

The Straits Times Podcasts
The Straits Times
Synopsis: 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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 45min
S1E55: Astronomer executives’ Coldplay scandal: Why it went viral and the obsession with public shaming
If combining the words “kiss cam”, “Coldplay”, “Astronomer” and “affair” means nothing to you, you have managed to be blissfully unaware of the internet’s weekend meltdown over a very public spectacle. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Here’s the TL;DR recap: A couple, who were in a tight embrace, created a buzz among concertgoers – and later, the world – when they pulled a duck/hide move after they were featured on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston. Their reaction was so suspicious that the band’s frontman Chris Martin quipped: “Either they are having an affair or they’re just very shy.” It turned out that Martin was right, and the cheating pair were colleagues at US tech firm Astronomer.Internet sleuths uncovered their names and job titles – he’s Andy Byron the now-former chief executive at the company; she’s Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s chief people officer – as well as information about their other relationships.People also found out who Mr Byron’s wife was, with some even sending her messages about what they thought of her husband. Beyond the illicit affair being publicly exposed, the incident led to much introspection about what happens when private moments become public, and leadership credibility.Also, what is our obsession with public shaming? To answer those questions on this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I spoke with: Stephanie Phua, founder of marketing and branding collective Duo Studio and co-founder of The Trampoline Club, a platform which pushes for compassion, understanding and mutual respect in conversations; Pan Huiyan, a millennial leadership coach; and Dr Sunny Johar, managing director for South-east Asia at digital experience agency KRDS. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:48 Initial thoughts about Coldplay-gate - would the moment have gone viral if the couple did not overreact? 13:07 What this incident tells us about filming and sharing content about strangers 19:41 Would anyone have cared if it weren’t the CEO and the head of HR? 22:46 Will a private mistake affect a person’s work ethics? 33:14 Post-viral moment, can the couple recover professionally? 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: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback 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 --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 2025 • 28min
S2E22: Fending off procrastination: How to get started
We put off work because work, for some reason, puts us off. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. Procrastination: The frustratingly human tendency to postpone work we can and should get started on earlier. It may seem tempting to berate ourselves for being lazy, unmotivated or disorganised. Instead, procrastination is actually our brains trying to shield us from uncomfortable feelings, putting a hidden toll on ourselves. In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi hosts an expert on the psychology of people who work together in groups. She shares with us what research tells us about procrastination and other quirks of our mind that permeate our work and daily life. She also goes into the “dark things” she relishes researching, such as why people are cynical at work, and the fallout from narcissist leaders. The guest is: Dr Ruchi Sinha, organisational psychologist and associate professor (practice) at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 What is procrastination and what type of procrastinator are you? 11:06 What are some strategies to help you manage procrastination? 14:07 Procrastination is about misplaced priorities too 16:22 Is it any easier for Dr Sinha to beat procrastination, as an expert? 17:05 The “pretty dark stuff” Dr Sinha studies, such as narcissism at workplaces 23:04 How does Dr Sinha translate research in her field to real life? Read more about procrastination here: https://str.sg/C9QS 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 SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg 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 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 --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 17, 2025 • 37min
S1E54: Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it’s time to raise the alarm
Kpods, a street term for drug-laced e-vaporisers, has been much-talked about this week. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Videos of vape users taken by the public have been surfacing online – in particular, of younger people – turning into “zombies” and behaving erratically after using etomidate-laced vapes. An anaesthetic used in hospitals during medical procedures, etomidate is classified as a poison, which can only be used by licensed medical professionals. In this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I spoke with my colleague and crime reporter Nadine Chua; Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Yip Hon Weng, who has raised multiple questions in Parliament on vaping over the past few years; and executive director of youth mental health charity Impart, Narasimman Tivasiha Mani, who has encountered teens using Kpods. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:37 You don’t need to tell sellers your age, you just need money, notes Mr Narasimman 6:37 Vape sellers market the devices to look trendy or innocuous 14:01 “If he continues down this path, it’s like he’s gone anyway.”: Ms Chua on how a mother shared about her struggle with her son who is hooked on Kpods 14:54 The roles – and limitations – of different government agencies such as the Central Narcotics Bureau and Health Sciences Authority 27:36 What could happen in the long run if we fail to act on Kpods today? Read ST's coverage on the invisible vaping crisis: https://str.sg/JpFev Read Nadine Chua's articles: https://str.sg/3z8M3 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: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Helplines: Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg tinklefriend.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) shanyou.org.sg Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback 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 --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 15, 2025 • 26min
S1E7: Taxi driver “adding shift” to be a YouTuber
“LazyCabbie” drives for 10 hours daily, besides making insightful videos on his working life. 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. Contrary to the name of his YouTube channel, Mr Eddie Jui is anything but lazy. The 48-year-old drives 10 hours daily and spends nearly as much time making videos. Like the friendly cabbie making conversation with his passenger, Mr Jui’s videos are candid and honest. And based on how fast the LazyCabbie YouTube channel is growing, it is resonating with people.More on the conversations between Mr Eddie Jui and senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe below. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:00 Spending at least two to three hours just to get the right angles for the videos. 14:20 Trying to create an online community that is more forward-looking and positive. 18:00 Taxi driving as a sunset industry but one that pays the bills, if you need money urgently. 20:10 Reacting to the rise of autonomous driving potentially taking away taxi driving as a vocation. 23:00 Do not treat driving as a career because there is no progression. Zero progression. 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 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 --- #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 14, 2025 • 29min
S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?
