

Yah Lah But
Ministry of Funny
The most uncensored conversations about censorable things coming out from the much-censored country of Singapore. Hosted by Haresh & Terence from the comedy house Ministry of Funny.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2024 • 49min
#587 - Is the Government Going Easy on Traffic Offenders & The End of School Canteen Stalls?
In a surprising move, the Ministry of Home Affairs is proposing a slew of legal amendments that will lessen the punishment for road traffic offences, even if they result in grievous hurt or death. Pretty unusual for a country that tends towards harsher punishments for many things! We discuss the MHA’s thinking behind this, and what signals it may inadvertently send. In other news, the days of individual school canteen stalls may be numbered, as fewer people want to do the job. What will students lose if schools move to a centralised kitchen / cookhouse model for canteens?(00:00) A Message From SCDF(01:04) Intro(07:22) Is the Government Going Easy on Traffic Offenders?(27:18) The End of School Canteen Stalls?(42:49) One Shiok Comment(44:49) One Shiok ThingCareers with SCDFFor more information, check out https://scdfcareers.sg/Listen to Sergeant Gina on YLB 566Find us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutIs the Government Going Easy on Traffic Offenders?Removing mandatory sentences for first-time offenders among proposed changes to Singapore's road traffic lawsProposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being overly punishedFirst Reading of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) BillThe End of School Canteen Stalls? New canteen models for schools an option soon as MOE tackles stallholder shortagesPre-packed meals, dispensers: Canteen vendor shortage drives S’pore schools to serve up alternativesOne Shiok CommentComment by 299792458mpersecComment by SplashhhhOne Shiok ThingEmi Aramaki - Purple DreamTangle NewsMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairThe Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 5min
#586 - Lawrence Wong’s Wide-Ranging Press Conference & Australia Considers Under-16 Ban for Social Media
People are calling the 2024 US Presidential Election the ‘Podcast Election’ for the role that long-form, unfiltered conversations played in shaping popular opinion. So is Lawrence Wong becoming our ‘Press Conference Prime Minister’? He has pledged to do more press conferences, not tied to any specific announcements, just to improve the government’s public communications. In a recent one, he weighed in on the outcome of the US election. Meanwhile, Australia is considering a ban on social media for under-16s from as early as next year. How helpful would such a move be, and could it work in Singapore? (00:00) Tell You First(00:45) Intro(11:08) Lawrence Wong’s Wide-Ranging Press Conference(37:52) Australia Considers Under-16 Ban for Social Media(57:56) One Shiok Comment(01:00:57) One Shiok ThingFolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.comOur New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we bust out our millennial dance moves and go deep into Singapore’s longest running dance party, Mambo Jambo! Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutLawrence Wong’s Wide-Ranging Press ConferenceElections that lead to a divided society have 'no winners': PM Wong on the importance of social unityLawrence Wong pledges more press conferences as part of government's effort to improve public communication; MCI to be renamedAustralia Considers Under-16 Ban for Social MediaCommentary: Governments are pushing teen social media bans – but we don't know yet if they'll helpAustralian states back national plan to ban children younger than 16 from social mediaCNA Explains: Why is Malaysia asking social media platforms to get a licence or risk getting banned?Spain proposes law to improve online safety for children, including virtual restraining ordersOne Shiok CommentReddit poll by Majestic-Economist-6Comment by marcwaynejacobOne Shiok ThingChimbridge Singlish Dictionary - Meaning, Etymology, Definition, Origin, and MoreWhat Remains of the Old Sentosa Monorail?Mics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Nov 8, 2024 • 60min
#585 ft. Rishi Budhrani - A Singaporean POV on Trump’s Victory & The Least Satisfying Places to Live in Singapore
Rishi Budhrani, a Singaporean comedian renowned for his wit, joins to explore the surprising aftermath of Trump's presidential victory. He humorously critiques the global reaction to U.S. politics while also discussing unique challenges faced by comedians today. The conversation takes a turn to a recent survey revealing the least satisfying neighborhoods in Singapore, sparking lively debate about resident sentiments and community attachment. Rishi's blend of humor and insights makes for a thought-provoking listen!

