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.
Green Pulse hosts share what’s worth looking out for on the environmental front in Singapore and South-east Asia
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 the first episode of 2026, Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss whether the new year will add wind to the sails of the climate movement, or whether it will be another year of climate action being stuck in the doldrums.
David seems optimistic about certain developments, such as the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty. But Audrey is more cautious on other fronts. Singapore’s carbon tax is expected to go up from $25 per tonne of emissions in 2025 to $45 per tonne in 2026 and 2027, but will “allowances” given to emitters dampen the signal a carbon tax is supposed to send?
Who do you agree with? Let us know!
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:45 Key events for 2026 - High Seas Treaty ahoy!
5:33 Can climate agreements really deliver on their promises?
11:03 ‘Less talk, more tangible action this year, please.’
16:43 What’s the weather forecast for 2026?
19:31 Let’s talk about positive things – will global CO2 emissions peak in 2026?
23:08 To sum up: Good to be cautiously optimistic – it’s not all gloomy!
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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Metal window grilles were meant to keep households safe from burglars but they have been fingered as eyesores.
Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.
One of Taiwan’s names is "Formosa" - given by Portuguese sailors who sighted the island in the 16th century and called it “Beautiful Island” given its natural wonders such as mountains, forests and hot springs.
In more recent times though, Taiwanese officials and designers have complained about a man-made blight across its cities: ubiquitous, often rusty, metal grilles criss-crossing windows.
Together, foreign editor Li Xueying and Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee, surface a larger discussion about the pace of urban renewal in Taiwan - a challenge that many Asian cities face, given the competing imperatives between urban renewal, heritage conservation and the rights of homeowners.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:00 The ugly truth about Taipei's buildings
2:06 Taiwan's window bars mystery
4:53 The beauty behind the rust
7:42 Challenges in urban redevelopment
12:12 Cycling and pedestrian safety in Taiwan
Read Yip Wai Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/7U6y
Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR
Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x
Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz
Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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Gold prices have soared in 2025 but here are things to consider before buying your first gold bar.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Gold has never looked shinier, especially as a safe haven in a volatile world.
It reached highs when things were the most volatile, with Trump’s tariffs and then the federal government shutdown.
But should you buy gold, how do you go about it and what are the considerations to be taken first?
In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to make good use of the current gold rally.
Her guests are OCBC Managing Director of Investment Strategy Vasu Menon and ST business journalist Timothy Goh.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:34 Why have gold prices been soaring?
6:50 What does gold as a “safe haven” mean?
10:02 Is this the right time to buy gold?
16:00 When do gold prices come down?
19:56 Physical gold versus paper gold
24:13 Tips for first-time gold investors
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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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
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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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At least four three-room resale Housing Board flats were sold for between $900,000 and $935,000 in the first 11 months of 2025. What’s driving these eye-watering prices for smaller units, and how does this affect buyers who see three-room units as an accessible way to own a first home?
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.
In this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah speaks with Mr Nicholas Mak, chief research officer at property portal Mogul.sg, and Mr Patrick Chee, property agent and founder of real estate portal Homeseller SG.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:49 Million-dollar 3-room HDB flat to happen “in the next ‘bull run”: Patrick Chee
6:13 Who buys pricey 3-room HDB flats?
8:34 Majority of 3-room HDB flat are still transacted in the range of $500,000
15:14 Property prices outlook
21:36 Previous property bubbles
30:32 Does sentiment play a role in flat prices
Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN
Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
Executive producers: Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor
Editorial producer: Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:
Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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We’re not Scrooges, we just want a less wasteful Christmas.
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.
Christmas is just around the corner, and many are diving into frantic gift shopping and feast planning. But as Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty ask in this episode, do these traditions really spark joy – or do they just add clutter, waste and unnecessary spending? Tune in for practical tips on a clutter-free, eco-friendly Christmas, from smarter gift-giving to reducing food and packaging waste. Do you agree with their takes, or are they just being Christmas grinches?
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
2:00 How to give sustainable gifts that people actually want
6:30 Regifting – faux pas or a sustainability win?
8:17 Is Christmas gift wrapping environmentally friendly?
15:11 The lowdown on reducing food waste at Christmas feasts
18:10 The debate over real vs fake Christmas trees
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:
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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Malaysia’s 2025 was marked by a stormy PKR election, school violence, and a scandal rocking its football team.
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 December episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Nik Nazmi, a member of Parliament from PKR, and former minister of natural resources and environmental stability.
We look back at the Malaysian stories that shook 2025, from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet vacancy and the death of Zara Qairina amid rising school violence, to the scandal engulfing Harimau Malaya’s heritage players.
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:18 Cabinet vacancy and unity government leadership
11:13 Who leads PKR next? Is it Nurul Izzah's turn?
16:07 Are authorities failing to protect Malaysian children?
19:51 Band-aid solutions to solve school violence
25:41 Criminal case for footballers' citizenship spoofing
28:08 Can Harimau Malaya recover its football credentials?
32:21 Rolling back the time zone to UTC+7 for an extra hour of sunrise
Read more:
The curious case of four missing Cabinet ministers in Malaysia https://str.sg/A9fZ
Death of student in Sabah raises hurdle for Malaysian PM Anwar as he faces tough state polls soon https://str.sg/hpptQ
Malaysia fans fear Asian Cup blow as Fifa probe casts doubt on naturalised players https://str.sg/p62X
Malaysia faces renewed calls to rewind the clock, 40 years after shifting to UTC+8 https://str.sg/qnuM
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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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Find out why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as countries try to toggle away from the greenback.
Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.
Harvard historian Mary Bridges, the author of Dollars and Dominion, explains why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as China, Russia, India and many countries try to toggle away from the greenback and into rival currencies like the yuan or the euro.
In this episode, Dr Bridges, the Ernest May Fellow in History & Policy at Harvard University’s International Security Programme, tells US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar that while the world is becoming multipolar and diversified, the thick layer of institutions, relationships and trust built around the US dollar mean that any transition will take a very long time.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:59 How the US dollar became the king of currencies
3:58 How the US banks went into Asia
11:17 Will the US dollar lose its dominance?
19:17 Are crypto-currencies encroaching on dollar dominion?
21:11 Are Trump’s tariffs spurring de-dollarisation?
23:49 Why China’s BRI is also a currency play
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: Amirul Karim
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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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
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It’s been about 10 days of excitement at the SEA Games, and Team Singapore has been going all out to make their mark.
Hurdler Kerstin Ong and swimmer Amanda Lim have returned home after their events and will join The Usual Place podcast to talk about their experiences in Thailand.
One is just getting started, and the other has bid farewell to the SEA Games stage.
Kerstin, 28, finally made her debut at the regional meet after a decade of trying to qualify.
But the race came with its own hurdle. The national records that she and fellow hurdler Ang Chen Xiang set in their respective events on Dec 12 were considered invalid due to timing system issues.
Meanwhile, Amanda won gold in the women’s 50m freestyle event.
Post-race, the 32-year-old announced that this would be her last SEA Games. It was her 10th outing at the regional meet, where she has won 21 golds, five silvers and two bronzes.
In this episode, I chat with Kerstin and Amanda about what went down during their events, what’s next for them, and the challenges of juggling training with work.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:51 Kerstin's pov on the technical issues that affected her race timings
9:46 Amanda was gunning for gold at her last SEA Games
15:26 Amanda remembers her late father's impact on her swim career
26:46 How these athletes juggle work, training and even nosebleeds
36:40 We basically trying to survive: Kerstin and Amanda on funding most of their training
40:42 Why is it difficult for athletes to get funding?
Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN
Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
Executive producers: Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor
Editorial producer: Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:
Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX
Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P
YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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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
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Which means of various green transportation can decarbonise the most?
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.
From October 2026, travellers departing Singapore will contribute to the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). But is this levy enough to tackle aviation’s carbon problem?
Hosted by ST senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe, the panel - comprising Mr Andrey Berdichevskiy, partner and associate director of Boston Consulting Group and Professor S. Viswanathan from Nanyang Business School - discusses the hard-to-abate aviation sector, the true cost of green flying, and whether we should rethink that long-haul trip to visit the northern lights.
Back on the ground, the conversation shifts to the return of the Robo-taxi. Are autonomous vehicles the solution to our “last mile” woes in estates like Punggol?
Plus, the experts share practical advice on the “Avoid, Shift, Improve” framework, from taking the train to KL, to swapping a steak for a salad in helping commuters to keep it “wheel and green”.
This episode was recorded and filmed on Dec 2 at SPH Media’s revamped auditorium, in front of a live audience of 60 ST readers. It was the sixth and final ST Podcast Live! Session for 2025, capping a special series celebrating The Straits Times’ 180th anniversary.
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:43 The cost of greening skies in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and for flights out of SG
04:45 Why increasing ticket prices doesn’t dampen travelling
12:09 A practical framework for greener mobility choices, from Zoom calls to high-speed rail
19:47 The return of autonomous vehicles like the Robo-taxi
31:38 From giving up the car to adopting a "flexitarian" diet - what else can individuals?
Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G
Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ
Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC
Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg)
Produced & edited by: Eden Soh
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2
Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
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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
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How to turn anger about environmental issues into constructive action in Singapore and beyond.
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.
With the world settling for yet another watered down deal at the UN climate conference COP30, combating climate change is in an uphill battle.
Some activists have even taken matters into their own hands to provoke stronger action. In November, climate activist Greta Thunberg joined environmental group Extinction Rebellion in dyeing the waters of Venice’s iconic canals green with a non-toxic liquid to highlight the effects of climate collapse.
In this episode co-hosted by ST environment correspondents Shabana Begum and Ang Qing, they discuss whether individual actions can help make a meaningful difference to the global problem.
They are joined by Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, chief executive officer of consultancy Sustainable Living Lab (SL2) Group. He also co-founded Repair Kopitiam, an initiative that helps residents fix their household items to reduce waste.
Also unpacking the issues is National University of Singapore assistant professor Alisius Leong, who investigates public opinions on environmental and health issues.
This episode was recorded and filmed on Dec 2 at SPH Media’s revamped auditorium, in front of a live audience of 60 ST readers. It was the sixth and final ST Podcast Live! Session for 2025, capping a special series celebrating The Straits Times’ 180th anniversary.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:36 How can individual actions make a difference
12:56 Do protests about climate change work
18:12 Which environmental issues in Singapore deserve more attention
25:36 How can the public participate in conversations about nuclear energy
SG Eco Fund:: https://www.mse.gov.sg/take-action/sgecofund/
Repair Kopitiam: https://repairkopitiam.sg/
Resources for workplaces and workers: https://str.sg/Hup2
Heat stress levels: https://str.sg/5WrT
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 by: ST Podcast Team, ST Outreach & Engagement Team & Studio+65
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/theusualplacepodcast
---
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
Watch ST Podcasts Live events so far: https://str.sg/uGmo
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