; it’s also about showcasing its rich multiculturalism, leaning into its talent in hosting world-class events, and taking visitors on a journey to discover how a young nation is defining its own identity.
In this episode, senior columnist Tan Dawn Wei speaks with Ms Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of Experience Development at the Singapore Tourism Board, and Mr Matin Mohdari, head of Public Policy for Southeast and South Asia at online travel company Expedia Group about Chinese traveller sentiment, events as demand drivers, cooling the city, and how AI could reshape tourism by 2040.
They unpack Singapore's 2025 performance, why “hot, boring, expensive” perceptions among some Chinese travellers matter, and how STB is adjusting for younger, social-media-led free-and-easy visitors through partnerships, IP, and precinct storytelling.
The conversation also looks at practical ways to soften the tropical heat, what Singapore offers versus rival Asian cities, and the balance between premium experiences and everyday affordability.
Finally, they explore Tourism 2040 – the roadmap to hitting between $47 and $50 billion in tourism receipts by then – and how AI can boost productivity behind the scenes, while keeping the human stories that make a place emotionally resonant.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:54 “Too hot, too boring, too expensive”
13:14 Singapore can’t change its climate, but it can make the outdoor experience more enjoyable
16:54 Singapore’s edge over other Asian cities
24:48 Going after “quality tourism” in Singapore’s Tourism 2040 roadmap
38:10 What Singapore needs to loosen control over, to be emotionally resonant
Read more: https://str.sg/okfhy
Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH
Read Dawn's columns: https://str.sg/3xR7
Host: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb
Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
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This year's Budget spotlights more ways to invest your CPF and how to deal with AI.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.
Another year and another Budget speech, with goodies given out by PM Lawrence Wong.
But is the Budget just about CDC vouchers and subsidies? What exactly is in it for young people?
In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what matters for young people in Singapore's Budget 2026.
Her guests are DBS financial literacy expert Shawn Lee and OCBC executive director of wealth advisory Afdhal Rahman.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:00 How does the new investment scheme by CPF work?
4:58 What to consider before investing your CPF
11:00 SGX vs Nasdaq
14:30 AI as a central theme of the Budget
21:36 Are handouts of $200 to $400 enough for cost of living issues?
25:40 What do you want to see next in Budget 2027?
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
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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/theusualplacepodcast
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Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
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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.
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From a phone plan for cat parents to a keyless life: Two Singaporean founders share tips from their US start-up journeys
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, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Jasmin Young and Anthony Chow about how they established successful businesses in the US.
Jasmin Young has launched and led several Silicon Valley-based startups including Gather, which aims to build the world's first AI-based telco. She also steered Netreo, an enterprise software business, which was recognised by Inc 5000 as a fastest growing private company for eight consecutive years until 2024. She teaches at University of California, Berkeley and the National University of Singapore.
Anthony Chow, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Igloo, has unlocked a key part of the sharing economy. His firm creates smart locks, devices and enterprise software for homes, commercial properties and infrastructure worldwide. It has logged one billion unlocks annually and was named ‘International Startup of the Year’ at the Austin A List Awards 2025. A Stanford graduate, he also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the National University of Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:26 What’s Meow Mobile?
2:38 What’s Igloo?
9:14 Using AI to help connect people & products at scale
12:37 How can start-ups stand out in a crowd?
16:28 Why Anthony sent his smart locks into space
20:21 It’s a marathon, not a sprint
23:19 Jasmin’s biggest breakthrough during Covid
26:37 Does the Singapore brand help?
Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo
Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E
Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz
Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: 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
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As local farms keep closing, will stockpiling, import diversification and global partnerships be enough to safeguard Singapore’s food security?
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 past few years have not been fertile ground for the growth of Singapore’s local farms. Many agri-food businesses have closed or scaled down their operations amid a high operating cost environment. Last November, the Singapore Food Agency finally announced that it will be dropping its original “30 by 30” target, under which Singapore aimed to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.
There are other efforts in place to safeguard the food import-dependent country’s food security, such as import diversification, stockpiling and global partnerships. But with climate change wrecking havoc on crop yields and recent geopolitical events disrupting long-standing bilateral relationships, can Singapore afford not to have a strategic plan for local production? Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss the challenges in this episode.
Have a listen and let us know what you think!
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
3:38 Why do farms in Singapore keep closing?
10:49 What are the four pillars in Singapore’s approach to safeguarding food security?
12:48 With climate change affecting crop yields, how effective will import diversification and intergovernmental pacts be in ensuring food security?
16:05 Other than securing supplies of food, what are other areas to look at to boost food security?
Read more on The Straits Times: https://str.sg/sLPM
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
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The conversation over the key announcement from Budget 2026 continues.
On Feb 12, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a record $154.7 billion Budget, how the Government is doubling down on its AI push. For Singaporeans worried about the cost of living, there was household relief in the form of payouts and CDC vouchers.
