The Straits Times Podcasts

Singapore is also testing out solutions to tackle heat without air-conditioning. Synopsis: Every Tuesday, we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society. After three years of clear skies, the haze is back in Singapore. One contributor to the pollution is the El Nino weather phenomenon, which causes drier, hotter weather in South-east Asia.  This causes fires typical of Indonesia’s agroforestry landscape to burn harder and longer.  So how is Singapore responding to the double whammy of haze and hotter weather?  Green Pulse host Audrey Tan talks to correspondents Shabana Begum and Ang Qing on what they have observed while reporting on these conditions.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:13 The impacts of El Nino in South-east Asia 7:39 How people in Singapore are responding to the heat and haze 13:50 Are people in Singapore heat-tolerant or heat-avoidant? 15:53 Solutions to help people adapt to heat without air-conditioning 20:24 What are the global impacts of El Nino? Read Qing’s and Shabana’s related articles: Solar-powered air-con, freeze-tech and ‘fan-jakketos’ among innovative cooling gadgets on the market: https://str.sg/b6WC Emergency visits for respiratory cases up even with small spikes in PM2.5 levels: S’pore study: https://str.sg/mVPv Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Host: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis  Follow Green Pulse Podcast every Tuesday as we discuss how environmental issues intersect with business, politics and society: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag YouTube: https://str.sg/fapS Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wired earphones and film cameras: Is retro tech back, or another performative trend? In this episode, we look at how retro analogue items such as wired earphones, film cameras, and Walkmans are making a comeback. Is this here to stay or is it just another performative trend? Join hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann as they chat with Gen Z business owner and CD collector Cody Tong about the psychology behind the analogue revival and the benefits of unplugging. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction  2:32 Why physical formats are making a comeback 5:52 Tech trends, aesthetics, and nostalgia 8:33 Intention and benefits of going analogue 17:13 Digital detox and practical tips to unplug Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) and Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- 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 --- 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. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's stroking of Xi and talk of a G-2 with China is vexing Asian middle powers Japan and India. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts two experts on geopolitics – Prof Tomohiko Taniguchi, former foreign policy adviser to the Shinzo Abe Cabinet in Japan, and Dr Sanjaya Baru, geoeconomist and media adviser to the late Indian PM Manmohan Singh. They both explain what their respective countries make of the spectacular welcome President Donald Trump gave President Xi Jinping in the Sept 23-25 summit that took place in Washington DC. They also discuss the evolving nature of Japan's and India’s bilateral relationships with the US, including talk of ‘derisking’ from Washington. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:30 Was the carpet ‘red’ enough? 5:30 Key takeaways from the summit 9:30 Is Xi bending Trump’s ear on Asia? 14:00 ‘De-risking’ from the US is on 18:40 Free and open Indo-Pacific, Quad 22:30 Middle East conundrum 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 ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & 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  YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR  Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will COE prices for cars fall if there is just one COE category for cars, with a tiered surcharge or rebate depending on the vehicle’s open market value? These are some changes that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) proposed on Oct 8, as part of a review of the COE system. This comes as the gap between Category A and B premiums has narrowed, making the distinction between mass-market and higher-end cars less clear. In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha speaks to ST’s senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and NUS associate professor Timothy Wong, who researches transportation and urban economics. How will the proposed changes affect the market? Will car dealers game the system? And if you’re in the market for a new car, should you buy now or wait until proposed changes kick in? Watch or listen to the podcast to find out. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:20 What is LTA is proposing and why? 5:21 Will COE prices come down? 7:13 How would a rebate and surcharge system work? 12:07 Can dealers game the system to get into lower OMV tiers? 17:03 More ‘feebate’ bands could ensure greater fairness 25:24 Will LTA ever tackle high COE prices? 29:24 Should private hire cars get a surcharge? 35:31 Is owning a car now a luxury? If you would like to give feedback on LTA’s proposal, go to: https://go.gov.sg/coe-pcd-feedback Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected]) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG:   / theusualplacepodcast  Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Yang Jiesan Cruz Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah, Elizabeth Law & Zachary Lim 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: [email protected] 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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic ADHD stereotypes, like physical hyperactivity, can cause many to be overlooked and turn to maladaptive coping. Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day. Despite the boom in online conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in recent years, the neurodevelopmental condition is still largely misunderstood due to its name. Experts say those with ADHD don’t lack attention, as much as they lack the ability to regulate it.  With October being ADHD awareness month, features correspondent Grace Yeoh speaks with Dr Ong Mian Li, a clinical psychologist and the founder of private practice Lightfull Psychology, in this episode of In Your Opinion. Both were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.  Together, they explore the invisible challenges of ADHD, particularly when one is seen to be “high-functioning” — the ability to manage the condition on their own while delivering results like neurotypicals. They argue that when society still expects classic behavioural signs, such as physical hyperactivity, many who need support may go underdiagnosed, developing potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms.  The conversation also highlights practical ways to seek and offer support, ultimately reframing diagnosis as a step toward better understanding of neurodivergence. Highlights (click/tap above):  0:46 Reframing ADHD as an attention regulation issue instead of a deficit 3:41 Reflecting on childhood signs after a diagnosis later on in life 7:03 Difference in symptoms between boys and girls  11:11 Transitions can be challenging for those with ADHD   17:24 The problem with the “high-functioning” label  23:53 When scepticism affects support given 28:14 Common coping mechanisms among those who may be overlooked 40:02 When an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t be disclosed at the workplace 45:13 Practical ways to support someone with ADHD  49:30 Seeking an assessment as the start of self-acceptance Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Grace Yeoh ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Danson Cheong & 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 YouTube: https://str.sg/GjMT Feedback to: [email protected] --- 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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bhavan Jaipragas, a senior Straits Times columnist covering politics, society and public policy, examines Singapore’s “develop or conserve” debate. They discuss housing plans affecting Maju and Gillman forests, a proposed western island, energy security, biodiversity and Orang Laut heritage. The conversation explores broader public participation, better consultation, science-led priorities and how conservationists can make their case to mainstream Singaporeans.

