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.
Platform work can expand employment options and opportunities, but only with careful regulation.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Digital platform work has become a fixture of Singapore society, with a contingent of almost 70,000 plying their trade, mostly in ride-hailing or food delivery.
In a special episode of Headstart On Record, co-host Tay Hong Yi moderates a fireside chat with four panellists across the platform work ecosystem at the Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work on Sept 29.
Hear their views on the challenges that come with this new format of work, the prospects that come with expanding it to a wider range of jobs, and what needs to be done to make it meaningful for young talent.
The panellists were:
Ms Yeo Wan Ling, assistant secretary-general at the National Trades Union Congress
Mr Hao Shuo, chief executive officer, Singapore National Employers Federation
Mr Lim Yew Heng, group managing director for public affairs, transformation and post-merger integration at Grab
Mr Elvin Tan, Asia-Pacific head of operations at human resources services firm Persol
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:01 How NTUC develops support for platform workers despite limited data
8:38 Is it a good idea to expand platform work to other jobs?
9:56 Should we be worried about platform work eroding Singapore’s skill base?
12:04 Are employers ready to recognise platform work as work experience?
18:26 The toughest balancing acts Grab makes
Read what went down during the dialogue: https://str.sg/gTPf
Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz
Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy
Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg)
Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow
Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:
Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3
Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl
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
---
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.
---
#headstart
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parliament convened in September, but a familiar face from the previous term wasn’t there.
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.
Progress Singapore Party’s secretary-general Leong Mun Wai was a notable presence as a Non-Constituency MP during the 14th term of Parliament, sometimes having heated exchanges with ministers and PAP MPs.
But he and fellow party member Hazel Poa did not retain their NCMP spots following the General Election in May.
Their PSP team for West Coast-Jurong West GRC lost to the PAP slate, which won the five-man GRC with 59.99 per cent of the vote to PSP’s 40.01 per cent.
In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with Mr Leong about steering the party in its next phase post-GE2025 and the challenges of not being in Parliament.
How will PSP evolve its practices and policy communications without a Parliamentary presence, and remain relevant?
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:06 Increasing online presence to explain party positions
6:05 Mr Leong on heated exchanges as NCMP
10:45 How PSP will explain its policy ideas to the public post-GE2025
19:19 What will PSP really stand for "after Dr Tan Cheng Bock"?
20:20 Wanting to lead national conversation on economy
22:55 How does PSP stand out differently from other parties?
25:00 Will PSP move beyond the electro west?
28:00 "I learnt a very hard lesson about the powerful PAP machinery": Mr Leong
Read Natasha Ann Zachariah’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm
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 and Chen Junyi
Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis
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
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
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 #tuptr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three finance graduates had used data to create a business that completes the BYD experience in a restaurant
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.
While other car dealerships put a cafe in their showrooms, 1826’s car selling business is built into its restaurants. In this episode, two of 1826’s three founders, Davin Ongsono and Sean Tan, reveal some of the secret ingredients to the company’s ability to sell cars in Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:00 The food and beverage part of the business gets the priority
12:00 Background of 1826’s co-founders
19:00 Disruptor to the conventional way of the food and beverage business
30:00 Playing on the unique features of the electric vehicles to spark buying interest
38:00 How BYD bids for certificates of entitlement (COEs)
47:00 Spreading the message on green mobility
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, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi
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
---
#wheelinsights
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India.
Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.
In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people.
They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement.
They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity.
This episode is brought to you by Citi.
Highlights: (click/tap above)
1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples
7:30 The shift to South-east Asia
9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade
11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank"
12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia
14:10 Why Vietnam is booming
17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia
19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift
Read more
Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore
Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services
Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/
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
---
#STAsianInsider #STAI
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hybrid work arrangements were once widely seen as the future of work, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic upended the daily grind we were used to.
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.
Now, some businesses and employers appear to be changing course.
Last week, the National University of Singapore raised eyebrows when it was reported that all full-time staff were required to work from the office five days a week, starting Oct 1.
The move follows similar return-to-office mandates by big companies, both in Singapore and abroad, including Grab and Amazon.
The discussion over where work should happen has been going on since the pandemic.
However, if staff are pushing back on a full return, why do some employers still insist on moving ahead with these mandates? If returning to the office becomes a requirement, how should the workplace accommodate different work styles?
In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with:
Highlights (click/tap above):
6:57 We can be productive in the office - and at home
9:12 WFH allows workers to break their day into focused blocks
13:52 Have the courage to speak with managers about policies
18:07 Are some ruining WFH for the rest?
