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Are we using phones constructively to help kids to learn or assist adults in coping? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. One of the most fraught challenges of modern parenting is our love-hate relationship with screen time. From school bans on phones in school, to the everyday reality of dual-income working parents who just need their child to eat dinner in peace, how much is too much screentime and who should be responsible? Are we using phones constructively to help kids to learn or assist adults in coping? And in a dopamine fuelled always-on world where we are expected to be 24/7 ready for work, are we asking our offspring to do something we ourselves fail at? Opinion editor Lin Suling gets answers from Dr Becky, who’s been called the millennial parent whisperer by Time Magazine, on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos in January. With millions of followers on Instagram tuning into her snappy videos, Dr Rebecca Kennedy is also a bestselling author, a clinical psychologist, the CEO of Good Inside, and mother of three. Highlights (click/tap above):  1:59 Is there a place for phone bans in schools? 3:45 What’s wrong with kids watching videos during mealtimes? 5:10 Parents are always on their phones for work so why should kids listen? 8:06 Is society intolerant towards misbehaviour in restaurants, airplanes and public areas? 9:58 Might we be over-parenting? 11:23 Is there a minimum age when kids can sit by themselves? 12:40 Dr Becky’s message to people unsure about having kids  Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lin Suling ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, it’s a scary time. But more than ever we need to talk about climate and nature.  Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. Right now, it seems we’re in an ‘ice age’ for climate action. Geopolitics is all we can talk about and it’s pretty much wiped climate change and nature from the headlines. Wars and conflict, trade rows, attacks on climate policies and science and the fracturing of multilateralism have created a more fraught and uncertain world.  Some countries and businesses have weakened their environmental targets and policies, even as the climate and nature crises worsen. So what can be done? Can the shift to bilateral and regional climate and energy agreements replace unified global action? Can renewable energy remain a powerful uniting force? And how can we get climate and nature back into the headlines? Join hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they discuss these questions and more in the latest episode of The Straits Times’ Green Pulse podcast.  Have a listen and let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 1:51 For all the talk of fossil fuels, renewables are stealing the show 7:59 Rush for resources and the Greenland reality check 12:59 Weakening of multilateralism is changing the way we talk about climate and nature.  18:51 Focus on climate and nature might be in a rut. What will it take to refocus minds? 25:33 The human touch. Journalists need to put people at the centre of their environment stories. Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it better to buy stocks or invest in tangible things? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Logan Paul’s Pokemon card has gone for over US$1 million. But do physical items and collections really help your money to grow? How do Pokemon cards, Labubus and Marvel figurines measure alongside traditional stocks as investments? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the stocks versus the 'stuff'. Her guests are avid collector Ian Cheng and eToro market analyst Zavier Wong. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:26 How do stocks compare with items? 8:12 Rare cards that appreciate from $100 to $600 9:00 Why did Pokemon card prices rise? 11:26 Logan Paul’s US$5 million Pokemon card 17:00 Collections that depreciated in value instead  22:08 What should I do if I want to become an investor in cards? Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech stocks still shine, but beware the bubble. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. 2025 has been a turbulent year, and 2026 will also be marked by uncertainty. So amid such global turmoil, what should we invest in? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to grow your money in 2026.  Her guests are Gen Z investor Kass Phai, who is also a family wealth consultant at Unicorn, and veteran market watcher Ven Sreenivasan. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:26 Where are the markets going in 2026? 7:00 Should we still buy tech stocks? 10:37 Risk vs volatility  16:00 Other sectors to invest in 22:00 Should we invest in the SGX?  29:00 Other investment assets to hold Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the World Economic Forum in Davos, it’s clear that global diplomacy has grown more confrontational and transactional. So what’s the game plan for Singapore now? In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha speaks with ST opinion editor Lin Suling, who was in Davos last week, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy dean Joseph Liow about how we can work with American president Donald Trump’s conventional style of foreign policy. The consensus was that ignoring the US is not an option, and that Trumpism is here to stay, even after the US president steps down. As for Singapore, it’s not our style to “tahan”, said Suling, using the Malay word for endure. “Our mantra is to adapt and find new opportunities, and to get on the train.” Highlights (click/tap above): 1:34 What was it like watching Mr Trump speak at Davos? 4:39 Is the world order “rupture” exaggerated? 