Advertise on podcast: Glenn van Zutphen on Saturday Mornings with Neil Humphreys

This week on Saturday Sit‑Down, Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys are joined by Barrett Bingley, Asia Regional Director at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, to unpack the global implications of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s striking address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney declared that the post‑Cold War rules‑based order is no longer functioning as intended—and that middle powers can no longer depend on legacy alliances for economic security or geopolitical stability. Barrett explains why Carney’s call for “variable geometry”—more flexible, pragmatic cooperation among like‑minded countries—resonates deeply across Asia. For economies such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and key ASEAN states, the challenge is clear: navigate intensifying great‑power rivalry while maintaining strategic autonomy, economic openness, and diversified partnerships. We explore what this shifting world order means for Indo‑Pacific businesses, from supply‑chain resilience to new investment corridors. Barrett also outlines how Canada is backing its rhetoric with action, from Indo‑Pacific strategy funding to deeper engagement with regional partners in technology, clean energy, and security cooperation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Wide World Segment, Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys are joined by Kyle Hegarty, Managing Director of Leadership Nomad and author of the new book Sales Punks – The Rebel's Guide to Re‑Writing the Rules of B2B Sales. Kyle takes us inside what he calls the current “sales recession”—a moment where targets are slipping, pipelines are slowing, and traditional sales playbooks are failing even as buyers spend more time researching independently. Kyle explains why buyer behaviour has fundamentally changed, why many sales teams haven’t kept up, and how Singapore businesses can grow smarter, not louder. Sales Punks argues that B2B selling is splitting into two distinct paths: Surge in self‑service buying, where customers want frictionless, low‑touch purchasing; and Rising need for high‑skill, consultative salespeople who can guide clients through complexity, risk, and internal decision‑making. Drawing on his work with sales teams across the US, Europe, and Asia, Kyle shares what companies must do now to rebuild sales capability for 2025 and beyond—from rethinking talent and training to redesigning the buyer journey itself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys to break down a whirlwind of geopolitical shifts that signal a world rapidly reorganising itself around — and sometimes away from — the United States. We start in Beijing, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s high‑stakes meeting with President Xi Jinping marks a notable reset in UK‑China relations. With new agreements on trade, visas, and strategic cooperation, the visit underscores how middle powers are forging their own pathways amid an unpredictable Washington. Steve also shares insights from his recent trip to Hong Kong — including conversations with business leaders navigating private‑equity headwinds, regulatory uncertainty, and the city’s ongoing effort to remain a global financial hub. Then we head to Panama, where the Supreme Court has struck down CK Hutchison’s long‑standing port contracts, injecting fresh tension into the US‑China rivalry over control of critical global trade routes. The ruling could reshape ownership of key canal operations and reverberate across global supply chains. And for our "kicker" the viral Gen‑Z phrase “6‑7” has officially topped the 2025 list of overused words — declared “cooked” and ceremonially banished for the new year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s International News Review Extra takes a sobering turn as Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys to help unpack Iran, where new reports and verified footage reveal the scale of the government’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Despite weeks of internet blackouts, accounts are emerging of mass casualties, live fire on civilians, and a level of state repression not seen in decades. Steve breaks down what this means for regional stability, U.S.–Iran tensions, and why the international community is struggling to respond effectively. From there, we shift to a very different kind of global moment—the passing of beloved actor Catherine O’Hara at age 71. Known for Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and her iconic role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of comedic brilliance and creative generosity. Tributes from across the entertainment world highlight her influence, warmth, and decades-long impact on audiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys are joined by Ritesh Pandey, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Haleon, to explore how health and wellness priorities are rapidly shifting across the region. With an ageing population, a rising working class, and greater post‑Covid awareness, Southeast Asians are taking health into their own hands—driving a surge in preventive health and self‑care. Ritesh breaks down the demographic realities: ASEAN’s population aged 65+ will nearly double in 20 years, while in Singapore, those aged 80 and above have grown by 60% in the past decade. Yet many of these added years are lived with disability, often linked to preventable issues such as micronutrient deficiencies, untreated bone and joint pain, and oral health problems. He explains why health literacy is now a critical economic and social priority, with Haleon’s research showing that improving literacy by just 25% could unlock over USD 100 billion in economic gains for APAC. We also discuss the rise of influencer‑led discovery, the behaviour–action gap in everyday health, and how companies like Haleon are using AI and digital tools to