19:45 Employees should be transparent about their movements
22:57 Government should address tensions over flexible work arrangements
29:31 Ensuring the WFH benefits remain
31:53 Is WFH short-changing fresh graduates?
35:27 Consequences for employers enforcing RTO measures
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: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi
Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis
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
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
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 #tuptr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Buying new iPhones, wardrobe makeovers and single-use products have become social norms. But what happens to the old, replaced items?
Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Annual launches like Apple’s iPhone have spurred the desire to own the latest piece of technology, as consumers face up to marketing tactics from smartphones to fast fashion.
Usually, older items that are replaced are being tossed away to make way for the new.
What else can be done to the replaced items apart from sending them to the landfill?
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines whether we have a throwaway culture that’s grown despite years of public education and outreach and whether we are too quick to chuck stuff to make way for new ones. She also explores if the iPhone 17 is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 16.
Her guests are Mr Tan Ching Hwee, founder of myhalo, a platform allowing users to trade-in, repair, sell, and buy used digital devices; and Mr Lionel Dorai, executive director of Zerowaste SG, an NGO that advocates for Singapore to go zero waste through public education.
Highlights (click/tap above):
9:03 Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17
12:53 Batteries in phones can be replaced
17:03 Pairing earbuds from different sets - does it work?
23:44 The repairing culture in curbing throwaways in fast fashion
31:46 How to decipher green washing tactics
35:34 Would CDC vouchers to subsidise repair costs encourage more to repair?
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
---
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
---
#inyouropinion
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tune in for a discussion on whether there is an environmental and business case for Asia’s ocean crop.
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 discussions on the blue economy pick up, one particular area has garnered plenty of attention: Seaweed.
Environmental groups have pointed to the environmental benefits of restorative seaweed aquaculture, while investor interest in the crop has also grown. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has also noted that seaweed production can generate socio-economic benefits to coastal communities.
But given the world’s long history of seaweed aquaculture, why has this crop suddenly gained so much attention? And what promise does this emerging area have for South-east Asia and its coastal communities? Host Audrey Tan chats with Mr Simon Davis, founder of seaweed biotechnology company Seadling, on this issue.
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:52 What accounts for the resurgence of interest in seaweed?
3:50 What are the environmental benefits of farming seaweed?
16:00 What are the challenges to scaling up seaweed farming?
19:48 How is Seadling working with farming communities to upskill them?
23:38 Are there negative environmental impacts of seaweed farms?
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
---
#greenpulse
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Investing your CPF might be exciting, but ensure you have enough too for housing and retirement.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Retirement seems like ages away for a young person, and the CPF that accumulates can feel like money just sitting in a fund.
But what can we use CPF for? And should we all invest our CPF?
In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to use your CPF, whether for investment or housing needs.
Her guests are Angeline Teo from CPF Board and Gen Z undergrad Quang Long.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:58 What are the different CPF accounts?
9:54 How do CPF savings grow?
11:50 Using CPF for housing
14:55 What CPF cannot be used for
16:28 How to invest your CPF
20:05 Other considerations when investing your CPF
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
---
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.
---
#headstart
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well?
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 afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises.
She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life.
In this episode, host and ST's foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices
6:55 Socio-economic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices
9:15 The Catholic church's role in social welfare
13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion
17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions
Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: https://str.sg/wN4UL
Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR
Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x
Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters
Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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
---
#STAsianInsider
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A marathon Parliament session unfolded last week, as MPs debated the President’s Address over five days.
A total of 81 MPs spoke in support of the motion, including the 32 newly elected members who delivered their maiden speeches. They raised issues ranging from job and wage anxieties to bridging the wealth inequality gap and the disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI).
In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with Workers’ Party MPs Fadli Fawzi and Kenneth Tiong about their Parliament debut.
I chatted with both Aljunied GRC MPs about their speeches, and what life has been like after the 2025 General Election.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:25 Prepping for their Parliament debut
4:01 “It’s like the teacher calling your name.”
6:45 Social mobility is the true test of meritocracy: Fadli
9:24 Pitfalls of idealising meritocracy
12:03 An elderly woman and her pigeons
14:13 Leading the Meet-the-People sessions
16:11 Speaking in Parliament versus at GE2025
20:46 The supportive wives behind these MPs
22:46 Challenging the PAP-lite claims
27:20 A need for direct answers from the Government
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: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi
Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis
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
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
---
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 #tuptr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