8:23 How to avoid getting in the crosshairs of the US 14:14 Why it’s not possible for S’pore to ice out US 21:14 S’poreans need to be flexible in outlook and purpose 26:48 Will Trump’s moves influence other big powers to invade other countries? 29:48 “Might is right” has been normalised: Suling 32:54 Great powers have “no qualms” shoving rules aside: Joseph 35:19 Trump called out the dysfunction of the United Nations 37:19 Are countries FOMO about not being on the Board of Peace? 42:10 Should we just wait out the next three years of Trump’s presidency? 45:28 Trumpism is here to stay, even if Trump isn’t here: Joseph Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producers: Elizabeth Law & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A counsellor of a support group reveals why some men choose to tolerate physical, emotional and psychological abuse in their marriages.  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Spousal abuse cases in Singapore rose significantly in 2024 to 2,136, up from 2,008 such cases in 2023, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).  While official figures did not give a breakdown of these cases by gender, the defamation case of Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard and post-Covid-19 awareness have encouraged more men to step forward, said a counsellor who runs a specialised support group for battered husbands.  To find out more in this episode, assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks with Josiah Yeo, a counsellor at Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS), who started its support group for abused husbands in 2022. Mr Yeo details how one of the abused husbands in the support group was beaten with golf clubs and made to slap himself in public. He was even locked out of the house and made to kowtow in front of the door 30 times, before he could get into his home.  Apart from abusive marriages, Mr Yeo also gives some pre-marital advice on what are some red flags to look out for, especially in the dating stage. Highlights (click/tap above):  1:49 Impact of Johnny Depp’s defamation suit on men in Singapore 9:31 When do abused husbands finally walk away from a marriage? 14:05 Why men don’t confide in their friends 18:40 Three reasons men stay in abusive marriage 19:11 Breaking the "bro code": How to check on a friend without making it awkward 32:39 Dating red flags - how to spot a potential abusive spouse Read more on abused spouses: https://str.sg/aqjX Helplines Family violence National Anti-Violence & Sexual Harassment Helpline: 1800-777-0000 (24 hours) AWARE Helpline: 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) Care Corner Project StART: 6476-1482 (weekdays 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; except public holidays) TOUCH Family Support: 6317-9998 Lutheran Community Care Services: 6441-3906 / [email protected] Mental well-being National Mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788 Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Lynda Hong ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus. For January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Dramatic developments in Venezuela and Iran, both important oil suppliers for China, have exposed Beijing’s vulnerability in terms of energy security.  Oil only accounts for around 18 per cent of China’s energy mix but most of this is imported. While both regimes have enjoyed solid ties with Beijing, the reality is there is little China can do directly to preserve its interests there. Domestically, China has achieved remarkable success in its clean energy transition. But the human cost of this effort, particularly when it comes to poorer communities, should not be underestimated. Clean tech may have played a part in China’s soft power rise (BYD electric vehicles and solar panels are obvious examples), but there is no guarantee that this will translate into a stronger hand geopolitically.     Highlights (click/tap above): 2:02 Are China’s interests in Venezuela dead in the water? 4:58 Impacts of developments in Venezuela, Iran on upcoming Trump-Xi meeting 7:37 Is China prepared to use force to defend its energy security interests? 09:44 The human cost of China’s clean energy transition 14:11 Challenges in clean energy storage, distribution 17:28 Clean tech fuels China’s soft power rise 20:14 Existential survival instinct: Running out of energy Read more: https://str.sg/tBih  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Feedback to: [email protected]  SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX  --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been a buffet of discussion as pre-packed food for students have been in the spotlight recently. Some schools have had to turn to prepared meals from centralised kitchens because of shrinking student numbers and a lack of canteen stallholders. But this has not been to everyone’s taste. Bento boxes from airline caterer SATS made the news after pictures of unappetising servings at Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) surfaced online in early January. It prompted a flurry of discussion both on and offline, as everyone weighed in with their thoughts from the colour of the boxes – turquoise – to the dishes served to what pre-packed meals takes away from the recess experience. The media was later invited to HCI to taste the food and speak to students, who gave reviews about the SATS pre-packed meals. The school’s principal said the menus will be refined, and SATS will relook recipes and food presentation. Then on Jan 14, concerns emerged over food safety after 60 primary school pupils came down with suspected food poisoning after consuming food prepared by Gourmetz, the school’s caterer. In this week’s episode of The Usual Place, I chat with two canteen stall operators, Ms Nurkusmawati Kasim, who runs a Western food stall in a primary school, and Ms Grace Lim, who operates a snack stall in a primary and secondary school, about their experience providing meals for students. Jalan Besar GRC MP Shawn Loh, who is the group managing director of food conglomerate Commonwealth Capital Group, joins us to discuss whether there are alternatives to the central kitchen model. Highlights (click/tap above): ​0:55 Were the reactions to Hwa Chong Institution bento boxes overblown? 