Brian Lowe, an investment professional with KGI and a finance educator, explores the role of liquidity in building wealth. He discusses emergency reserves, cash versus accessible investments, and how age, job stability and risk tolerance shape portfolios. He also covers investing for BTO goals, CPF and retirement planning, speculation versus investing, and balancing financial growth with peace of mind.

Parents have long complained that the education system in Singapore is too stressful for children. To address their concerns, the Ministry of Education has made policy changes over the years, including scrapping PSLE T-scores and removing weighted assessments and examinations at certain levels. But have these measures worked? A recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) showed that parents are more stressed than 10 years ago, and they are spending more on tuition and enrichment classes. The Straits Times also reported that some property agents now explicitly market themselves as Primary 1 strategists or consultants, and advise their clients to plan ahead so their children can get into the school of their choice. If the system has been easing up, what’s driving parents to continue taking part in the education “arms race”? And are the tuition and property industries capitalising on their anxiety? In this episode, Natasha chats with: • Jacqueline Ho, assistant professor of sociology at the Singapore Management University, who researches the Singaporean education system, and • Prab Nathan, a property agent and former school teacher, and a father of two. His eldest daughter will be in Primary One next year. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:46 Are property agents feeding parents’ anxiety? 9:18 Is it smart to move for a school? 11:45 School status should not be a priority: Prab 25:42 Why parents get FOMO over extra tuition 28:30 Are parents who send their kids for tuition really kiasu? 34:00 Is being a “relaxed parent” a luxury? 43:39 What’s wrong with having a shadow education system? 49:50 Parents strategise to cope with inequality 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: [email protected] 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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump and Xi are nudging the bilateral relationship from confrontation to stability, says Chan Heng Chee. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points. In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Singapore's Ambassador At-Large Chan Heng Chee about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade. The pomp-filled visit included a rare sight; President Donald Trump and his wife Melania waited at the tarmac to greet President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan as they landed in Washington DC. Critics have dismissed the September 23-25 summit as heavy on symbolism and lacking in substance.  Chan, who served as Singapore's envoy to the US for 16 years, says building a rapport counts as a worthy outcome. “When you have a relationship, you can make a deal, solve problems,” she said.  “The Chinese will miss Trump when he's gone,” she added, noting that the charismatic American leader, serving his last term in office, had taken risks in reaching out to a rival. The stabilisation, which is still fragile, will benefit the region, she said. “We want to see the two great powers getting on because we do not want to be third-party collateral,” she said while spelling out the stakes for South-east Asia. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:50 What's noteworthy about the September summit? 8:00  How far can a good rapport take them? 11:20 What could two more meetings this year produce? 15:40 Why Pax Silica and Pax Waico will not be watertight 17.30: What can South-east Asia take away from the summit? 25:30 If Democrats win midterms, will Trump be constrained? 30:10 When everyone has a view on geopolitics, does diplomacy get harder? 35:50 Are Trump and Xi explaining themselves well? 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 ([email protected])  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  YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR  Feedback to: [email protected]  --- 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  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you accept your boss’s Instagram follow request? This discussion explores the pressure behind saying yes, how workplace power dynamics can spill into personal feeds, and the tension between public and private personas. It also looks at when social media can build rapport, why professional and personal accounts may need different boundaries, and ways to protect your online safe space.