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 8min
#584 ft. Caitanya Tan - IMDA Bans Film on Censorship & Private-Hire Driver’s Savage Warning to Passengers
A Singaporean film about censorship, has been banned in Singapore by film censors. You can’t make this stuff up. We speak with actor and guest host Caitanya Tan about Daniel Hui’s film Small Hours of the Night, and what lines it could have crossed, because they’re not obvious. We also discuss the role that censors play in Singapore, and what exactly they protect Singaporeans from. Separately, a private-hire driver’s detailed written warning to his passengers has been circulating online. Paggro much? Or is he saying what’s already been on everyone’s minds?(00:00) Words of Wisdom(00:54) Intro(05:03) Film Censors Ban Film on Censorship(36:45) Private-Hire Driver’s Warning to Passengers(01:00:45) One Shiok ThingNominate a Senior over 60 for Folklory!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrsSo if you know someone with stories & lessons to share, and you are in contact with them, do send us their details!This will be part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project as part of SG60Nominate someone by clicking here, and we’ll be in touch with you to get more information!Our New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about the Koro crisis of 1967, when Singaporeans got into a mass panic about disappearing genitals!!Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/IMDA Bans Film on CensorshipS’pore film about censorship barred; IMDA says it’s ‘likely to be prejudicial to national interests’Daniel Hui's Small Hours of the Night banned from public screening, Festival retains it in official lineupTrailer - Small Hours of the Night by Daniel HuiClassifying films meant for distribution and public | IMDATan Chay Wa's tombstone trial - WikipediaPrivate-Hire Driver’s Savage Warning to Passengers'Wake up earlier': S'pore private-hire driver displays savage note to riders, applauded by other driversOne Shiok ThingLinkin Park - Heavy Is The Crown [Live]Chatterbox Chicken in NYCMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 33min
#583 ft. Bertha Henson - Singapore Healthcare is Too Complex; Journalism Has Fallen Off the Cliff and Drowned
The weather’s been hot lately, but our studio got even hotter this week when veteran journalist and political commentator Bertha Henson dropped by with a delivery of flaming hot takes on the state of journalism in Singapore, Pritam Singh’s trial, our new PM, and the Oxley Road saga. But lest we bury the lede (journalism reference), we spoke with her about her new ebook, When Mama Fell, a manual on navigating elderly healthcare in Singapore, told through her experience of helping her mother through a difficult episode.(00:00) Folklory(01:18) Intro(04:53) The Cost of Good Journalism(09:57) Challenges in Modern Journalism(13:21) Impact of Journalism Education(25:39) Public Discourse and Transparency(28:43) Public Awareness and Communication(30:36) Media's Role and Responsibility(32:09) Challenges in the Media Industry"(44:27) Personal Reflection and Caregiving(45:24) Publishing Experience and Approach(57:39) Fair Distribution in Healthcare(01:00:44) Public Transport System Changes(01:08:54) Character in Politics(01:17:33) Views on Younger Generation(01:23:24) Bertha's e-Book 'When Mama Fell'(01:25:32) One Shiok ThingFind Bertha here! Read her Ebook “When Mama Fell” - www.whenmamafell.com Order the physical book - Link to order Website - berthahenson.com FacebookFolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.comOur New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about the monster cult leader from Singapore, Comrade Bala…Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutOne Shiok ThingTinariwen - the Saharan rock bandOB Markers: My Straits Times Story by Cheong Yip SengStephen Merchant and Martin Freeman break down The Office Christmas special, 20 years laterMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairThe Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 18min
#582 ft. Munah Bagharib & Jerrold Chong - Turning the Singapore Zoo into an Animated Zombie Apocalypse
Imagine the Singapore zoo being attacked by Zombies. Now imagine talking animals trying to survive it! That's our adult-themed animated TV series called "Zombie Safari"! We chat with Munah Bagharib, who plays Grace the Flamingo as well as Jerrold Chong, one of the co-creators of the show and also a co-founder of Finding Pictures, the animation studio we worked with to bring the story alive. We talk about how much effort goes into animation production (this show took over 2 years to make) as well as the challenges (and awesomeness) of voice acting.(00:00) Intro(03:30) Voice Acting Challenges(06:08) Animation & Indie Inspiration(18:30) Evolution of Munah's Acting Career(19:41) Balancing Acting and YouTube(28:40) Pursuing Auditions and Theater(31:29) Creative Community and Support(36:05) Finding Pictures' Origin(45:18) Animation vs Live Action(51:37) Directing and Confidence(57:54) Discussion On Wildlife and Animation(59:17) Future of Animation and Technology(01:07:54) One Shiok ThingOur New Adult Animated Series, ZOMBIE SAFARIZOMBIE SAFARI follows a ragtag group of zoo animals battling a zombie apocalypse, and is filled with the craziest things you’d never expect out of a local TV show! Check them all out on MeWatch and on YouTubeFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutCheck out Munah & Finding PicturesMunah, the voice of Grace the Flamingo!Finding Pictures, our partner animation studio!One Shiok ThingHouse of the Dragon Season 2 | Official Trailer | MaxWas starting a product business a mistake? | Simone GiertzScavengers Reign | Official Trailer | MaxIf Moses Had a Podcast | thenickpetersonMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Oct 28, 2024 • 53min
#581 - The 38 Oxley Road Saga Continues & Videographers Ruin an Influencer’s Wedding Proposal
38 Oxley Road is the house that just won’t fall. This episode we look at the latest exchange between Lee Hsien Yang and the Singapore government over the fate of his late father’s historical home. To demolish or not demolish? What are the options, what are the precedents? And why can’t we just get this over and done with? We also discuss a viral video of a wedding proposal gone wrong, where the moment seems ruined by the production team loudly giving directions to the couple. We apply our video production experience to figure out what exactly is going on here…(00:00) Tell You First(00:48) Intro(08:40) The 38 Oxley Road Saga Continues(27:15) Videographers Ruin an Influencer’s Wedding Proposal(45:04) One Shiok Comment(48:10) One Shiok ThingFolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.comOur New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about the Koro crisis of 1967, when Singaporeans got into a mass panic about disappearing genitals!!Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutThe 38 Oxley Road Saga ContinuesGovt says Lee Hsien Yang knows inaccuracy of his claim about 38 Oxley Road and is creating 'false urgency' for demolitionST Explains: What does it mean for 38 Oxley Road if the site is gazetted as a national monument?Press release by NHBLee Hsien Yang’s claim on 38 Oxley Road inaccurate, creates false urgency for demolition: GovtVideographers Ruin an Influencer’s Wedding Proposal'They are louder than us': Local content creator says photographers talked over her and fiance in proposal videoOne Shiok CommentComment by surrusty11Comment on #579One Shiok ThingLadysmith Black Mambazo - Hello My BabyBuilding a Tiny Office Pod Under My StairsMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairThe Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Oct 25, 2024 • 52min
#580 - Grab Reverts to 5-Day Office Week & Singapore Ranks 3rd Worldwide in Burnout
Is the pandemic honeymoon truly over? Singapore tech giant Grab is ending hybrid work for its employees and summoning everyone back to HQ, continuing a trend we’re seeing across the world. We discuss what working from home means for employees, as well as employers in various industries. Heck we even talk about us, and how we pivoted from recording YLB from home, to our studio! Also, Singapore recently ranked 3rd in a global ranking on burnout. Why are we so good at being so bad?(00:00) Words of Wisdom(01:00) Intro(05:07) Grab Reverts to 5-Day Office Week(30:55) Singapore Ranks 3rd Worldwide in Burnout(43:37) One Shiok Comment(46:46) One Shiok ThingNominate a Senior over 60 for Folklory!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrsSo if you know someone with stories & lessons to share, and you are in contact with them, do send us their details!This will be part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project as part of SG60Nominate someone by clicking here, and we’ll be in touch with you to get more information!Our New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about the origins of Deepavali AKA Diwali, and what you need to know about the Festival of Lights!!Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutGrab Reverts to 5-Day Office WeekGrab employees required to work 5 days a week in office starting Dec 2Grab Singapore's back-to-office policy will start from December 2S'pore Grab staff must go back to office 5 days a week from Dec. 2, 2024All employers in Singapore must fairly consider flexi-work requests from Dec 1 under new rulesAll employers must have process for workers to request flexible work arrangements from DecemberSingapore Ranks 3rd Worldwide in BurnoutSingapore face rising burnout as country ranks third globally in stress-related Google searchesMost burnt-out cities revealed - Instant OfficesCities with the Best Work-Life Balance 2022One Shiok CommentComment from mushroom_12345One Shiok ThingTickets: Can I Make You A Suit, Mate? - Rishi’s Performance happening till 27 OctDavid Guetta, Alphaville & Ava Max - Forever Young (Live Performance)Mics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairThe Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 7min
