The Usual Place

Epizodai

• S1E100: Were unhappy WP veterans behind the challenge to Pritam Singh? 30.06.2026 25min

  Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh fobbed off talk that he would face a challenge to his position at the party’s proceedings on June 28. The results from the party’s internal meetings showed that most party members are still very much behind him. What does this mean for the WP, and has the party turned the page on the saga involving Raeesah Khan? In this episode, I chat with Tham Yuen-C, senior political correspondent at The Straits Times who has covered WP for about a decade, and Dr Teo Kay Key, a senior research fellow at IPS Social Lab at the Institute of Policy Studies, who studies public opinion, and political and social attitudes. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:54 Is Pritam Singh invincible? 5:50 Who are the unhappy cadres? 8:27 What the “supermajority” vote says 10:46 Cult of personality around Pritam Singh? 16:10 Party stability comes first 20:15 “Pretty much business as usual.” 23:57 End of Raeesah-gate? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah, Elizabeth Law & Zachary Lim 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E99: Dear You debate: Is it time to relook rules on Chinese dialects? 25.06.2026 44min

  The Chinese film Dear You, shot almost entirely in Teochew, is not only a box office hit - it has ignited intense debate among Chinese Singaporeans. From film-makers to politicians, many people have weighed in on the authorities’ decision to limit screenings of the Teochew version, and instead have a wider general release for the Mandarin-dubbed version. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said that this move supports the bilingual policy which aims to promote Mandarin as the main language among Chinese Singaporeans. But the strict policing of dialects, when other foreign language films have been allowed to be screened, has the local audience asking: is it time to relook how we treat dialects? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:08 Why strong reaction to limited Teochew screenings? 6:22 Is it a film that touches only Teochews? 9:27 What's lost in dubbed movies? 13:11 Is the outrage fair? 15:27 Time to relook policy on dialects in film? 20:40 Has the Speak Mandarin Campaign been too successful? 23:48 Can Chinese dialects and Mandarin coexist? 29:08 “We’re not comparing like for like.” 31:34 Are dialects less valuable than Mandarin? 35:45 Who’s learning dialects now? 38:17 Beyond the uproar, what happens next? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah, Elizabeth Law & Zachary Lim 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E98: Lure of traffic drives millions of Chinese content creators to target Singapore 18.06.2026 28min

  Independent content creators in China are making online posts disparaging Singapore, its politicians and minorities.The latter, in particular, has made the authorities here concerned enough to block access to 14 online posts earlier in June, which targeted the Indian community and contained inflammatory narratives about Singapore’s cultural diversity. If the content isn’t state-sanctioned, what’s driving Chinese content creators to make such posts, and why did it find an audience here? In this episode, I chat with: Benjamin Ang, the head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security, Future Issues and Technology at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. He researches cybersecurity, digital security and disinformation, and Straits Times senior columnist Tan Dawn Wei, who writes about China and its relations with the rest of the world. She was in Beijing for seven years from 2018 as ST’s China bureau chief, covering all aspects of the country, from its domestic politics to its economy. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:58 Difference between state-directed vs organic disinformation 3:56 Clicks for “outrageous” content 9:05 All about the clicks 10:23 "We just happen to be a hot topic.” 13:06 Why did the content focus on race? 18:05 Does the racist content reflect how some Singaporeans think? 21:21 How polarisation can happen 26:10 Why doesn’t the Chinese government take down such content? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah, Elizabeth Law & Zachary Lim 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E97: Is modern dating in Singapore broken? 04.06.2026 47min