The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. 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. The world is becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities. But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices, international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate and nature investments to make them more palatable for private and government funders. Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection, sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation and much more. The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk and allow private capital to “work its magic”. Have a listen, and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments? 6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on climate and catalytic funding? 12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders? 18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies interested in Asia? 21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for philanthropists in Asia? 25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy individuals knocking on PAA’s door? 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 --- #greenpulseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 22min
S2E35: Dalai Lama at 90: A life of compassion and conflict
A conversation with Chicago-based Mayank Chhaya, the Dalai Lama’s biographer, on the highs and lows of His Holiness’ remarkable journey through life. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Mayank Chhaya, writer, broadcaster and the Dalai Lama’s biographer. Mr Chhaya, a writer and broadcaster, says that at 90, the Dalai Lama has become larger than the Tibetan cause he espouses and represents. He describes some remarkable moments in the Dalai Lama’s life, discusses his politics and geopolitics, and what lies ahead with China standing firm that it will choose the next Dalai Lama. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 The flight to safety 6:10 Prayers, pigeons and lightning strikes 9:20 Dalai Lama has grown beyond Tibetan cause 12:00 The geopolitical Dalai Lama 16:50 China has lifted Tibetan living standards 19:50 At some point, there could be two Dalai Lamas 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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 40min
S1E53: What’s next for PSP following its post-GE2025 leadership shake-up?
Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Two months after its dismal showing at the 2025 General Election, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has shaken up its leadership team. On July 5, it announced that its founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock, and vice-chair Hazel Poa had stepped down from their roles in the central executive committee (CEC), the party’s highest decision-making body. Party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan also relinquished his position. All three will remain members of the party. Dr Tan has been designated party adviser. Ms Poa was a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) in the last term of Parliament, along with party chief Leong Mun Wai. At a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre on July 5, Mr Leong announced a renewal plan, and introduced three new members who were co-opted into the CEC. The first is Ms Stephanie Tan, a full-time homemaker and former lawyer, who was the PSP candidate for Pioneer SMC. The other two are Mr Sani Ismail, an in-house legal counsel who contested West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Mr Lawrence Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, who contested Chua Chu Kang GRC. Ms Tan joins me in this podcast to talk about being part of PSP’s refreshed leadership team, the insights she gleaned from walking the ground as a first-time candidate, and the challenges of a political party without a presence in Parliament. The Usual Place podcast is livestreamed at noon on YouTube on Thursdays. Subscribe to the YouTube channel to catch the podcast when it airs on July 10. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:54 Taking feedback from voters during the election 6:08 How PSP will aim to change public perception going forward 13:08 With no presence in Parliament, how will PSP stand out online? 17:10 Rejigging the game plan after being hit hard from the GE2025 results 24:16 “It’s about your heart to serve.” - Lessons Ms Tan learnt from Dr Tan Cheng Bock about longevity in politics 29:37 What is one thing Ms Tan would change if she were to become an MP? 34:15 Her take on young, middle-income couples who face financial barriers when having children 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: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda HongFollow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback 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 --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 8, 2025 • 39min
S1E56: Body image issues, mental health problems: Why are men afraid to seek help?
Gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity may point to body image issues in men. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Outdated stereotypes of what a man should be like continue to exist today, with a new generation of social media influencers like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross producing content that posits to teach men how to be men. But does it make someone any less of a man if they decide to speak up about the issues they face? For years, ST journalist Aqil Hamzah, 28, has grappled with body image issues, but was too afraid to seek help, thinking it wouldn’t be the manly thing to do. Years of skipping meals took a toll on his health, and it was only after losing clumps of hair that he decided to seek help for it. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues that have plagued her co-host Aqil alongside psychiatrist Adrian Loh, who specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry. The trio then discuss if toxic masculinity has a role to play in men’s unwillingness to speak up about their issues. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:56 Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues 03:27 Is BMI an accurate indication for weight management? 08:50 Obsessing over the scales 21:21 What is toxic masculinity and how should people deal with it? 24:51 How role models repeat a vicious cycle & the different reactions to therapy 33:35 The importance of feeling things Read Aqil’s article on body image here: https://str.sg/kuf8 Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Follow Aqil Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ttUo Read his articles: https://str.sg/i5gS Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew 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/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 --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 6, 2025 • 29min
S2E21: What kind of insurance should young adults buy?
Hospitalisation and critical illness insurance are vital, but beware of being upsold or paying too much for premiums. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. What do young people need to know when buying their first insurance package? Insurance is an essential part of “adulting”, but it can be daunting when choosing from a wide range of products on a tight budget. Some can also find that insurance agents pressure them into buying products that they are not certain they need. In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what you need to know before buying insurance. Her guests are NTU undergraduate Megan Wee and DBS bank Singapore head of bancassurance Loh Wanyun. 1:40: What are the different types of insurance? 9:00 Corporate vs personal insurance 11:00 How much should I spend on insurance? 13:25 How to deal with pushy agents 15:50 How much insurance is enough to cover me? 18:05 What are investment-linked policies? 21:00 Where should I buy insurance from? 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 --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 24min
S2E34: Hong Kong’s wistful longing for its cityscape to remain unchanged
From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot. 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. Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting it out while teetering on poles. But the city has been gripped in what Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung says is an almost “visceral fear” over a recent government edict to reduce the use of bamboo in construction projects due to safety concerns. ST foreign editor Li Xueying catches up with her over a similar debate arising over the would-be demolition of Choi Hung, Hong Kong’s first large-scale public housing project completed in the 1960s. Having undergone the social turmoil and political changes of recent years since the 2019 protests, Hong Kongers are seeking comfort in the things that can remain the same - and quietly protesting the changes coming their way. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:53 Changes in government regulations over bamboo scaffolding 2:25 Safety concerns 9:24 A fear of change 11:42 Why Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate has to go 17:02 Has cultural nostalgia been weaponised? Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/dbo9 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) 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 --- 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 --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