democratise access to credible, science‑backed information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys sit down with Robert Kee, Founder and Chairman of Operation Hope Foundation (OHF)—a Singapore‑based NGO that has quietly achieved what many charities struggle to deliver: an 80% benefit‑to‑cost ratio sustained for more than 20 years. Operating in Nepal and Cambodia, OHF focuses on children and vulnerable communities, but what truly sets it apart is the engineering mindset behind its impact. A former engineer and entrepreneur, Robert brings business discipline, anti‑fraud systems, and “street‑smart” controls to ensure donations reach the last mile. Instead of relying solely on paperwork, OHF verifies outcomes directly on the ground—an approach that has protected donor funds in low‑infrastructure environments where leakage is common. In this conversation, Robert shares how trust must be designed, not assumed; why overhead ratios don’t tell the full story; and how lean governance and personal accountability—he contributes a significant share of OHF’s funding—have shaped the organisation’s integrity. He also offers practical advice for donors and companies on what to look for before giving, and why accountability, not size, determines real impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys spotlight a homegrown innovation reshaping how Singapore eats on the go. Joe Ryan, Founder and CEO of freshpod, joins us in the studio to share how Asia’s first fully automated fresh‑food kiosk is delivering restaurant‑quality meals—anytime, anywhere. freshpod makes a personalised 5‑ or 6‑ingredient bowl from 15 fresh ingredients, 9 sauces, and a range of condiments. Each bowl is prepared in under 90 seconds, complete with precise macronutrient information so customers know exactly what they’re eating. Already deployed at high‑footfall locations like Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, and Grab HQ at one‑north, freshpod provides round‑the‑clock access to nutritious meals for healthcare workers, patients, office staff, and busy professionals. With 500+ five‑star reviews, the concept is proving that convenience and healthy eating can go hand in hand. Behind the scenes, freshpod’s proprietary technology is designed and assembled in Singapore by Hit Refresh, showcasing local engineering talent and the potential for scalable food‑tech solutions. As freshpod prepares to expand across Singapore in 2026, Joe shares what’s next for automated dining and personalised nutrition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New World Order, A New Year of Uncertainty: What 2026 Is Signalling the global landscape is shifting fast; challenging business and government leaders to recalibrate. On this week’s International News Review with Steve Okun with Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys - they cut straight to the heart of the geopolitical tremors shaping 2026. From Mark Carney’s blunt declaration at Davos that the “rules‑based order is dead” to the growing appetite—both in the U.S. and abroad—for leaders willing to stand up to President Trump, the stakes for middle powers, including those in Southeast Asia, have rarely been higher.We also unpack the escalating tensions around Venezuela, where Exxon Mobil finds itself pulled into a political and economic tug‑of‑war, and examine the sudden 180° shift in rhetoric around Greenland as fears of a European World Cup boycott ripple through Washington, Brussels, and FIFA headquarters. And for a lighter kicker—Batman turns 60, reminding us that even in a fractured world, some icons endure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Ted Osius, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, to discuss Vietnam’s evolving role in a region defined by great‑power competition and economic realignment. At the heart of the conversation is Vietnam’s signature “bamboo diplomacy”—firm in principle yet flexible in tactics—as it navigates ties with the U.S., China, Russia, and ASEAN partners while maintaining neutrality and strategic autonomy. Ted explores how Vietnam is strengthening alliances, particularly with Singapore, which recently elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With Singapore investing over $10 billion in Vietnam last year, cooperation now spans digital connectivity, green development, and industrial parks. The discussion also highlights Vietnam’s geoeconomic strategy and supply chain realignment. As global companies diversify away from China, Vietnam is positioning itself as a hub for high‑tech manufacturing and digital economy investment, leveraging stable governance, industrious talent, and urban innovation. Its pragmatic policies and aspiration to be among the world’s top 20 economies by 2045 underscore its rise as a middle power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As children head back to school, conversations around bullying—both online and offline—have taken on renewed urgency. Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Maria Sweeney, Primary Years Principal, and Mark Petterson, Secondary Years Principal at XCL World Academy Singapore, to share practical insights on how families and schools can work together to nurture resilience, empathy, and responsible digital habits in young learners. Against the backdrop of recent incidents and Prime Minister Wong’s National Day Rally call to strengthen online safety, Maria and Mark highlight why anti-bullying strategies must extend beyond regulation. They emphasize cultivating healthy online habits, teaching children not only to avoid risks but to use technology meaningfully. At the same time, they stress the importance of balancing digital engagement with real-world experiences—play, social interaction, and outdoor learning—that build emotional well-being and confidence. The discussion also explores how partnerships between educators, parents, policymakers, and tech platforms are essential to fostering long-term digital citizenship. For adults navigating parenting