
Asian Insider
Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.
Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2022 • 13min
S1E8: Hong Kong's museum M+, the jewel of West Kowloon arts hub: Letter From The Bureau Ep 8
Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month. They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. In this episode, she chats with ST's Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:02 Asia's first global museum of visual culture 03:28 The reason behind the name of M+ 05:22 Hong Kong's reaction to the new museum and possible global reaction to M+ 08:26 Ai Wei Wei's controversial piece "Study of Perspective - Tianenmen Square" faced national security issues 09:52 The hurdles faced in constructing the museum and future possibilities for artistic freedom Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Linda Yulisman’s stories: https://str.sg/3xRb Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7 Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2 #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 6, 2022 • 9min
S1E16: New restrictions as Hong Kong faces fifth wave of Covid-19: Inside Hong Kong Ep 16
Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong. The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Shehzad Haque on the following points: Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 01:02 Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam investigates as government officials tested positive involved in gathering causing the fifth wave of Covid-19 03:03 New restrictions in Hong Kong being enforced after a year of relaxed measures 05:26 Increase of vaccinations being carried out - showing progress being made 06:38 Cruises to nowhere suspended as 9 passengers were close contacts of Omicron variant outbreak 08:12 Hong Kong IPOs are not requested to seek approval from data security Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Nadiah Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6 Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 5, 2022 • 10min
S1E31: Indonesia's 2022 ban on coal exports and its effects: Regional Round-Up Ep 31
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast. Leslie Lopez, The Straits Times' Regional Correspondent, gives an analysis of floods in seven Malaysian states that have forced thousands of people to be evacuated, the Philippines' expansion of Covid-19 restrictions outside its capital, Indonesia pause on coal exports, and more. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:49 Updates on the floods in Malaysia and how its government is addressing the situation 03:19 Malaysian glove manufacturer Supermax Corp's new foreign worker policies 04:46 Covid-19 restrictions expanding outside of Philippines' capital due to surge in cases 06:16 Indonesia bans export of coal 07:46 Vietnam's trade ministry urges authorities in Guangxi, China, to ease congestion at border crossings Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 4, 2022 • 20min
S1E81: Profound destabilisation: Author Amitav Ghosh on climate change, the future - Asian Insider Ep 82
Amitav Ghosh discusses the planetary crisis and climate change, focusing on destabilization in countries like Britain, India, Myanmar, and Egypt. He talks about a revolution from the right, the risks of global conflicts, and offers advice to younger generations in a bleaker world.

Jan 4, 2022 • 6min
S1E27: Why China will scrap subsidies for electric cars by end-2022: China Perspective Ep 27
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast. The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:35 China reopens embassy in Nicaragua after the latter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, leaves Taiwan with just 14 diplomatic allies 02:30 China decides to scrap subsidies for electric cars as development in this sector has advanced greatly 04:10 Severity of the current lockdown to cope with the latest Covid-19 outbreak in Xi’an Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7 Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 2022 • 11min
S1E30: The US, Taiwan and expectations of 2022 Pacific (Rimpac) exercise: Washington Report Ep 30
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast. The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points: Highlights (click/tap above): 00:55 New York City leading surge in Covid cases among cities on the US east coast 02:55 Investigation into Jan 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, and if there is evidence to show culpability of former US President Donald Trump 05:40 The 2022 edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) exercise organised by the US Navy, and the political signals due to Taiwan's expected invitation 07:15 US authorities asking telecom operators to delay an already postponed rollout of 5G networks, due to potential flight safety equipment interference Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 29, 2021 • 10min
S1E30: Rounding up on the biggest headlines that came out from the region this year: Regional Round-up Ep 30
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast. The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:55 Which countries were most impacted by Covid-19 2:35 Looking back on Southeast Asia's climate disasters 4:26 Myanmar's relationship with ASEAN 5:47 South China Sea dispute update 6:57 Summary of Malaysia's political troubles Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 28, 2021 • 9min
S1E26: 2022 expected to be a big year for China due to Winter Olympics: China Perspective Ep 26
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast. The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. Highlights (click/tap above): 00:38 The biggest headline from China - The Third Historical Resolution 02:02 Chinese government crackdowns on various agencies 04:25 Third biggest news out of China - the Evergrande crisis 05:43 Winter Olympics - one of the big things the world can expect out of China in 2022 Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7 Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 2021 • 10min
S1E29: Top 5 biggest US headlines in 2021: Washington Report Ep 29
Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast. The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points: Highlights (click/tap above): 00:55 Biggest headline of the year - January 6th attack on the Capitol 02:27 Former US President Trump's impeachment and US President Biden's inauguration 03:38 Texas power crises caused by severe winter storms 04:47 The fall of Kabul in the top 5 of US' biggest headlines 06:48 What to expect from the US in 2022 Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 24, 2021 • 11min
S1E15: The latest Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong amidst the Omicron variant: Inside Hong Kong Ep 15
Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong. The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points: Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 01:22 Pro-Beijing candidates claimed a victory in Legislative Council election 03:28 Beijing’s “patriots-only” overhaul of the political system amid a record low turnout of 30.2% 05:57 Beijing issued a white paper covering Hong Kong's political reforms 07:17 New security law has been imposed in Hong Kong 08:32 The latest Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong amidst the Omicron variant Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Nadiah Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6 Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.