Yah Lah But

Singapore's Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung delivers a no-holds-barred conversation in this YLB episode - tearing into US-Asia power shifts, Singapore's healthcare time bombs, and his own political war stories after losing Aljunied GRC in 2011. He explains why he believes the Opposition isn't going anywhere, drops truth bombs about how char kway teow could sink his career, and reveals when government should - and shouldn't - step in. The discussion also turns personal as he reflects on the family conversations that shaped his decision to enter politics - offering rare insight into the human side of public service.(00:00) Intro(02:40) Transition to Minister for Health(03:25) COVID Strategies and Challenges(05:16) Vaccine Rollout and Impact(12:50) The Aging Population Challenge(14:15) Learning from Other Countries(17:01) Health Advocacy and Social Media(22:52) Political Journey and Personal Background(29:50) Becoming a Civil Servant(32:25) Political Journey and Views(37:30) World Trade and Free Trade Agreements(47:51) US Presence and Security(52:46) Strategic Position of Singapore(58:33) Global Interconnection and Decoupling(59:10) Influence of Foreign Politics on Singapore(01:00:30) Cultural Imports and Political Sentiments(01:01:50) Changing Dynamics in Singapore Politics(01:03:30) Singapore's Economic Role and Workforce(01:07:10) Paradox of Meritocracy and Education(01:10:54) Singapore-Malaysia Relations and Economic Integration(01:15:08) Emerging Challenges and Global Concerns(01:18:30) Impact of Technology and AI(01:21:30) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtKobo or Kindle? 9 e-book readers in Singapore to shop nowDua Lipa - Training Season (Live from the Royal Albert Hall) [Official Performance Video]Comment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodFind Minister Ong here!InstagramTikTokFacebookMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Bertha Henson, a journalist known for igniting the NRIC unmasking saga, shares her unfiltered views on Singapore's political landscape. She discusses the recent NMP resignations and the implications of the EBRC report. Bertha critiques the performance of opposition parties and whether smaller groups should reconsider their strategies. She also reflects on how social media impacts political communication and the importance of authentic journalistic practices, all while keeping it entertaining and engaging.

 The GE2025 season is heating up - barely 2 weeks in and it’s already spicy. A video of Minister Edwin Tong’s walkabout in Marine Parade went viral for seemingly showing an uncle in a wheelchair flipping him off, but was it actually a middle finger? A PAP volunteer also got implicated for looking stand-offish in the video. We dissect the footage and the clarifications from all the parties involved, and ask if this foreshadows the aggressive campaigning to come. Elsewhere, a Buddhist society’s job ad offering $5K-$11K a month for a nun raised eyebrows and serious questions. Was this job ad for real? Can you earn more as a nun than most normal professions?(00:00) Words of Wisdom(00:55) Intro(12:05) Edwin Tong vs. Unfriendly Residents(38:43) $11K Nun Job Stuns Singapore(49:38) One Shiok Comment(56:41) One Shiok ThingNominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same siteHelp us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!One Shiok ThingTo Scale: THE SOLAR SYSTEMSTPI - Creative Workshop & GalleryComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodEdwin Tong vs. Unfriendly ResidentsEdwin Tong says clip from Marine Parade walkabout was used out of context for political objective$11K Nun Job Stuns SingaporeJob ad for nun with offer of $5,000 to $11,000 monthly salary pulled after 3 daysMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Singapore is no longer the happiest country in Asia, according to the latest World Happiness Report. We dropped from 29th to 34th globally, losing our regional crown to Taiwan. What’s behind this decline, and does it match how Singaporeans actually feel? Elsewhere, a standoff between residents in Bukit Batok has sparked debate after a woman complained about her neighbour walking along the corridor in only boxers. Is it indecent, or just awkward?(00:00) Folklory(00:55) Intro(06:30) Singapore Drops in World Happiness Ranking(37:33) Should We Wear Boxers Outside?(53:39) One Shiok Comment(56:14) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingUniverse grew ‘much faster than expected’ after Big Bang, astronomers sayStranded Astronauts Return to Earth: Watch the Undocking and SplashdownExclusive Interview with Elon Musk | Fox News by Sean HannityFolkloryIf 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.comComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Singapore Drops in World Happiness RankingSingapore slips in world happiness ranking, gets knocked off top spot in AsiaWorld Happiness Report | GallupShould We Wear Boxers Outside?Woman complains neighbour walks around in boxer shortsMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, to discuss the FutureYOUth Movement - a youth parallel of the Forward Singapore exercise to understand sentiments and aspirations on issues that youth resonate with. From education and AI to civic participation and social challenges, we break down what young Singaporeans are really concerned about and what has be done. If you want to know where Singapore is headed in the next decade, this episode is for you.Our Sponsor: People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM)This episode is brought to you in partnership with PAYM. They've recently launched the Youth Charter as part of the FutureYOUth Movement, which you can view at the PA Youth CharterCheck out PAYM on Instagram at @paym.youths(00:00) Intro(01:05) Experience of Dr. Janil(02:20) Youth Challenges(04:32) Intergenerational Differences(05:56) Technology and Social Media(08:16) Youth Empowerment and Engagement(10:31) Youth Mobilization Projects(12:59) Negotiation Among Youth(17:16) Role of PAYM and Funding(20:16) Youth Engagement Strategies(22:47) Offline Engagement Importance(24:31) Personal Experiences & Reality Checks(26:28) Navigating Passion and Cynicism(31:52) Inclusivity Among Youth(37:21) Radicalization Concerns(39:20) Social Cohesion Challenges(47:50) Impact of COVID-19 on Youth(51:48) Positive Outlets(52:49) Youth Empowerment(59:09) Geopolitical Concerns(01:06:10) Youth Charter & Call to Action(01:08:06) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingSuccession: Season 1 | Official Trailer | HBOThe Intern - Official Trailer [HD]Chingay Parade 2025: JoyComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Mics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