  A recent Straits Times survey of 1,000 unmarried people explained why the dating scene is so bleak: it’s hard to meet new people, dating can be expensive and there are unrealistic expectations of love and relationships. In this episode, Natasha chats with: • Liu Zhiqun, co-founder of Kopi Date, a dating platform that curates one-on-one coffee dates, and • Dr Kenneth Tan, an assistant professor of psychology at Singapore Management University, who studies relationships from end-to-end - that is from singlehood to why relationships end. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:53 Has dating become harder? 5:29 21 years old, no dating experience 10:10 The ‘perfect partner’ problem 11:33 Has social media warped our idea of romance 14:21 Dating 101: teaching rejection in schools? 18:29 Why people don’t bring their best self on dates 21:46 “Why do I have to work for love as well?” 27:15 Is school the best place to look for love? 31:20 Fear of being alone leads to settling 32:34 Red flags, icks: are they just excuses? 36:25 Old-school gender rules in a modern dating world 41:52 Can the Government fix our love lives? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E97: Hands-on dads look great because the bar is low: Singapore father on unfair parenting expectations 28.05.2026 43min

  Do fathers in Singapore get a bad reputation for being hands-off? Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, who chairs the new Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup, drew some flak for speaking about career “detours” as something that should be normalised for mothers - with little mention of a fathers’ role in the parenting journey. Why do we frame the parenting experience as mainly a woman’s role? In this episode of the podcast, I put that question to two fathers: new stay-at-home dad Jeggan Rajendram and Kevin Goh, the Group Head of engagement and programmes at the Centre for Fathering. We discuss who dads benchmark themselves to and whether mothers are preventing fathers from being more hands on. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:05 Are fathers missing from the parenting conversation? 3:30 “Regret minimisation”: Jeggan’s decision to be a stay-at-home dad 7:10 “People still look at me like I was crazy.” 11:27 Mums get a ‘head start’ on parenting 15:08 What’s holding fathers back from being more hands-on? 17:20 Mums, please involve dads, and let go 21:20 Whose standard is the right one? 24:05 The loss of identity as a stay-at-home parent 30:30 Being the stay-at-home parent doesn’t have to be forever 33:27 Encouraging dads to be more active parents 37:11 When dad’s your personal hairstylist 40:08 Will we have more babies if dads and mums are equals? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law Assistant producer: Stacey Ngiam 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E96: Singapore forensic psychologist explains why voyeurs and molesters commit crimes 21.05.2026 33min

  Will a new bystander campaign by the police get more people to speak up for victims for molest and voyeurism? In this episode of The Usual Place, I chat with Ms Lim Shoon Yin, the executive director of Singapore women’s rights group Aware, about what holds bystanders back and what they can do. Also on the podcast is Dr Julia Lam, a forensic psychologist, who assesses people who have committed offences like sexual crimes. She studies impulse control disorder and behavioural addiction, among other areas. She explains why perpetrators cross the line and act on urges, despite knowing it’s a crime. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:51 Are more people reporting sexual assault? 4:20 Why do bystanders freeze? 6:01 Could you become a molester or voyeur? 9:15 Why perpetrators choose to cross the line 10:36 Why take the risk of getting caught in public? 13:42 How bystanders can safely intervene, if unsure 17:33 Perpetrators not deterred by warning announcements, posters 20:22 Do conservative societal attitudes contribute to such behaviour? 26:02 What victims need when they report harassment Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Hadyu Rahim & Amirul Karim Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law Assistant producer: Stacey Ngiam 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E95: Is caning an appropriate way to discipline school bullies? 14.05.2026 34min

  By 2027, every school will have to follow standard disciplinary measures such as detention and conduct grade adjustment for different types of misbehaviour. But the measure that divided parents, teachers and parliamentarians was that bullies can get up to three strokes of the cane. Caning in schools is not new, so why were so many people upset that school bullies will be caned? In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with ST education correspondent and former secondary school teacher Elisha Tushara, and chief executive officer of the Singapore Children’s Society Ang Boon Min, about what caused the scrutiny over caning for bullies. At a time when bullying cases are increasing - albeit by a small number - will caning change behaviour among recalcitrant students? Also, if parents step in to take on their child’s bullies, will it make things worse? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 Does caning students work? 4:55 Do children learn from being caned? 8:22 Creative ways students try to escape caning 11:20 How do children become bullies? 13:34 Reframe the language around bullying 16:35 Most children don’t want their bully punished 19:11 Natural for parents to “feel an ache” 20:42 What is restorative justice? 22:35 Will teachers be stretched further? 26:45 How to help bullied children feel safe? 29:35 Parents involvement can be “unproductive” Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law Assistant producer: Stacey Ngiam 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E94: Sky high condo prices: are sales being funded by parents' retirement savings? 07.05.2026 55min