6:17 Why Grace and Wati chose to work in school canteens 9:22 Crafting menus for students 11:54 Healthy meals affects operating cost 14:43 Can you make money as a canteen stall vendor? 18:25 I just wanted to kill time when my son’s at school: Wati 20:47 Why central kitchens work for schools 22:13 Why Shawn champions a model where prepped ingredients are cooked on-site 25:35 Wati’s experience as a former air stewardess is handy when feeding masses 27:24 Do we romanticise recess time? 32:24 Cafeteria model offers control over nutritional value of food 34:50 What would entice people to become canteen vendors? 37:03 “Meal prep is the least efficient way.”: Shawn Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producers: Elizabeth Law & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lab-grown meat. The way of the future or a hard act to swallow? Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty get their teeth into cultivated meat, a topic that was very much in the headlines a few years back. Singapore was the first nation to approve the sale of cultivated chicken meat in 2020 but investment in the sector, after much fanfare, has slowed.  So is there still potential for this sector to take off? The pay-off could be huge if companies can create safe, tasty and affordable beef, chicken, lamb and even seafood in bioreactors instead of relying on huge tracts of land and the sea. Meeting the needs of billions of people, could slash the impacts on the environment and cut greenhouse gas emissions.  Is this your vision of the future? Or still too soon to say? Let us know what you think! Highlights of conversation (click/tap above): 2:24 What is the difference between cultivated meat and plant-based alternatives? 3:24 Why the interest in cultivated meat? What are the environmental benefits? 6:20 How cultivated meat products are made and why is the process challenging? 12:14 If companies succeed, the prize could be huge but there are still hurdles 20:32 Stay the course: Cultivated meat could become an important tool to fight climate change 23:04 Better information, better decisions by consumers. For instance: CO2 content labels on food products Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2 Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to better reconcile the mixed feelings that come with work transitions. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times. It seems like one of life’s cruel ironies. Do well, and go far together in a bonded team, and yet further progression may require you to move on elsewhere. If this is a familiar scenario to you, fear not. ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi hosts Mr Aneel Singh Gill, a psychologist with Talk Your Heart Out, an online and face-to-face therapy platform. He helps clients navigate work-related issues. Hong Yi, who has been with The Straits Times since 2021, is also hosting in his final podcast as he transitions to a new role elsewhere - and what better topic to talk about than this? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:07 Why might someone feel a sense of loss despite exciting times ahead? 4:13 How to identify and reconcile mixed feelings towards impending change 11:59 Looking past “Stockholm syndrome” after leaving a toxic workplace 15:22 What makes the transition from school to first job especially hard Read an askST Jobs column on leaving well-loved colleagues: https://str.sg/qGTR Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy Host: Tay Hong Yi Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dissect the abduction of a sitting president and predict what might come next. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Was it all about oil? Transnational crime cartels? Or China? In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Hoover Fellow Joseph Ledford and veteran oil analyst Carl Larry to understand Washington’s real game in Venezuela. Dr Joseph Ledford is a Hoover Fellow and the Assistant Director of the Hoover History Lab at the Hoover Institution. His research focuses on the exercise of American power, especially in the Western Hemisphere.  Mr Carl Larry is a Sales Manager at Enverus MarketView with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, covering financial, commercial, and physical aspects of the market.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:31 The 3 goals of the US military operation in Venezuela 3:45 So, was it about oil? 6:31 Is the world going to get cheaper petrol now? 7:54 Why does the US not want China as a ‘neighbour’? 16:42 Why was Machado not made president? 21:26 Will the US’ shale miners be hurt? 23:58 Lessons from Iraq and clues for Asia 26:45 How will the US recover from the reputational hit? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E  Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz  Host: Bhagyashree Garekar ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh has been removed as Leader of the Opposition by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, a day after Parliament debated his suitability for the role. PM Wong has invited the WP to nominate another elected MP. But the person put forth has to be an MP who has not been implicated in the earlier findings of the Committee of Privileges that looked into former MP Raeesah Khan’s conduct in Parliament. The saga started in 2021 when Ms Khan lied in Parliament. It led to an inquiry by the COP to uncover the sequence of events of who knew what, and when. Mr Singh was later convicted by the courts for lying to the COP.What happens now, and are cracks beginning to show within the party, especially as some cadres have called for a special conference? On this episode to discuss the Parliament debate and the implications of Mr Singh losing the role are: Mr Peh Shing Huei, a regular commentator on Singapore politics and a former ST news editor. He is also the founding partner of content agency The Nutgraf, and author of several books about politicians and people in government, and Singapore Management University’s Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan, who is a political analyst. He was also a former Nominated Member of Parliament. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:47 Lifting of the WP whip for debate about Pritam Singh 5:08 “It wasn’t a good day at the office for Parliament.”: Prof Tan 9:57 Pritam vs Tharman: What’s the difference in cases? 14:22 Will there be a political cost to the PAP for this motion? 17:14 Was it the right move for WP MP to bring up PAP MP’s indiscretion? 22:23 Fatigue about the matter 25:23 “This is closing the loop.”: Prof Tan 27:55 Are the cracks showing in the WP, despite show of unity in Parliament? 30:15 Possible leadership challenge within the WP? 34:29 This issue an “albatross” around the WP’s neck: Prof Tan 41:51 Peh on why Pritam didn’t resign first 42:57 What does removing the LO office mean for S’pore politics? Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producers: Elizabeth Law & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI reshapes work and life, schools are changing too. But before we redesign education, should we ask what it’s really for? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Education is one of the few institutions almost every Singaporean passes through - and one of the most contested. From debates about declining attention spans to rising anxiety, we now wonder about the role of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Questions about standards, equity, excellence and inclusion continue to surface. Schools are expected to prepare students not just for jobs, but for citizenship and for lives that feel meaningful. Sometimes these expectations are in tension with one another as we grapple with the AI revolution that’s underway. In this episode, we ask a more fundamental question: What purpose does education serve in a world increasingly driven by technology and AI?  And how should our answers change when the world students are entering - shaped by AI and rapid technological change - may look radically different from the one schools were designed for? Joining the discussion with Deputy Opinion Editor Mubin Saadat are Ms Elisha Tushara, The Straits Times education correspondent who spent a decade teaching before moving into journalism, and Dr Liu Woon Chia, Director and researcher at the National Institute of Education and co-founder of its Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory. Highlights (click/tap above):  1:30 AI impact on education 11:55 What do PISA and OECD studies tell us? 15: 03 Friction in learning 19:35 A focus on human qualities in learning  26:35 AI as a teacher’s tool Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Host: Mubin Saadat ([email protected])  Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The science of getting unstuck from OCD in four days. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is frequently misunderstood. Although the term is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life. However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years. To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how the Bergen approach treats OCD in just four days? They are  Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:56 How is OCD treated?  6:00 What does the Bergen treatment entail? 11:00 Is it for everyone suffering from OCD? 14:05 What is the “homework” that patients have to do? 21:52 How should families accommodate a family member living with OCD? Listen to OCD Part 1: The hidden reality and a new way out - https://str.sg/yBjG Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheck See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Asia’s militaries show an increasing appetite to deploy drones – most recently during the Thai-Cambodian skirmishes and the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May, 2025, we speak to the chief executive of the company that makes lethal Unmanned Aerial Systems such as the Predator, Reaper and Sea Guardian. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corp, on trends in modern warfare, the rise of data-driven hi-tech weapons, weapons that ‘loiter’ in the air awaiting command from the ground and space as the next frontier of contestation.  They also focus on UASs – in warfare and potentially for civil use – and discuss whether unmanned drones have raised the risk of warfare by not putting pilots directly in harm’s way. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:46 'The future is in unmanned systems' 5:45 ‘Hey, there’s an UAV flying right alongside me’ 7:00 Asian militaries buying Predators and eyeing EMALS: India, Japan, Taiwan, Asean 14:05 Can US go it alone in defence research? 16:43 Does unmanned raise risk of war? 20:32 ‘There will always be pilots’ Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz  Host: Ravi Velloor ([email protected]) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: [email protected] SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.