A video of Minister K. Shanmugam verbally clashing with activists at a Meet-the-People Session last week has gone viral, with the activists in question drawing widespread condemnation for their provocative actions. The activists revealed their side of the story over the weekend, and alleged that they were unfairly portrayed by the Minister’s team and mainstream media. Who’s winning this war of words? Meanwhile, supermarkets in Singapore are finally rolling out unit pricing, making grocery shopping more transparent for consumers. But will it actually help? (00:00) Words of Wisdom(01:00) Intro(07:44) Shanmugam’s MPS Stand-Off with Activists(58:27) Can Unit Pricing Combat Shrinkflation?(01:06:26) One Shiok Comment(01:10:41) One Shiok Thing Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same siteHelp us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!Comment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Shanmugam’s MPS Stand-Off with ActivistsMeet-the-People Session is not a protest venue, says Shanmugam after 2 women cause commotionJosephine Teo recounts 'ambush' incidents at Meet-The-People Sessions, echoing Shanmugam's experience with activistsMalay community leaders, MPs speak out against activists who disrupted Meet-The-People SessionsStatement from the 2 Activists Needs of residents who are Singaporeans come first at Meet-the-People Sessions: MasagosCan Unit Pricing Combat Shrinkflation?Major supermarkets to trial unit pricing for selected products, meant to target shrinkflation & price gimmicksMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

In this special episode, we sit down with Hazel Poa, Non-Constituency MP from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), to discuss her unexpected journey into opposition politics, her views on Singapore’s leadership, and why she believes education reform is key to the country’s future. We cover everything from the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report, to why she thinks the GRC system should be abolished, to how Singaporeans can take more control of their own lives, starting with the upcoming elections.(00:00) Intro(02:10) Politics and Personal Journey(05:10) Entering Opposition(07:44) Opposition Challenges and Family(09:35) NCMP Role and Responsibilities(18:58) Leadership and Future Challenges(26:24) Adaptability and Education(32:43) Challenges in Politics(36:22) Changing Electoral Boundaries(45:23) Opposition Party Dynamics(49:56) The Importance of Voting(56:41) Looking Ahead(01:00:52) Public Awareness and Decision-Making(01:02:43) One Shiok Thing One Shiok ThingThe Horror Film So Real, the FBI Investigated ItSIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH 2025 (Goals & Highlights)MSF website for Support for Foster ParentsComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/Find Hazel here!Hazel’s websiteFacebookPSP’s websitePSP Donation FormMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak 

