Asian Insider

Regional Round-up Ep 27: Sarawak's state legislative election campaigns amid the Covid-19 Omicron variant 10:42 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs - standing in for The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez who is on leave - chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:48 A record of 349 candidates contesting for 82 seats in the Sarawak state legislative election 2:56 Najib Razak's appeal to postpone 1MDB proceedings rejected by the court 4:39 The purpose and significance of Malaysia's Foreign Minister Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah's two-day official visit to China 6:01 Indonesia cancels year-end planned restrictions as Covid-19 vaccination rate and testing improves 7:05 Aung San Suu Kyi's jail sentence reduced from four years to two years, as Myanmar's military junta grants partial pardon Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@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 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 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:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China Perspective Ep 23: How Chinese authorities can help Evergrande clear billions in debt 7:06 mins 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 of conversation (click/tap above): 00:55 Can authorities help with China Evergrande Group's inability to meet repayments for US$300 billion debt? 02:53 China Securities Regulatory Commission says it respects companies' choices on where to list their stock while again denying reports of a possible ban on one method of overseas stock listings 04:33 Taiwan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu warns of emerging military crisis with China 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington Report Ep 26: US vaccine demand surges due to more contagious Omicron variant 10:16 mins 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 of conversation (click/tap above): 02:20 Long lines and delays as demand surges for vaccines in many vaccination clinics 04:04 US defence secretary Lloyd Austin's plans to stand up to China 06:40 Response to the acceleration of Iran's nuclear deal 07:51 US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine via virtual meeting 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional Round-up Ep 26: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL plans for general travellers depend on measures in face of Omicron variant 09:58 mins 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. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:59 Singapore-Malaysia land VTL hopes to expand to general travellers in mid-December, despite the Omicron variant 4:21 Myanmar court has deferred the first verdict in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu-kyi 5:55 Boat carrying 228 Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar seized 7:00 Phillippines launches campaign to vaccinate 90 million people in three days, to reach 70% vaccinated rate Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@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 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 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:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China Perspective Ep 22: Impact of China's Covid-zero policy on new Omicron variant 7:28 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China. The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:35 US puts more Chinese companies on its restricted trade list adding to US-China tensions 2:17 The implications of China targeting a large corporate donor to Taiwanese political election campaigns, encouraging Taiwan to declare independence 4:30 Impact of China's Covid-zero policy on new Omicron variant 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/Ju4h  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. Asian Insider newsletter. --- 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington Report Ep 25: How the US is dealing with Omicron Covid-19 variant 09:36 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States. Mr Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates - standing in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave - chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. 00:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 00:51 US' response to the Omicron Covid-19 variant and its challenges 02:30 State of emergency declared in New York and measures to counter potential surge during the holiday season 04:28 US and South Africa working together on the Omicron coronavirus variant and  vaccines 07:32 Biden administration's plans to revive the Iran nuclear deal 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/Ju4h  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. Asian Insider newsletter. --- 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian Insider Ep 80: The troubled and volatile relationship between India and China 30:06 mins Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests. In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts two guests. Nirupama Rao based in Bangalore, was India's former Foreign Secretary, former Ambassador to Peru and China and former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Washington DC-based Jeff Smith is a research fellow at the Asian Studies Center and Foreign Policy at the Heritage Foundation. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:03 The kind of thinking necessary to overcome the disputes on the India-China border 6:23 US Pentagon's annual report mentions military security and development involving China's construction activities on this border to press its claim at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)  11:18 China has taken some of India's territory over the past nine years - what is India's security and foreign policy establishment on this? 20:59 No reason not to assume that the LAC in the eastern sector of boundary will not come alive in the months to come, due to lack of trust and mutual sensitivity between the two countries 25:25 With the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) sharing concerns over China's growing power and gaining some traction, is this destined to be a dangerous bilateral situation for both countries? Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4h  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Asian Insider videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduMSOntUoS6ALNp21jMmgfBX --- 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 #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.

Regional Round-up Ep 25: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL's dry run was a success 10:30 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments. The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:30 Dry-run for Singapore-Malaysia land vaccinated travel lane via the Johor Causeway 3:45 Myanmar's opposition has raised $6.3m to take down the military junta 5:31 Indonesia's counter-terrorism agency warned that JI are able to infiltrate mainstream religious organisations and government institutions 7:26 Reasons behind Thailand's plans to join talks on membership of the Trans-Pacific free trade agreement 8:47 Chinese coast guards vessels blocking the Phillipines resuming their military re-supply mission for their troop station Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@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/Ju4h  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Leslie Lopez's stories. Asian Insider newsletter. --- 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 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:  http://bt.sg/podcasts Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China Perspective Ep 21: China continues support and improves relations with Asean 7:19 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China. The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. 0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 0:26 Significance of Asean-China special summit to commemorate 30th anniversary of dialogue relations 2:05 Chinese President Xi Jinping assures South-east Asian leaders that China will not bully its smaller neighbours 3:07 Companies such as Alibaba fined by Chinese authorities for failing to declare deals from 2012 5:04 China expresses dissatisfaction as Taiwan opens a de facto embassy in Lithuania 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/Ju4h  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. Asian Insider newsletter. --- 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington Report Ep 24: US discusses how to deal with China's rising military power in Indo-Pacific 10:23 mins Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States. Mr Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates - standing in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave - chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish. He  gives an analysis of the incoming US ambassador to Singapore, heighten tensions resulting from China’s increasingly assertive military actions, Former US secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin, and more.    0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:05 Significance of the US Senate's confirmation of President Joe Biden's pick for its ambassador to Singapore - technology entrepreneur Jonathan Kaplan 2:23 Call for US and its allies to operate with greater urgency in the Indo-Pacific with tensions resulting from China’s increasingly assertive military actions 3:45 Consequences of the tensions surrounding Taiwan 5:10 Former US secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlights the need to not forget about concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin's power plans 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/Ju4h  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. Asian Insider newsletter. --- 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 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.