Deep Dive

Flash sales and countdown timers keep you buying - can we outsmart these tactics? 27.05.2026 25min

Three online retailers were recently flagged for using misleading marketing tactics known as “dark patterns” such as fake countdown timers or low-stock alerts designed to create a sense of urgency among shoppers. But when these nudges cross the line to become unethical or even fraudulent, how do we maintain a safe shopping environment? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Professor Sharon Ng from the Nanyang Business School and Liew Sai Ming from Behavioural Insights Team to discuss the psychology behind shopping habits and the challenges in outmaneuvering these rapidly evolving marketing tactics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why some Singaporeans are saying no to having children 20.05.2026 28min

Singapore's falling fertility rate is now framed as a national problem to solve. But for a growing number of couples, having children simply isn’t part of their plans. How have our attitudes towards parenthood changed and what does the rise of the "dual income, no kids" or DINK lifestyle say about the country's future? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Alisa Chopard, a 39-year-old who has chosen not to have children, and 31-year-old Alicia Lim, who hopes to start a family soon, to unpack the pressures surrounding couples in Singapore today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's 'red line' on Strait of Hormuz is about survival and sovereignty: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim 13.05.2026 27min

As the conflict in the Middle East drags on, Singapore along with the rest of the world, is feeling the strain: rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains and deepening uncertainty. Singapore has long prided itself on being principled, following the rules of the global order. But in a changing new world, how long can a small nation hold that line? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim on why this issue poses an existential challenge for a maritime nation like Singapore and what’s being done to keep our waters open and running smoothly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI companions and chatbots: Friend or foe? 06.05.2026 29min

Relationships are being redefined with AI chatbots on the rise. These digital companions are always available, always agreeable - but at what cost? And with the younger generation growing up as AI natives, how will this affect their ability to communicate and form relationships with another human? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Swapna Verma from the Institute of Mental Health and Associate Professor Jennifer Ang from the Singapore University of Social Sciences to unpack the pros and cons of forming close connections with our AI companions. WHERE TO SEEK HELP   If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello [at] youthline.sg (hello[at]youthline[dot]sg). Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat [at] sos.org.sg (pat[at]sos[dot]org[dot]sg). Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week.   National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are younger workers leaving stable careers just a few years in? 29.04.2026 31min

Employees in Singapore are prioritising work-life balance over pay and benefits, and younger workers are switching careers fast. With attitudes toward work shifting, how can companies and workers close the expectation gap? In a post-COVID world shaped by AI, the challenge is clear: how do we maximise talent, find meaningful jobs while staying competitive? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with recruiter Lee Shulin from Aslant Legal and Edwin Tan from the Institute for Adult Learning to explore why expecting a 1990s-era commitment from workers is no longer possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good and the bad of online reviews - and how to read them 22.04.2026 26min

A restaurant recently faced a barrage of negative reviews which affected its Google rating. It sparked a conversation on how we leave and read online reviews. Are we too quick to criticise from behind our screens? And as consumers, are we able to tell the difference between thoughtful feedback and unfair criticisms? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Elmie Nekmat from the National University of Singapore and online food reviewer Leong Yong Xin aka @foodbaby.sg, to unpack what it means to give and recognise an authentic review in a noisy digital space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War on Iran: The hidden costs for Singapore - and best/worst case scenarios 14.04.2026 25min

Countries are feeling the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, some bearing the brunt more than others. Are rising food and fuel prices only the tip of the iceberg? What is the hidden fallout we should be watching out for? Is there a silver lining for Singapore in this crisis? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Denise Cheok from Moody’s Analytics to find out what will happen if the conflict drags on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Impact of some businesses moving out of Singapore - and what it means for jobs 08.04.2026 25min

Homegrown companies like Yeo's and Tiger Beer maker Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore are shifting their operations to neighbouring countries and some jobs will be cut as part of the move. What does this signal about Singapore’s competitiveness in the region and what other jobs do we want to create? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Karen Teo, country manager for recruitment firm Quess Singapore and Professor Sumit Agarwal from National University of Singapore to examine which jobs will be hit the hardest when companies move overseas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beverage container return scheme: Will 10 cents change how we recycle? 31.03.2026 27min

With Singapore's beverage container return scheme (BCRS) now underway, the next few months will test how well consumers, retailers and producers adapt to the new refundable deposit system. Will a 10-cent refund be enough to change recycling habits, or will convenience and confusion get in the way? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Stephanie Yip, chief executive officer of scheme operator BCRS Ltd, and Lionel Dorai, executive director of ZeroWaste SG, to unpack the mechanics of the scheme and how it could foster a broader culture of waste awareness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's restaurant closures: Why is it closing time for some in the F&B scene? 25.03.2026 26min

