#636 ft. Ong Ye Kung - Hard Truths: Singapore's Tightrope With the US, The One Lesson From Aljunied 2011 & The Ageing Time Bomb

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Mar 28, 2025

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Singapore's Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung delivers a no-holds-barred conversation in this YLB episode - tearing into US-Asia power shifts, Singapore's healthcare time bombs, and his own political war stories after losing Aljunied GRC in 2011. He explains why he believes the Opposition isn't going anywhere, drops truth bombs about how char kway teow could sink his career, and reveals when government should - and shouldn't - step in. The discussion also turns personal as he reflects on the family conversations that shaped his decision to enter politics - offering rare insight into the human side of public service.

(00:00) Intro
(02:40) Transition to Minister for Health
(03:25) COVID Strategies and Challenges
(05:16) Vaccine Rollout and Impact
(12:50) The Aging Population Challenge
(14:15) Learning from Other Countries
(17:01) Health Advocacy and Social Media
(22:52) Political Journey and Personal Background
(29:50) Becoming a Civil Servant
(32:25) Political Journey and Views
(37:30) World Trade and Free Trade Agreements
(47:51) US Presence and Security
(52:46) Strategic Position of Singapore
(58:33) Global Interconnection and Decoupling
(59:10) Influence of Foreign Politics on Singapore
(01:00:30) Cultural Imports and Political Sentiments
(01:01:50) Changing Dynamics in Singapore Politics
(01:03:30) Singapore's Economic Role and Workforce
(01:07:10) Paradox of Meritocracy and Education
(01:10:54) Singapore-Malaysia Relations and Economic Integration
(01:15:08) Emerging Challenges and Global Concerns
(01:18:30) Impact of Technology and AI
(01:21:30) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

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Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak