Deep Dive

When footage of a woman and her car plunging into a sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road went viral, it raised questions on whether Singapore is susceptible to more sinkholes. With underground construction expanding and climate change reshaping our environment, what are engineers doing to keep our ground stable? Otelli Edwards speaks to David Ng at the Institution of Engineers Singapore and Dr Stephen Chua from the Earth Observatory of Singapore at NTU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jared Ng, a psychiatrist and former chief of emergency and crisis care, dives into the alarming rise of male suicide rates in Singapore, particularly among those aged 30 to 39. He discusses the societal pressures that contribute to this crisis, including job stability and relationship challenges. The importance of recognizing warning signs and establishing robust support systems is emphasized. Dr. Ng also highlights the shift in men's attitudes toward mental health, advocating for more open discussions and community-driven support initiatives.

The number of elderly Singaporeans living alone has doubled in the past decade. With Singapore on the cusp of becoming a “super-aged” society, the numbers will only climb further. While support systems exist, are they enough when an elderly person needs urgent medical help or even just someone to talk to? Steven Chia speaks with Karen Wee, executive director of Lions Befrienders, and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Certis came under scrutiny recently for a controversial policy requiring officers on medical leave to share their “live” location if they were not at home. While the company has since rolled back the mandate, the debate over workplace sick leave policies continues. How far should companies go to prevent abuse of the system and where does trust fit in? Steven Chia speaks with Hao Shuo, CEO of the Singapore National Employers Federation, and Alvin Goh, CEO of Singapore Human Resources Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) recently accused three students of academic fraud, saying that they used generative AI tools in their assignments. What are the limitations around AI use, when does it cross the line and is it time to rethink the way assignments are designed and assessed? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate Professor Ben Leong, director of the AI Centre for Educational Technologies at NUS, and Jeremy Soo, co-founder of Nex AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Associate Professor Jeremy Lim from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and health services consultant Dr. Yoong Siew Lee as they dissect Great Eastern's recent suspension of pre-authorization at Mount Elizabeth hospitals. They delve into the complexities of health insurance, discussing rising medical costs, the nuances of pre-authorization, and the anxiety faced by patients navigating their coverage. With insights on the future of healthcare finances and the critical need for clearer communication from insurers, this conversation sheds light on an evolving landscape.

Jetstar Asia will cease operations on Jul 31, a move unsurprising to experts because the low-cost carrier was struggling to turn a profit in a tough aviation market. Otelli Edwards speaks to Shukor Yusof from aviation consultancy Endau Analytics and Dr Nitin Pangarkar from NUS Business School to find out what the future holds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicle sales hit a new high in the first three months of 2025, accounting for 40 per cent of total car registrations. Yet concerns about charging networks and capacity remain. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with transport economist Walter Theseira and Stephanie Tan, CEO of EV-Electric Charging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Non-life-threatening 995 calls will be directed to NurseFirst, a triage helpline, under a six-month nationwide trial aimed at easing the burden on emergency services. How exactly does it work, and will the public adapt? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards find out from Col Dr David Pflug, chief medical officer of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Dr Jade Kua, clinical lead for the NurseFirst helpline and senior consultant at the emergency medicine department in Woodlands Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap recently announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ethan Hsu, head of retail at Knight Frank Singapore, and Terence Yow, managing director of Enviably Me Group of Companies and chairperson of the SG Tenants United for Fairness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.