S2E22: How we can beat the heat in Singapore

As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore’s steamy temperatures.

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.

Even if you’re not aware, we’re all affected by rising temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore’s high humidity. 

Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can reduce our true potential by curbing exercise and access to fresh air and by spending more time in front phones and televisions, harming our vision – and even reducing vitamin D intake.

But for those who work outside, they have fewer choices. And those without regular access to air-conditioning are also at increasing risk.

Fortunately, much is being done to help people and educate them on the growing threat from rising temperatures caused by climate change and hotter urban environments. 

And for this special episode of the Green Pulse podcast, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with a dynamic duo who have helped shape Singapore’s response to heat.

They are Associate Professor Jason Lee, director of the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of Singapore and Ms Jaime Lim, a director at the Occupational Safety and Health Division at the Ministry of Manpower.

This episode was recorded and filmed on Aug 12 at The Fashion Pulpit in Jalan Besar, in front of an intimate live audience of about 95 people.

It was the fourth ST Podcast Live! session celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with two more events planned for the rest of the year.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:30 Despite the sharp spike in temperatures, do people think high heat is still not a concern?

8:35 The Ministry of Manpower has an acclimatisation programme for newly arrived outdoor workers. How does this programme work?

12:05 How the government and scientists work together to create heat policies.

17:50 What have been the reactions from businesses to MOM’s heat protection advisories and policies?

25:25 Much has been done but what other aspects of heat risk need more attention?

More on NUS' Heat Resilience & Performance Centre (HRPC): https://str.sg/Byiw

MOM's heat stress measures for outdoor work: https://str.sg/5j9K

Resources for workplaces and workers: https://str.sg/Hup2

Heat stress levels: https://str.sg/5WrT

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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