in the digital age, this episode offers actionable tips and a hopeful vision for raising resilient, compassionate children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys spotlight a landmark moment in Singapore’s art scene with Emi Eu, Executive Director of the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI), and Nathaniel Gaskell, Director of Exhibition Programming and Content Development. Together, they introduce STPI’s inaugural Print Show & Symposium Singapore, launching during Singapore Art Week from 22–31 January. The Print Show celebrates the lineage, evolution, and future of printmaking, featuring works by 27 contemporary artists including Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, David Hockney, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Do Ho Suh. Their prints reveal how collaboration between artists, printers, and publishers has shaped the medium across generations. Complementing the exhibition is a two‑day symposium, The Politics of Print: elephant in the room, curated by Stephanie Bailey. With six panels and 25 influential voices—curators, museum directors, artists, and market leaders—the symposium explores print’s role in shaping art histories, radical movements in Asia, and its collision with digital innovation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors, joins Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys in studio to unpack a diverse set of international stories shaping headlines. We begin with the latest Denmark–Greenland talks, where U.S. interest in the Arctic has reignited debates over sovereignty and strategic influence. Steve explains why Greenland’s position matters geopolitically and how small states navigate such pressures. We then turn to diplomatic etiquette, with reminders about what embassies should—and should not—do abroad. This leads into a discussion of the U.S. Embassy in Singapore’s call for sponsorships for its Fourth of July celebrations, a practice common across embassies and high commissions worldwide, though often misunderstood by the public. Finally, we lighten the mood with a quirky kicker from Malaysia. After the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur shared a satellite image highlighting oil reserves, Malaysians took to social media with humor, joking that their country has “no oil, only palm oil.” It’s a reminder that even serious geopolitical conversations can spark moments of levity and possible concern behind the laughs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys sit down with Nurdiana Rahmat—Diana—Artistic Director of Light to Night Singapore 2026, as the iconic festival celebrates its landmark 10th edition with its longest run ever, spanning four weekends across the Civic District. This year’s theme, “The Power in Us,” shines a spotlight on community, co‑creation, and the collective imagination that has shaped Light to Night into one of Singapore’s most beloved public art festivals. Diana shares how this milestone edition honours a decade of artistic experimentation while inviting audiences to play a more active role in shaping the experience. Festivalgoers can look forward to crowd‑favourite projection mappings, new in‑gallery experiences, guided tours, and the return of the vibrant Art x Social: Festival Village. A major highlight is SANTAI, a brand‑new series of interactive installations inspired by the Malay word for “to relax,” inviting visitors to gather, unwind, and encounter art across five key sites—from the Padang to Esplanade Park. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys are joined by Barbara Kelemen, Head of Asia at Dragonfly, to unpack the Strategic Outlook 2026—a comprehensive intelligence assessment of the geopolitical and security risks shaping the year ahead. In a world where power is increasingly fragmented and spheres of influence overlap, Dragonfly describes 2026 as a “multisphere world,” one defined by fluid alliances, rising competition, and heightened uncertainty. Barbara walks us through the report’s headline forecasts, including record global defence spending, the rise of geoeconomic coercion, and the growing threat of adversarial AI. She also explains why climate inaction is accelerating cascading crises, and how contested space—literally—has become a new frontier for strategic rivalry. Region by region, we explore the flashpoints to watch: political polarization in the Americas, the volatile Taiwan Strait, Europe’s ongoing confrontation with Russia, persistent instability in the Middle East and North Africa, and the convergence of conflict and climate stress in Sub‑Saharan Africa. Singapore and other regional powers also feature in the report’s analysis of evolving defence postures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys are joined in studio by Lim Jia Hui, Senior Manager for Planning & Development at the National Library Board, to explore a heart-warming new initiative bringing books closer to everyday life. In partnership with seven malls and social enterprises, NLB has launched Sit‑n‑Read Nodes—cozy, self‑service reading spaces offering more than 3,000 pre‑loved books for adults and children across Singapore. Located at AMK Hub, Margaret Market, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Yishun, The Centrepoint, The Star Vista, and The Caffeine Experience at URA Centre, each Node features about 400 rotating titles spanning fiction, non‑fiction, and multilingual selections in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Visitors can simply pick up a book, read on the spot, or take it home—no borrowing required. They’re encouraged to return the books so others can enjoy them too. Many Nodes also offer eReads screens and MagNode displays, allowing patrons to access eBooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers instantly via QR codes. With repurposed furnishings and inviting corners, these Nodes embody NLB’s LAB vision to weave reading into everyday spaces. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.