  Never mind that it’s way out west - Tengah’s first private condominium development sold out almost all its units over its launch weekend at the end of April. At an average price of $2,120 per sq ft and a location that’s under the Outside Central Region (OCR) classification, the affordable suburban condominium is starting to feel more expensive. But despite all our complaints about high property prices and the uncertain global outlook, these sales show that Singaporeans are still willing to fork out serious money for new, unsubsidised private residential properties. Is this the new normal buyers have to get used to? In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha speaks with veteran property analyst and chief research officer at MOGUL.sg Nicholas Mak, and CEO and Chief Investment Officer at financial advisory firm MoneyOwl Chuin Ting Weber. We chat about who are the buyers driving the sales of these properties, and what’s driving these record new launch condo prices? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:20 What's driving up condo prices? 4:55 FOMO in buyers driven by agents 7:25 HDB upgraders not main condo buyers 9:56 Who's renting if everyone's buying? 15:28 The myth of constantly rising prices 19:28 Making compromises to make mortgage 31:40 Good debt and what you can afford 37:22 Parents digging into retirement funds for kids 48:00 Why isn't the government stepping in more? 51:36 The similarities between healthcare and property Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E93: Are people not having children because of PSLE stress and the education arms race? 30.04.2026 55min

  Would changes to Singapore’s education system fix our low fertility rate? A new work group, comprising political office holders from various ministries, has been set up to encourage Singaporeans to marry and have children, with broader support from society. In this podcast episode, I chat with Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau and stay-at-home mother Vivien Lim, who has three children. We discuss the “education arms race” and whether the Primary School Leaving Examination really needs to be a such high-stakes exam for 12-year-olds. With the big question looming - whether we can get the total fertility rate back up - Jasmin and Vivien talk about steering children on the best pathways, the pressures of juggling careers and motherhood, and finding joy in parenting. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:53 Will this new work group change anything? 5:45 Jasmin on the education arms race 9:04 Preschool: the “honeymoon’ years 14:33 Stressful education system or anxious parents? 17:53 “This is not something to look forward to.” 23:12 PSLE reflects on everyone from children to teachers 27:02 What’s the point of the PSLE if it doesn’t test real-world skills? 34:05 The PSLE parent: why some women leave their jobs 36:10 Jasmin would leave her role if her kids aren’t doing well 43:07 Are we raising kids for the future? 47:40 Will changing the education system encourage couples to have kids? 50:46 What’s stopping couples from having kids? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah and Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E92: New signs on MRT trains spark debate on how to behave on public transport in Singapore 23.04.2026 30min

  An ongoing SMRT campaign, meant to inspire a gracious commute culture, has laid down the law on what’s acceptable, or not, on the train. Two bubble-like characters – named “Dotties” by SMRT – are accompanied by the caption, “Don’t groom in public”. One is shown clipping their toenails and the other, applying make-up. It got the internet talking about the boundaries of personal grooming in public. But after decades of public etiquette and courtesy campaigns across Singapore, why is there still a need for this conversation? And if Singapore is a first-world city, why don’t we have a handle on what’s acceptable and what isn’t in public? In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Elysia Tan, a clinical psychologist, and Shila Naidu, a trauma therapist, to work through how to behave on public transport? Highlights (click/tap above): 4:08 Why have we not learnt from decades of courtesy campaigns? 9:54 Why don’t people realise they are irritating others? 14:29 Are these behaviours a reflection of a stressed society? 18:08 How did we become a “shame-based” society? 21:59 Commuters with mental health issues 24:41 Should we confront people on the train? 28:24 No PDA, no nose picking and distance please! Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E91: What happens when single-sex schools go co-ed? 16.04.2026 39min

  Over the last couple of years, several of Singapore’s well-known boys’ schools have opened their doors to girls. The latest to join the list is Montfort Junior School. In March, it was announced that the primary school will become co-ed from 2028, while Montfort Secondary School will follow suit by 2034 or earlier. As such announcements often do, it got people talking – about heritage, cultural identity, and what may be lost when single-sex schools go co-ed. In this episode, I speak with a former deputy principal at Raffles Girls’ School, an academic from the National Institute of Education, and a mother of three boys who sits on two school boards and an alumni board. With shrinking student numbers and competing demands for space, is there still a case for teaching boys and girls separately? Highlights (click/tap above): 2:20 Why do alumni get upset when their schools go co-ed? 6:59 “It didn’t feel like it was mine anymore.” 10:05 How girls flourish in the single-sex school environment 15:56 Why a school’s history is powerful 17:57 Do single-sex schools reinforce gender stereotypes? 22:00 Finding balance in the school experience 24:00 Less prepared for the real world? 27:22 “Eh bro, that’s really toxic.” 31:34 Focus on quality curriculum 33:07 Shut down single-sex schools with falling enrolment? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Hadyu Rahim & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E90: Have we hit the panic button over the Iran war? 09.04.2026 47min

  After US President Donald Trump walked back his threats to wipe Iran off the map, there’s now a two-week ceasefire in place. Hours before this kicked in, the Singapore Government announced in Parliament on April 7 support measures to help cushion the cost increases resulting from the Middle East conflict. These include disbursing $500 in CDC vouchers half a year early and a $200 increase in the Cost-of-Living Special Payment. Six weeks into this war, the question now is: Will things get better from here, or are we just having a moment of respite before the knock-on effects continue to worsen? In this podcast episode, I chat with economists Danny Quah, Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and Sheana Yue, a senior economist at global economic advisory firm Oxford Economics, about what else we should brace ourselves for. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:12 Iran war uncertainty’s impact on Singapore 10:53 Singapore’s 1973 oil crisis lessons 17:21 Better placed to handle this war? 20:12 “We have a bit of breathing space.” 23:30 Do we need more handouts? 29:21 Is Singapore headed for a recession? 32:01 Stagflation a worry for all countries 35:55 Should we throw out the old diplomacy rulebook? 43:39 The worst-case Iran war scenario Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E89: New IP rider rules just kicked in. Are you actually better or worse off? 02.04.2026 32min

  If you have private medical insurance, April 1 would have been on your radar. Private health insurers have put out new Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders, which comply with requirements by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that were announced in November 2025.  This move was aimed at curbing rising insurance premiums and private healthcare costs. The major effect on policyholders? They will now be required to fork out more in deductibles and co-payments. The upside is that new IP riders are more affordable than the previous ones. What does this move spell for private insurers, doctors and policyholders? In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with Mr Eddy Cheong, CEO at insurance advisory Havend; and Mr Yip Hon Weng, Yio Chu Kang SMC MP and the deputy chairperson for the government parliamentary committee on health. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:18 Changes to IP riders and plans 8:01 What led to the ‘buffet syndrome’? 12:56 Doctors charging indiscriminately? 14:03 Paying more for your rider than the base plan 18:04 Delaying medical checks? 24:06 How medical inflation got to 16.9%? 26:00 Do you need to ‘insurance-max’? 30:36 Fewer insurers, fewer problems? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E88: How can recycling be sexy? 26.03.2026 31min

  Will lucky draws, monetary rewards or ‘sticks’ work when it comes to getting Singapore residents to recycle? A new recycling initiative called the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) launches on April 1, but with household recycling rate in 2024 fell to a record low of 11 per cent, will this move the needle? Mr Heng Li Seng, founder and director of social enterprise Green Nudge, and Associate Professor Victor Seah, director of the Behavioural Insights Centre of Excellence at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, drop by The Usual Place to help sort out our recycling woes. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:29 Will the BCRS work? 5:41 Is a 10-cents refund a good enough sweetener? 7:11 ‘Sticks’ to change behaviour 10:49 Transparency of recycling process 16:14 Tiong Bahru residents have had enough of blue bins 18:29 Shaming others into recycling? 21:39 Recycling is not as simple as before 24:29 Can recycling be sexy? 28:39 No silver bullet to get people to recycle Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E87: Should the Government fund condo repairs? 19.03.2026 39min

  More than 1,000 private residential developments in Singapore are hitting their 30s, and some are starting to show signs of wear and tear. But if residents have not been prudent in saving for these big-ticket items such as upgrading lifts and fixing spalling concrete, should the Government step in to help? Mr Andrew Lioe, president of the Association of Strata Managers, and Mr Daniel Chen, a lawyer and partner at Lee & Lee, with a practice focused on Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) disputes, weigh in on the challenges with managing sinking funds and the tension among different types of owners. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:44 How are sinking funds for condos managed? 4:44 Sinking fund kitty management woes 6:48 Why do owners want to delay adding to the sinking fund? 10:30 Why can’t MCSTs force owners to pay? 14:27 “The en bloc situation is not that common.” 15:24 The owner-occupied vs investor-owned mindset 18:33 What changes to the law could fix this problem? 22:36 Are problems caused by a selfish few? 26:00 The tension in mixed developments 29:45 Should the Govt step in to bail out condos? 33:50 Red flags when buying resale condos Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E86: What does the war in Iran change for Singapore? 12.03.2026 34min

  The way the Iran war began has reinforced the growing feeling that the rules-based international order, which Singapore stands by and bases its foreign policy on, is under serious strain. But could Singapore’s measured and consistent response actually be an asset in these volatile times? In this podcast episode, Mr Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, founding director of Dialogue Centre, a non-profit consultancy focused on cultural and racial diversity and inclusion, and Straits Times deputy opinion editor Bhavan Jaipragas, discuss what’s at stake for Singapore’s foreign policy. On the home front, there are concerns about how binary thinking can alienate or fracture communities here, when people choose to villainise those who disagree with them. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:30 What does the Iran war mean for S’pore? 4:15 S’pore’s consistent position is our strength: Imran 8:58 What’s stopping bigger powers from taking liberties with S’pore? 11:30 No appetite for this war in Iran 16:17 Don’t see others with different povs as “villains” 19:05 The Novita Lam controversy: “She didn’t read the room.” 24:18 It’s dangerous when people feel helpless: Imran 27:39 Get off social media, talk face-to-face 32:30 Why Parliament debates aren’t for elites consumption Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E85: Traffic deaths hit a 10-year high: What's happening on our roads? 05.03.2026 48min

  A recent report card of our behaviour on the road has shown that we’ve become worse motorists.Traffic deaths have hit a 10-year high, the number of people injured in accidents has risen from 2024, and speeding violations jumped by 25.9% in a year. These figures were detailed in the annual road traffic statistics for 2025 by the Traffic Police, which were reported on Feb 26. We have smart cars, tons of traffic cameras and strict laws to regulate good behaviour on the road, but why have the statistics become worse? Are we just bad road users or are there other factors involved? In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with Ms Bozy Lu, a lawyer and partner at Han & Lu Law Chambers LLP, specialising in road accident claims and community law, and Mr Jason Lim, chairman of the Riding Safety Association of Singapore, a motorcyclist interest group. He also co-owns Roads.sg, a platform that, at its heart, advocates for road safety. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:16 Why are our roads like that? 5:16 Our devices are making us distracted 7:06 “Please make this guy famous.” 10:39 Do drivers see speed limits as a suggestion? 13:43 “My passenger is chasing me like there’s no tomorrow.” 18:54 Why skills and decision-making key to bikers’ safety 26:46 Firmer legal action needed against jaywalkers? 32:15 What kind of driver or pedestrian are we on the road? 36:48 Are we an entitled bunch on the road? 38:42 Think of another person’s point of view: Bozy 43:57 What needs to change to fix our road culture? 46:00 Why road safety is everyone’s problem Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E84: Is owning a car in Singapore now out of reach? 26.02.2026 35min