Running a business in Singapore is no easy feat, especially in the fiercely competitive F&B scene. For every outlet that closes, another quickly steps in. But does this constant churn signal a thriving industry or does it point to a growing challenge for local entrepreneurs competing against well-funded foreign players? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia speaks with co-founder of The Black Hole Group Mustaffa Kamal and restaurant industry watcher Debbie Yong to unpack what it really takes for F&B establishments to stay relevant and profitable in one of the toughest dining landscapes around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raise kids who can use AI, not rely on it: Janil Puthucheary 18.03.2026 29min

AI is already transforming the classroom by reshaping the way students learn and teachers teach. But as AI becomes more powerful, how do we protect space for original thought and creative thinking? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary to unpack AI's role in the classroom, and how the recent merger of SkillsFuture and Workforce Singapore will better align training with future job needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's fuel stockpile for electricity 'enough to last for months' in a crisis: Tan See Leng 12.03.2026 27min

The war in Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, leaving nations scrambling to secure their oil and gas reserves. For Singapore - which generates 95% of its electricity using imported natural gas - the timing couldn't be more critical. In the race to become an AI hub, our power demands are skyrocketing. How do we keep the lights on and feed our AI ambitions without derailing our 2050 net-zero emission goals? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng, to find out if Singapore has what it takes to power through.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crow shooting and wildlife control: How can we co-exist better? 05.03.2026 27min

Crow shooting is set to resume after an increasing number of reported crow attacks, highlighting the ongoing tension between humans and wildlife. If Singapore wants to be a City in Nature, what needs to change so that people and animals can co-exist peacefully? Tiffany Ang and Steven Chia unpack the issue with Soh Ze Bin from the National Parks Board and Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan from ACRES in this week’s Deep Dive podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War on Iran: Trump's goals and what's at stake 03.03.2026 26min

The joint attack against Iran by the United States and Israel has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and the rest of the world. Why did they decide on military action and how is Iran going to respond? How could the war impact the global economy? Tiffany Ang speaks with Dr Jean-Loup Samaan from the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore and Eddy Loh from Maybank on what US President Donald Trump hopes to achieve and the ripple effect on fuel and shipping prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supermarket plastic bag charge: Why public trust matters in Singapore's sustainability push 25.02.2026 24min

Where does your five-cent plastic bag charge actually go? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack Singapore's supermarket carrier bag fee after reports that some retailers used the proceeds for business operations. Cheang Kok Chung from the Singapore Environment Council and Professor Lawrence Loh from NUS Business School join this week’s Deep Dive podcast to talk about what "green" spending should look like and how transparency shapes public trust in Singapore's green efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026: ‘We are all at the starting line’ – Minister Jeffrey Siow on Singapore’s AI journey 18.02.2026 29min

This year’s Budget placed a strong emphasis on jobs and AI, with the government identifying key sectors to propel the economy forward. But can workers keep pace with the shifting dynamics? In this week’s Deep Dive, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow sits down with Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang to discuss preparing Singaporeans for AI and what lies ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026: The big push for AI and jobs in a changing world 13.02.2026 27min

Jobs and AI took centre stage in this year’s Budget, with the government committing significant resources to ensure no Singaporean is left behind. What are the concrete steps to propel Singapore forward and can they help build a truly “we first” society? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to unpack the plans and implications of Budget 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 wish-list: Job opportunities for fresh graduates and AI for everyone 04.02.2026 25min

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will deliver his speech for Budget 2026 on Feb 12, addressing key concerns from cost of living to remaining competitive in a tough labour market. In this week's Deep Dive episode, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with final-year undergraduate Shaza Daliela Rahmat and business owner Beatrice Liu to discuss their hopes for this year’s Budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living next door to conflict: Finding a way out of neighbour disputes 28.01.2026 27min

Living in a high-density society like Singapore makes friction with neighbours almost unavoidable. But with more than 90,000 noise complaints reported in the past three years, it raises the question: Are we becoming bad neighbours or are we less tolerant now? What can we do when misunderstandings and inconveniences turn into disputes that require mediation or legal action? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with mediator and senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences Melvin Loh and research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Nicholas Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Workers’ Party take up PM Wong's offer to name new Leader of the Opposition? 21.01.2026 31min

Following Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh’s removal as the Leader of the Opposition, the nation now waits to see whether a new nominee will step into the role. In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University and independent political observer Dr Felix Tan to unpack whether the role of Leader of Opposition is necessary in Singapore and what lies ahead for the Workers’ Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.