#579 - Lee Hsien Yang: Political Refugee? & Trump ‘Works’ at McDonald’s
Somehow, NINE years after Mr Lee Kuan Yew left us, we’re still talking about his former house at 38 Oxley Road. This time it’s because his daughter Dr Lee Wei Ling recently passed away, leaving the house vacant and reigniting the debate over its fate. We look at claims that her brother Lee Hsien Yang has been making about the house and Singapore in general while in self-exile and… is it just us, or is this becoming tiring? On the other side of the world, Donald Trump continues his last-ditch campaign for the US Presidency by doing a half-hour shift at McDonald’s??(00:00) Folklory(01:15) Intro(10:26) Lee Hsien Yang: Political Refugee?(38:25) Trump ‘Works’ at McDonald’s(54:35) One Shiok Comment(01:00:39) One Shiok ThingOur Folklory Christmas CassetteIf you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, we’ve got the perfect idea - our Folklory cassette!It’s a limited edition bluetooth speaker styled as cassette, that will come preloaded with any Folklories you buy!So order by 31 Oct to guarantee your cassette delivery by 25 Dec!Get yours at Folklory.comFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutLee Hsien Yang: Political Refugee?‘I am a political refugee,’ Lee Hsien Yang says; reveals he sought asylum in 202238 Oxley Road: A timeline of eventsOxley Rd house: Govt to ‘carefully consider’ issues, including Lee Hsien Yang’s application to demolishSingapore says no basis to allegations of persecution against Lee Hsien Yang, in response to his UK asylum statusLee Hsien Yang: 'Persecuted' son of Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew gains UK asylumSon of Singapore founder says ‘campaign of persecution’ forced him to seek asylum in UKTrump ‘Works’ at McDonald’sTrump tries to troll Harris by serving french fries at McDonald'sMcDonald’s didn’t give Trump permission to serve fries. It didn’t need toMcDonald's Donald Trump Worked at Failed Last Health InspectionOne Shiok CommentComment by KcplskyComment by MartyOne Shiok ThingDo schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson | TED#125 Start Digging out the Basement - Martijn DoolaardMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairThe Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Oct 21, 2024 • 59min
#578 - The Pritam Trial Discussion You’ve Been Waiting For & Vice-Principal Gets Busted for Extramarital Affair
You held your breath waiting for us to discuss Pritam. Now you can exhale! With the trial of the year well underway, we take stock of all the revelations so far, and what is to come. Redactions, soft biscuits, Pritam’s hot lawyer…what’s next? In other news, a vice-principal has been outed for an extramarital affair with the mother of a student, and the evidence is…amusing to say the least. Are ungrammatical sexts still arousing? Decide for yourself!(00:00) Tell You First(00:46) Intro(05:19) The Pritam Trial(30:34) Vice-Principal Gets Busted for Extramarital Affair(51:00) One Shiok Comment(53:19) One Shiok ThingFolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.comOur New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRSTCheck out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about the Koro crisis of 1967, when Singaporeans got into a mass panic about disappearing genitals!!Listen on melistenListen on SpotifyListen on AppleFind us here!Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.comReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbutThe Pritam TrialPritam Singh trial: 10 key quotes from Loh Pei Ying, Raeesah Khan's ex-assistant and former WP memberEx-WP cadre describes Raeesah Khan as ‘lao hong’: Key points from Day 5 of Pritam Singh’s trialPritam Singh in court: Who are the lawyers leading both sides of his case?AGC says Donald Low’s Facebook post on Pritam Singh's trial was in contempt of courtVice-Principal Gets Busted for Extramarital AffairVice-principal & parent extramarital affair: Woman claiming to be wife says affair lasted more than a yearSchool leaders expected to maintain high standards of conduct: MOE after allegations of V-P’s affairOne Shiok CommentComment by edu-isComment by NicOne Shiok ThingWith ‘SmartLess,’ Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes Are Building a Media Empire'I helped create a monster': Ex-'Apprentice' executive issues apology about TrumpMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak


