Deep Dive

Singapore’s consumption of sugar and salt is above the recommended global limits and it is making us sick. The Government is introducing measures to curb this – from new labels to a drive to use alternatives. But will this take away the joy of all that is delicious about local food? Will these food labels work? Steven Chia speaks to Jaclyn Reutens, dietitian from Aptima Nutrition and Damian D'Silva, Masterchef Singapore Judge and owner of Rempapa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A resounding yes, say our guests. Its scale, accessibility and sophistication underline some fundamental problems with the current education system. How will it change the way students learn and teachers teach and test? Steven Chia speaks to Toby Walsh, a professor of artificial intelligence and Jonathan Sim who teaches at the National University of Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overloaded sockets, cheap batteries and cluttered homes - these are some of the factors driving fires in homes. What's missing in our understanding of fire safety and who should be responsible? Steven Chia speaks to Benedict Koh, president of Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore, Yong Teck Meng, director at Habitat for Humanity Singapore and Tang Kok Zuea, lecturer at the NUS College of Design and Engineering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young people are embracing a new way of working by making thousands of dollars as content creators on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or OnlyFans. Is this eco-system feeding a new generation who only want to earn quick cash, and eschew the traditional nine-to-five job? Steven Chia gets answers from Joanne Liew, Chief Studios and Content Officer at Gushcloud and Nicholas Lim, from the S R Nathan School of Human Development at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The need to increase social protections for platform workers is clear but things get complicated when it comes to who pays for it and how this will work in a way that is sustainable for all stakeholders. Steven Chia gets answers from Mathew Mathews, Head of IPS Social Lab, Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Jason Parke, President of the Digital Platforms Industry Association and Hasteven, a 25-year-old platform rider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 2020 to 2022, the number of people caught vaping has more than tripled. The use of e-cigarettes has entrenched itself, not just among the young who are attracted by the lower costs and different flavours, but also by adults who are convinced that this is less harmful compared to cigarettes. What does the research say and why aren’t current enforcement measures working? Steven Chia speaks to Associate Professor Bibhas Chakraborty from Duke-NUS Medical School, Sean Ang, a smoking cessation specialist and “Sarah”, who vapes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his speech at this year's People's Action Party Central Executive Committee's meeting, PM Lee Hsien Loong said Singaporeans cannot "have it both ways" - voting in more opposition yet keeping the PAP Government in power. Is this a likely reality and how soon could that come to pass? And what does the opposition need to do to win a stronger mandate? Steven Chia gets views from Ja-Ian Chong, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, Walid Jumblatt Abdullah, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University and 24-year-old political science student Jaye Seah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued a fresh round of regulations to restrict retail investors from investing in what it calls "a highly risky" product. Why is cryptocurrency dangerous to the average investor and how does this sit with Singapore's position as a fintech hub? Steven Chia speaks to Zann Kwan co-founder and CEO of Bitcoin Exchange and Ben Charoenwong, assistant professor at the National University of Singapore Business School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest 2021 Marriage and Parenthood Survey, half of the singles surveyed said they were not currently dating, and among them, 38 per cent had never dated before. Is technology making things worse? How have expectations changed and why is there a fear of commitment? Steven Chia speaks to Violet Lim, CEO of Lunch Actually and two 22-year-old students, Vanessa Chan and Alan who prefers to be anonymous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts discuss the ambitious Healthier SG plan in Singapore, focusing on the shift to preventive care and the impact on general practitioners. They explore the need for a unified system for healthcare documentation and the potential impact of technological advancements on GPs. The debate on the cost of drugs and fair remuneration for GPs is also addressed, along with the importance of improving vaccination accessibility.