Plan B

A devastating tragedy struck Bondi Beach in Sydney when two gunmen killed at least 15 people during a Jewish celebration. While many netizens expressed sympathy and grief, the aftermath quickly spiralled into controversy. From antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric to claims of a ‘false flag’ attack, the tragedy has been swept into a fierce online information war.(00:55) Darren’s Bar Exams(04:25) Bondi Beach Shooting(08:25) Start of ‘Information Wars’(14:00) Hero of Bondi Beach(17:10) Japan’s relationship with China(21:12) Predictions for 2026

Everyone’s travelling this year-end, especially to Japan, where the yen has plunged to about ¥120 for S$1. But while Singaporeans are chasing cheap flights and exchange rates, PM Wong is on the move for a different reason. His recent trip to South Africa and the announcement of Singapore’s 1st East African embassy in Ethiopia may seem unexpected but they hint at something bigger: Singapore is quietly deepening its footprint and ties across Africa.(0:33) Welcome back Darren!(07:34) Travelling during the holidays(10:57) PM Wong’s working trips(16:30) Are Africans the next generation of content creators?(19:05) Future trips

When influencer Simonboy launched the Forever Megan Charity in honour of his late daughter, some called it heartfelt while others called it clout. And leading the charge was the OG uncancellable content creator herself, Xiaxue. Her takedown earned her a cease and desist letter, and she’s firing back. In this case, do you think Xiaxue has a point, or do you feel sympathy for Simonboy?(01:25) Feud between Xiaxue and Simonboy(07:20) Opening a charity in Malaysia?(13:13) POFMA on MalaysiaNow(16:53) Future of censorship in Singapore(21:45) Intruder at Wicked premiere

The job market is changing rapidly, and jobseekers are facing challenges like finding stability, balancing personal commitments, and adapting to AI. At Plan B, our hosts share insights from both employers and jobseekers on their shifting expectations. With programmes mentioned in this year’s National Day Rally like GRIT and SkillsFuture available, we explore how jobseekers can get ahead as they navigate their careers. For more related information, visit: go.gov.sg/2025ndr-planb(01:00) Uncertainty of today’s job market(07:38) What are GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT)?(12:30) Taking stock of your career (20:15) Using A.I. for a leg up in the workplace

This week, headlines swirled around Ong Beng Seng keeping his PR status, a move that’s raised plenty of eyebrows. In a country where one's PR status can be revoked for criminal convictions, ICA’s decision to issue only a warning has sparked questions about Singapore’s “clean and fair” legal image.(03:05) Possible Kyrgyzstan trip in 2026(10:35) Under-the-table payment for Hajj?(13:00) M’sian man bribed Sg’s traffic police(19:08) Ong Beng Seng’s PR status(23:35) Court of Public Opinion(28:19) Ringgit strengthened

We’ve all seen the shocking videos of youths staggering like zombies, hooked on vapes laced with etomidate. As Singapore clamps down on vaping, we speak with Prof Anantham Devanand, Senior Consultant at SGH’s Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, on why vapes can be are dangerous even without etomidate - and share the real-life cases he’s treated.(02:20) What are the harms of etomidate?(05:25) Is there such thing as secondhand vaping?(07:10) Real cases of vaping harm(11:00) Signs your child might be vaping(16:00) Doctor’s take on current penalties

Pritam Singh is making headlines as his viral court appearances spark debate about his political future. Should he appeal a hefty fine or move on gracefully? The hosts analyze how public perception and judicial independence are intertwined in this high-stakes drama. They also tackle a controversial proposal for mandatory caning of scammers, and the uproar surrounding coverage of an ACS alumnus involved in a scam. Switching gears, they discuss the excitement over Chick-fil-A's potential arrival in Singapore and the growing trend of local halal food options.

The podcast dives into the most explosive moments from the 2025 ASEAN Summit, highlighting Trump’s surprising presence throughout. From Anwar's amusing ride in the 'Beast' to Cambodia's nomination of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, the discussions are both humorous and critical. Timor-Leste’s heartfelt entry into ASEAN and the awkward signage blunder during the Cambodia-Thailand peace signing add to the charm. Not to miss, Trump's viral dance with Anwar stands out as the summit's unforgettable highlight, showcasing the ever-complex diplomatic dance.

As the Deepavali weekend winds down, the news cycle may be quiet but Singapore still has one major headline. The 3 women behind the pro-Palestine walk, Amirah Asrori, Annamalai Kolika, and Sobikun Nahar, have been acquitted. While many celebrate them as heroes of local activism, lawyer Rahman argues the real hero is the judge. Still, with the AGC appealing the decision, this case may be far from over.(01:10) Is the holiday mood kicking in?(03:47) Keeping up with international news(06:00) Acquittal of the 3 activists behind Pro-Palestine walk(14:22) Bad optics for Singapore(18:10) Favourite Indian foods

The Israel-Hamas hostage exchange marks the biggest breakthrough in the ceasefire yet, and Trump’s taking the credit with his 20-point peace plan. But in Singapore, netizens don’t seem to care. Some are even calling out the media’s double standards: Israelis are “hostages,” Palestinians are “detainees.” So, the big question is: does Trump’s plan actually bring peace, or is it all just wayang?(00:35) Singapore’s response to Trump’s 20-point peace plan(05:05) What exactly is this peace plan?(08:15) Indonesian President Prabowo’s ‘hot mic’ incident(11:05) How Israel’s attack on Qatar led to this ceasefire(11:45) Predictions for the future