  Will the recent changes to the preferential additional registration fee (PARF) rebate and the current COE prices turn away car buyers? Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his Budget speech on Feb 12 that the PARF rebate will be lowered by 45 percentage points. The maximum rebate a car owner can expect to receive will be halved from $60,000 to $30,000. If you're looking to buy a car, should you go for a new car, a second-hand ICE vehicle, or just give up that dream altogether? In this episode of The Usual Place, ST’s senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and veteran automotive consultant Say Kwee Neng share their thoughts. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:21 What is the significance of the PARF?  4:21 Is the PARF rebate reduction a “stick” to get buyers to choose EVs?  8:56 A stealthy wealth tax?  14:53 The implications of older EVs on the road 19:11 The iPhone vs older EVs comparison  24:11 What’s happens to the used car market now? 27:06 Most cost-efficient option now 30:36 Are your dreams of owning a car over? Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.sg 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 #stwi  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E83: Budget 2026: Will AI lead to more inequality? 16.02.2026 50min

  The conversation over the key announcement from Budget 2026 continues. On Feb 12, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a record $154.7 billion Budget, how the Government is doubling down on its AI push. For Singaporeans worried about the cost of living, there was household relief in the form of payouts and CDC vouchers. In this episode of the podcast, Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah discusses the reason for the big AI push and how the Government planning to deal with the downsides of AI like job losses and its environmental impact? Also joining the conversation are Singapore Management University’s Assistant Professor of Political Science Nathan Peng and the SGTech co-chair of AI, Cloud, and Data Chapter Mr Gunasekharan Chellappan. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:22 Will CDC vouchers be a permanent fixture of the Budget? 5:34 Could Budget 2026 have helped lower income families more? 10:05 “Some people don’t feel like their lives have gotten 2.5 times better.” 12:58 Why do people perceive they aren’t doing well? 18:27 Don’t look at AI as new technology: Guna 21:25 ‘E-nannying’ should stop: Nathan 25:00 Anxiety over being made redundant by AI 30:20 Healthy concern vs unwarranted anxiety? 35:25 Losing the human connection over AI 40:17 Will there be more regulation with stronger AI push? 42:24 Mitigating the negative environmental effects of AI 45:42 How to pick which AI course to take Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.sg 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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
• S1E82: Budget 2026: Why is Singapore betting big on AI? 12.02.2026 39min

  The strong push towards artificial intelligence and support for vulnerable groups such as lower-income families were two big themes that emerged at Budget 2026. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also the Finance Minister, just delivered his first Budget since the new government was elected last year. How will businesses be affected by these measures, and how will the Singapore workforce adapt? In our push for new avenues of growth, are there worries about Singaporeans being left behind? In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with National University of Singapore political science lecturer Rebecca Grace Tan and Singapore Business Federation chief policy and operating officer Musa Fazal about what they made of this year’s Budget. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 First reactions to Budget 2026 3:57 What did this year’s Budget miss? 6:12 Using CDC vouchers for strawberries 9:15 Are we dependent on handouts? 14:25 How can AI benefits be spread across society 19:45 The reality of businesses using AI now 24:30 High global talent wages will raise business costs 28:38 Are we ensuring no one’s left behind as S’pore purses growth? 34:51 Growth in the economy, but fewer jobs? Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi Executive producer: Danson Cheong  Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law 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: podcast@sph.com.sg 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 #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.