Singapore’s Electoral Boundaries Review Committee has released its long-awaited report, remaking constituencies ahead of the imminent GE2025. With more MPs, redrawn boundaries, and reconstituted double-barrel GRCs, are these justified adjustments? Or are online commentators’ accusations of gerrymandering valid? Meanwhile, Lady Gaga has chosen Singapore as her only Asia tour stop - sparking excitement and, of course, disappointment from Little Monsters around the region. In Parliament, Minister Edwin Tong clarified that no grants were given to the artist and her team, so why did she skip other Asian countries? Was this purely a business decision, or did Singapore pull some unseen strings? (00:00) Intro(03:24) GE2025 Electoral Boundaries Shake-Up(34:43) Lady Gaga and Singapore Write a Bad Romance(47:22) One Shiok Comment(51:30) 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.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/@yahlahbutGE2025 Electoral Boundaries Shake-Up10 key takeaways from GE2025 boundaries reportGE2025: Extensive changes to electoral boundaries due to population shifts; only 5 GRCs, 4 SMCs left intactSingapore’s election battle lines set as body increases seats, redraws hot wardsEBRC report out, what comes next & when is GE2025?GE2025: WP, PSP and SDP to reveal election plans later after studying boundary changesEBRC reportLady Gaga and Singapore Write a Bad RomanceNo government grants given for upcoming Lady Gaga concerts in Singapore: Edwin TongDua Lipa "Heartbroken" as Jakarta Concert Is Cancelled at the Last MinuteOne Shiok CommentComment by audreyhmfangOne Shiok ThingLamine Yamal DESTROYING Everyone in 2025!(Kuku) Bird of Value: A Singlish Comedy SpecialMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Last week in Parliament, Minister of Manpower Dr Tan See Leng chided PSP’s Leong Mun Wai with a viral Cantonese movie quote that is dividing public opinion. Was it a power move, or unnecessary condescension on his part? Meanwhile, Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim is pushing for Thaipusam to be reinstated as a public holiday, arguing that Singapore’s public holiday distribution is unequal. But will the government ever consider adding another day off?(00:00) Intro(07:30) Tan See Leng’s Cantonese Catchphrase(42:55) Should Thaipusam be a Public Holiday?(58:21) One Shiok Comment(01:00:53) 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.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/@yahlahbutTan See Leng’s Cantonese CatchphraseLeong Mun Wai responds to Tan See Leng's Cantonese quip, says he is voicing concerns from the public63% of resident PMET growth from 2014 to 2024 from local-born Singaporeans: Tan See LengClip of quote from Andy Lau movie Blood Brothers[Paywalled] Zaobao article about response to Tan See Leng’s quip[January 2025] Leong Mun Wai Challenges Tan See Leng on Underemployment and PME Ratio in ParliamentShould Thaipusam be a Public Holiday?After MP Jamus Lim calls for Thaipusam public holiday return, Singapore ministry says up to employers to allow religious worshipHOLIDAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL [1968]YAHOO POLL: Do you think there's a need for another public holiday in Singapore?Why do devotees pierce themselves during Thaipusam?One Shiok CommentComment from Availabe_Ad9766Comment from d61helixOne Shiok ThingMichael Lewis on what he learned by studying the elitesThe Art Of Destroying The DealMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

We return with our first YLB Live show of 2025! In this episode, we talk about the government tightening rules on Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs), by introducing speed limits and medical certification requirements. Are these necessary safety measures, or will they unfairly penalize legitimate users? Meanwhile, a Singapore PR is offering a $2,000 “bounty” to anyone who introduces her to a suitor, and if they date for at least six months. Is this a brilliant dating hack or just another sign of our ultra-transactional society? We also had an audience member come on for a fan segment, and many felt like he should have had his own podcast! See you at the next live show!(00:00) Intro(03:23) PMAs To Require Medical Certification(26:12) One Shiok Fan(35:39) $2,000 Dating Bounty(50:15) 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.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/@yahlahbutPMAs To Require Medical CertificationMedical certification, lower speed limits: New rules for personal mobility aids to take effect in Q1 2026PMAs to have 6kmh speed limit, medical certification needed for mobility scooter users from Q1 2026Offences for misuse of 'lookalike' PMAs increased by over 5 times in 2024: LTA$2,000 Dating BountyS’pore woman offers $2,000 bounty to find life partner[From 2016] ‘Hire Me Leh’ Elizabeth Boon “Turned Down All Job Offers”, Chooses The Freelancing Life[From 2017] S'porean woman creates presentation slides on why you should date her, gets inbox floodedOne Shiok ThingAustralian man who saved 2.4 million babies with his world record blood donations dies aged 88If Trump was President in 1940Mics from @shureVenue at @27AnnSiangEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak