Deep Dive

Malaysian politics has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. With prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob now at the helm, ready to appoint a Cabinet, CNA’s Lin Suling asks ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Dr Francis Hutchinson and Singapore Institute of International Affairs’ Dr Oh Ei Sun: Will the new government survive a confidence vote? Will UMNO seize this chance to redeem itself? What are the implications when the monarchy, which was never meant to be a backstop against politics crises, steps in? And are these dynamics simply part of Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a “normal” democracy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions have downloaded and streamed movies, plays and sitcoms to survive the pandemic. But what is like on the other side of the screen? Has COVID-19 compromised what the big screen can bring across and shaken up the movie industry? Lin Suling speaks to veteran filmmaker Juan Foo and Kew Lin, a full-time independent filmmaker on the challenges of production, the rise of streaming and how far passion can go in making movies in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One has been a competitive swimmer since 11 while the other switched out her nurse's uniform to train for hours on the water. Swimmer Quah Ting Wen and rower Joan Poh talk to Lin Suling about taking part in the unprecedented Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the extraordinary pressures of competing for international sporting glory, dealing with criticism and why despite it all, they will always choose the tougher life of an elite athlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the death at River Valley High School, mental health has become a key issue in Singapore. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing outlined efforts to enhance mental health literacy and recruit more school counsellors. Do the suggested solutions go far enough? Or are they simply a band-aid, when deeper systemic and mindset shifts are needed? Lin Suling speaks to Minister of State for Education Sun Xueling, Principal Counsellor at Care Corner Bettina Yeap, and Adrian Tan, parent of four.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eateries are on their knees with the latest round of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions. What has it been like to be in the eye of the storm for more than a year? Have billions of dollars in relief made a difference? What are diners looking for in the post-pandemic dining experience? And are eateries ready to implement potential rules allowing only the vaccinated to dine in? Lin Suling talks to Anthony Yeoh, chef-owner of Summer Hill restaurant and Jesher Loi, Ya Kun’s Director of Branding and Market Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do these curbs suggest Singapore is further away from a new normal? What will it take to get there? Why not differentiate between those vaccinated and those who are not? And does living normally with COVID-19 hinge on getting seniors vaccinated? Lin Suling speaks to Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant at the Division of Infectious Disease, National University Hospital, and Jeremy Lim, Associate Professor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For new parents, particularly breastfeeding mums, the days and nights can become one incoherent blur. Why does postnatal depression happen? Might it start later and even affect dads? Lin Suling explores the big challenges that lurk beneath parenthood with new mother Elizabeth Quek and Associate Professor Helen Chen, Head and Senior Consultant of the Department of Psychological Medicine at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has floated “an amicable divorce option” for public consultation. Couples can jointly file for a dissolution of marriage without assigning blame. But how does a no-fault divorce work? How different is this from how Family Justice Courts treat uncontested cases? And will it mean divorce becomes an easy option? Lin Suling speaks to family lawyer Gloria James-Civetta and family counsellor Benny Bong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since COVID-19 hit, the people who fed a nation for decades have seen their fortunes tumble. In a world dominated with food apps, online delivery and cashless payment, going digital should be the norm but is no silver bullet. What's stopping hawkers? What's their future in a pandemic world? And will younger Singaporeans be discouraged from taking up this UNESCO-recognised craft? Lin Suling speaks to Makansutra's KF Seetoh and second-generation hawker Melvin Chew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the circuit breaker last year, calls to mental healthcare hotlines shot up - Singaporeans were stressed, anxious, lonely and struggling. Who are the people on the other end of the line who answer these anguished calls for help? How do they manage burnout and the burden of caring for those who call? Lin Suling speaks to Porsche Poh, Executive Director of Silver Ribbon Singapore, and Tan Li Jen, Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist and Deputy Head of the National CARE Hotline at the Ministry of Social and Family Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.