Asian Insider

Why It Matters   Episode 12   Duration: 6:51 mins   Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week.   Kevin Kwan, whose best-selling book inspired the new Hollywood box office hit movie Crazy Rich Asians, defaulted on his national service obligations, the Ministry of Defence said on Aug 22 in response to queries from The Straits Times.   The revelation about the 44-year-old Kwan made global headlines.   He lives in the United States and now has US citizenship. Will this revelation hurt the film's performance in Singapore? Does it detract from what is being seen as the most successful "made-with-Singapore" movie to date?   We ask Lifestyle editor Jeremy Au Yong, whose desk broke this worldwide exclusive.   Produced by: Ernest Luis   Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters   Episode 10   Duration: 8:45 mins   Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week.   As more Singaporeans come online in the Smart Nation transformation, scams via online, mobile phone and social media routes are on the rise too.   The Straits Times' senior tech correspondent Irene Tham gives basic tips and also asks if the banking industry should continue with some existing marketing practices where customers are encouraged to give information over the phone for convenience.   The public can call the National Crime Prevention Council's anti-scam helpline on 1800-722-6688 for advice on scams, or go to www.scamalert.sg   Produced by: Ernest Luis   Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 10 Duration: 7:20 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. In July, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said that the latest cooling measures for the Singapore property market - in the form of higher Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty or ABSD rates and tighter loan limits - were introduced because of concerns that the sharp recovery in private home prices "is running ahead of economic fundamentals". Have things cooled down since? What is the latest discount range developers are offering in the private market? How will the new measures affect the man in the street looking for a roof over his head in the public housing market or the family that aspires to upgrade? The Straits Times' housing correspondent Rachel Au-Yong and correspondent Grace Leong tackle these questions. Produced by: Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters   Episode 9   Duration: 10 mins   Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week.   SingHealth's recent data breach in Singapore's worst cyber attack, has triggered questions over the country's Smart Nation initiatives.   The country's largest and most serious data breach involving the personal data of 1.5 million patients who had visited SingHealth between May 1, 2015, and July 4 this year. Among them, 160,000 people, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and a few ministers, had their outpatient prescriptions stolen as well.    What could have been done better? What does it mean for the Smart Nation roadmap? Is it time to address cyber hygiene on a national level more intensely? The Straits Times' senior tech correspondent Irene Tham discusses and raises points to bear in mind for the future.   Produced by: Ernest Luis   Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 8 Duration: 11:40 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. Time magazine, The Financial Times and The Telegraph are just some of the many top news publications that featured photos of the historic June 12 Trump-Kim summit in Singapore taken by The Straits Times' executive photojournalist Kevin Lim. How did he get that prized shot? He also gives budding photographers tips on what kinds of equipment you need to capture similar scenarios at official meetings or even at sports events, since he also covered Joseph Schooling's historic triumph at the 2016 Olympics. Produced by: Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 7 Duration: 12:20 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. The Singapore summit on June 12 will go down in global history as the first meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, and one which produced a denuclearisation deal. Join host and ST's deputy news editor Jeremy Au Yong as he hosts three guests in this episode. ST's Tan Tam Mei reported on the security arrangements for the summit, while Tiffany Fumiko Tay covered the hospitality plans. Did North Korean leader Kim Jong Un bring his own chef and food to The St Regis Singapore, where he stayed? How did the summit venue - the Capella Singapore - ensure more neutral colours for flower arrangements? Why were thermal cameras placed within the 12ha of lush vegetation around the Capella? Senior political correspondent Tham Yuen-C reported on what local authorities had to consider, to ensure a smooth and successful summit for both the US and North Korean delegations - right down to what would be considered visually equal treatment when it came to motorcade arrangements or the receiving party at the airport. Produced by: Jeremy Au Yong and Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 6 Duration: 13 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. The Singapore Summit on June 12 will go down in global history as the first meeting between a sitting US President and a North Korean leader, and one which produced a denuclearisation deal. Join host Ernest Luis as he sums up the Trump-Kim Summit with ST's deputy news editor Jeremy Au Yong and the foreign desk's deputy editor Tan Dawn Wei. What were their key takeaways from the Summit and how well did Singapore score as host? Produced by: Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 5 Duration: 8:36 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has already announced that his government intends to scrap the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR), in a move to control government spending and reduce the nation's RM1 trillion (S$337 billion) debt burden. The Mahathir administration said that the cost of building the line, at RM110 billion (S$37 billion), is prohibitive considering the state of Malaysia's finances. The Singapore Government has said it is continuing to incur costs on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project while it awaits clarification from Malaysia regarding its intention to scrap the HSR. The 350km rail link was expected to cut travel time between the two cities from four hours by car currently to 90 minutes when completed in 2026. Should Malaysia cancel the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise its rights - including any right to compensation for expenses - in accordance with the terms of a bilateral agreement signed in 2016. Host and ST's deputy news editor Jeremy Au Yong dissects the issue with ST's deputy political editor Royston Sim and transport correspondent Adrian Lim. Produced by: Jeremy Au Yong & Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters Episode 4 Duration: 9:40 mins Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week. The issue of Singapore's top schools becoming closed circles instead of social levellers has again come under scrutiny after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the problem of stratification in Parliament recently. Host and ST's deputy news editor Jeremy Au Yong dissects the issue with ST's senior education correspondent Sandra Davie. Produced by: Jeremy Au Yong & Ernest Luis Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why It Matters  Episode 3  Duration: 10:30 mins    Synopsis: In this new podcast series for 2018, The Straits Times takes a close look at one key news talking point each week.    Recent remarks from National Development Minister Lawrence Wong that the Government is looking into the ageing Housing Board flat lease issue have been mostly welcomed by observers of the housing and property scene here in Singapore. This, even as as concerns remain over the fate of older flats. What could be the possible scenarios and solutions to consider, for both the Government and Singaporeans? Are there more ideas being explored?   Host and ST's deputy news editor Jeremy Au Yong dissects the issue with ST's political correspondent Ng Jun Sen and housing correspondent Grace Leong.   Produced by: Jeremy Au Yong & Ernest Luis   Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg   Download ST & BT podcasts for offline listening: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts   On website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU   On iTunes: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP   On Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.