

Plan B
News Beat
Join us every Friday as we recap the week in news in hard conversations. Follow us on facebook, instagram, twitter and telegram. Read us on www.planb.sg
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
#816 "Expats need to respect Singaporean culture before living here."
Singapore’s Parliament has just opened with President Tharman pushing a bold “We First” agenda. But what does this mean for a society already known for its competitive edge? On this episode, we question whether systems like PSLE and university admissions clash with the spirit of collective progress, to debating viral flashpoints like the GoJek driver blasting music. We dive deep into the tensions between locals and migrants, the struggles of service workers trying to keep their dignity, and what it all says about where Singapore is headed.[0:40] Opening of 15th Parliament with a "Expats need to respect singaporean culture before living here" mindset[7:50] Gojek driver blasting music[9:58] Understanding Singaporean culture[13:06] Struggles of service industry workers

Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
#815 “We’re going to be the laughing stock of the world”
Recently, Singapore grabbed international headlines — but not for the right reasons. What began as the cancellation of American comedian Sammy Obeid’s show quickly escalated into a messy clash with the Singapore government, culminating in a POFMA order. Was Obeid simply chasing attention, or did the government make things worse by doubling down and fanning the flames?(02:57) Heartwarming efforts to search for 11-year-old boy(09:15) Indonesian riots(13:15) Southeast Asians sending food and aid via Grab(16:22) Anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia?(21:21) Sammy Obeid saga

Aug 28, 2025 • 22min
#814 “70-80% of bullying behaviour come from the home setting”
Shocking recordings of Primary 3 students threatening “I might dissect her into pieces” and “kill you and your husband” have rattled Singapore, raising fears about bullying among children. We get to the heart of the problem with Senior Clinical Psychologist Muhammad Haikal, who says bullying can affect anyone, but a child’s home environment is often the biggest contributor to such behaviour.(01:50) Say hello to Muhammad Haikal, Senior Clinical Psychologist! (05:10) Why do children become bullies?(08:20) Do certain household environments contribute to bullying?(12:15) Gentle parenting(14:28) Ways schools should deal with bullying

Aug 25, 2025 • 27min
#813 “If you piss off a Singaporean, you’re pissing off a Malaysian as well”
Syed Saddiq has closer ties to Singapore than many realise. A brief stint at NUS’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy gave him a deep respect for Singapore’s founding father - especially regarding Malaysia-Singapore relations. With the RTS line set to strengthen connections, Saddiq sees plenty of ways the two countries can complement each other… but what exactly are they?(02:00) Say hello to Syed Saddiq!(04:44) Grit to continue being a politician(14:25) Saddiq’s plan to change Malaysia’s system(19:45) Young people not loyal to a single party?(26:40) Modern politics turning off older voters(30:25) The future of Malaysia(40:40) Sentiment of JohoriansWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/446GgVlu0fE

Aug 21, 2025 • 24min
#812 “AI is the next asatizah”
Many found this year’s National Day Rally a little boring — but two announcements stood out: the new Singapore College of Islamic Studies and the looming threat of AI on jobs. PM Lawrence Wong insists Singaporeans will remain the priority. But can they really, when it seems AI might even replace our asatizah in the future?(00:30) National Day Rally 2025(08:18) Treat of AI for jobs(09:55) Vaping crackdown(14:30) Plans for Northern Singapore(20:20) ‘We First’ mindset

Aug 14, 2025 • 30min
#811 “If it happens to someone who doesn’t make it viral, it’ll just get buried underneath the paperworks”
Mr Liang Siah went viral after complaining about being wrongly charged by GetGo for car damage he didn’t cause. While GetGo eventually settled the case and offered compensation, the question lingers: Was it only because the video went viral? In today’s ep, we put Deyao Ang, GetGo’s Chief Community Officer, in the hot seat alongside Liang Siah to discuss the controversy—and most importantly, will Mr Liang continue using GetGo?(02:10) The viral GetGo video by Mr Liang Siah(05:00) GetGo’s response(12:11) Should the driver be held responsible for failing to check properly?(17:23) The problems with car-sharing companies these days(21:00) Dealing with large number of cases(26:00) A small scratch can cost $1000?!

Aug 7, 2025 • 29min
#810 Is it time to declassify bees as pest?
They sting and look scary so it’s no wonder bees get labelled as pests in Singapore. But according to Clarence and Eugene from Sundowner Bee Rescue, the real problem isn’t the bees — it’s how we deal with them. Shockingly, only 3 Town Councils had taken active steps to protect them. With most Singaporeans still unsure of how to handle bee encounters, the question is: where can we do better, and what does responsible bee care really look like?(02:37) Say hello to Clarence and Eugene from Sundowner Bee Rescue!(03:53) How they avoid bee stings(10:30) Exploring the bee’s nest(16:45) Dealing with bees as a HDB dweller(20:00) Are wasps dangerous?(25:45) How we can improve care for beesFull video now on Youtube: https://youtu.be/QrJd1L2KoH8

Aug 7, 2025 • 23min
#809 Is patriotism still alive in Singapore?
As Singapore turns 60, national pride seems to be fading. It looks like fewer households are flying the flag, and many younger Singaporeans seem to feel little connection to the idea of patriotism. Is it just apathy or is something deeper at play? With rising costs of living, a tough job market, and growing uncertainty about the future, this generation is grappling with issues that may be reshaping what pride in one’s country even means.(01:35) Are Singaporeans less patriotic these days?(07:50) The challenges facing today’s generation(14:10) Social cohesion weakening?(18:41) Happy birthday Singapore!(19:20) Hanging the flagFull video now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ecTkVxCDqs0

Jul 31, 2025 • 31min
#808 "Being able to make my father happy and work alongside the police force, I think it's good
You might remember him as the brooding heartthrob from Channel 5’s hit show Growing Up — or more recently, as the former actor who made headlines for becoming an auxiliary police officer. Andrew Seow once stole hearts on screen but these days, he cringes watching his old scenes. We sit down with him to find out how he stays this effortlessly sharp in his 50s — and the real reason behind his dramatic career switch.(02:00) Say hello to Andrew Seow!(06:15) Seow’s journey from showbiz to the force(13:00) Emotions about returning to the workforce(19:10) Does Seow cringe when he sees himself on screen?(26:35) Challenges of a career change

Jul 24, 2025 • 27min
#807 Zombies on the streets?!
ou’ve probably seen those viral clips — teens wobbling around like zombies on the streets. That’s what happens when vapes get mixed with the drug etomidate — aka “K-pod.” To be fair, the government’s been quick to act. But we can’t help but wonder: should we just regulate vapes in Singapore or ban them completely? What do you think?(00:28) Let’s talk about “K-pods”(03:40) Reclassification to a Class C drug(08:30) What’s stopping the government from regulating vapes?(14:15) Case of Jane Lee, owner of Sumo Salad(21:15) Anti-foreigner sentiment on the rise