In this episode of the podcast, Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah discusses the reason for the big AI push and how the Government planning to deal with the downsides of AI like job losses and its environmental impact?
Also joining the conversation are Singapore Management University’s Assistant Professor of Political Science Nathan Peng and the SGTech co-chair of AI, Cloud, and Data Chapter Mr Gunasekharan Chellappan.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:22 Will CDC vouchers be a permanent fixture of the Budget?
5:34 Could Budget 2026 have helped lower income families more?
10:05 “Some people don’t feel like their lives have gotten 2.5 times better.”
12:58 Why do people perceive they aren’t doing well?
18:27 Don’t look at AI as new technology: Guna
21:25 ‘E-nannying’ should stop: Nathan
25:00 Anxiety over being made redundant by AI
30:20 Healthy concern vs unwarranted anxiety?
35:25 Losing the human connection over AI
40:17 Will there be more regulation with stronger AI push?
42:24 Mitigating the negative environmental effects of AI
45:42 How to pick which AI course to take
Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
Executive producer: Danson Cheong
Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law
Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:
Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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India's new trade pacts with the EU and US, and the big question: Will Delhi revisit its decision to abandon RCEP?
Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.
A flurry of trade agreements announced by India – first, a “mother of all trade deals” FTA with the European Union, and days later, a framework deal with the US that saw Washington slashing its punitive tariffs on Indian exports to levels just below that of Vietnam and Malaysia, involves wider strategic calculations on every side.
In this wide-ranging conversation, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, Chairman of India Trade Promotion Organisation and former foreign policy aide to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Having served as envoy to Singapore and France, he weighs in on the thinking behind the deals, India’s newfound confidence to sign on to market-opening agreements, and the chances of India revisiting its decision to abandon the Asean-backed RCEP, or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
They both discuss India’s trade imperatives, the tighter embrace by India of the European Union which is itself adjusting to a multipolar world, and how quality trade agreements help set the stage for foreign direct investment flows and stronger strategic ties. They also chat about the calibrated opening that India is making with China, even as it is not yet ready to revisit entering RCEP.
Highlights (click/tap above)
1:08 India withdrawal from RCEP and focus on bilateral relations
5:15 A greater alignment of trade with geopolitics
8:46 Roots of India’s “self-confidence” to sign trade deals
11:07 What the trade deals mean for ordinary Indians
14:11 EU looks to India, Taiwan in the AI age
18:14 EU-India, and a message to the US
20:53 Did Trump negotiate with a “gun to India’s head”?
24:18 Why stress on defence in US-India trade deal
27:01 RCEP: A calibrated opening is ongoing with China
Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP
Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor
Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz
Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@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
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The strong push towards artificial intelligence and support for vulnerable groups such as lower-income families were two big themes that emerged at Budget 2026.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also the Finance Minister, just delivered his first Budget since the new government was elected last year.
How will businesses be affected by these measures, and how will the Singapore workforce adapt? In our push for new avenues of growth, are there worries about Singaporeans being left behind?
In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with National University of Singapore political science lecturer Rebecca Grace Tan and Singapore Business Federation chief policy and operating officer Musa Fazal about what they made of this year’s Budget.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:12 First reactions to Budget 2026
3:57 What did this year’s Budget miss?
6:12 Using CDC vouchers for strawberries
9:15 Are we dependent on handouts?
14:25 How can AI benefits be spread across society
19:45 The reality of businesses using AI now
24:30 High global talent wages will raise business costs
28:38 Are we ensuring no one’s left behind as S’pore purses growth?
34:51 Growth in the economy, but fewer jobs?
Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
Executive producer: Danson Cheong
Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law
Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:
Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Government support measures such as CDC vouchers were meant to cushion soaring inflation. But are they fiscally sustainable?
Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Temporary government handouts like the CDC vouchers were meant to cushion the impact of Covid-19 and soaring inflation due to supply shocks that were caused by global events like the war in Ukraine.
But with inflation cooling to trend levels, can Singaporeans wean off the ‘free money’ reliance from CDC vouchers that were meant to be temporary?
In this episode - which comes out a day ahead of Budget 2026 - ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks to independent economist Song Seng Wun; and sociologist Clara Lee, research fellow at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy’s Institute of Policy Studies.
Apart from how the CDC voucher scheme has since become a staple of the government’s support package, they delve into different forms of welfare Singaporeans now receive, and the impact on small businesses should the scheme be withdrawn.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:11 Impact on heartland merchants should CDC vouchers be withdrawn
9:42 Why are we using 'emergency' vouchers in a recovering economy?
15:49 Exiting from the policy of handing out CDC vouchers
20:43 Digital infrastructure to distribute CDC vouchers are now well-established: Clara
22:45 Redefining welfare state?
Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH
Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb
Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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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/theusualplacepodcast
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