Roach clarifies controversial headline

Is Roach biased against Hong Kong?

What's not going right between US & China?

Trump's shallow thinking on AI hurts

Will a strong Democratic show constrain Trump?

Is Trump's claim of "golden age" true?

Will there be a repeat of a Great Depression?

Will the USD primacy be challenged?

When do you see China coming out of slowdown?

Or has US economist Stephen Roach changed his mind about Hong Kong’s survival and identity? 

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points.

In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Dr Stephen Roach, a prominent economist with expertise on Asia. 

He spent three decades at global investment bank Morgan Stanley, serving as the firm's chief economist and later as chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia. He is currently a Senior Fellow at Yale Law School's Paul Tsai China Center.

In this wide-ranging conversation, he says the “unfriendly takeover” by mainland Chinese has changed the character of Hong Kong dramatically. This has left the market-based city - once idolised by iconic American economist Milton Friedman - in tatters, he adds.

While that might drive his critics crazy, the idea that his remarks are rooted in any bias against Hong Kong is “absolutely ludicrous,” he insists.

Roach also has a word of caution for China’s President Xi Jinping, who made a state visit to Washington for a summit with US President Donald Trump in September 2026.

The concept currently favoured by both the US and China to define their relationship - constructive, strategic stability - is also a bit of a mirage, he says. “There's nothing strategic about it, the best I think the Chinese can hope for would be stability,” he adds.

Roach is not among those anticipating a turning of the page with the Nov 3 midterm elections, even if the Democrats seize a majority in the Congress.

Roach also takes an axe to Trump’s frequent assertions of America being the “hottest economy”. “He calls it an “exaggeration” that also reflects the poor state of growth elsewhere in the world.

But a Great Depression-scale collapse is not in the cards, according to him. “I don't think we're gonna have a replay of the 1930s-styled bank-driven collapse,” he says.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:50 "Hong Kong is over?": Stephen Roach clarifies the controversial headline in a Financial Times column in 2024

6:40 What’s not going right between the US and China?

7:40 Why Trump’s “shallow thinking” on AI hurts

10:28 His warning to China about a deal with Trump

14:00 Will a strong Democratic show in the Nov 3 midterm elections constrain Trump?

18:10 Is Trump’s claim of a "golden age” for America true?

24:20 As the 100th anniversary of the Great Depression nears, could there be a repeat?

30:00 Will US dollar primacy be seriously challenged?

33:00 When he sees China coming out of the slowdown

38:20 Lastly, on India: Will its economy continue to over-promise and under-deliver?

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 (bhagya@sph.com.sg) 

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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 

---

#STAsianInsider

Or has US economist Stephen Roach changed his mind about Hong Kong&rsquo;s survival and identity?&nbsp;
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points.
In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Dr Stephen Roach, a prominent economist with expertise on Asia.&nbsp;
He spent three decades at global investment bank Morgan Stanley, serving as the firm's chief economist and later as chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia. He is currently a Senior Fellow at Yale Law School's Paul Tsai China Center.
In this wide-ranging conversation, he says the &ldquo;unfriendly takeover&rdquo; by mainland Chinese has changed the character of Hong Kong dramatically. This has left the market-based city - once idolised by iconic American economist Milton Friedman - in tatters, he adds.
While that might drive his critics crazy, the idea that his remarks are rooted in any bias against Hong Kong is &ldquo;absolutely ludicrous,&rdquo; he insists.
Roach also has a word of caution for China&rsquo;s President Xi Jinping, who made a state visit to Washington for a summit with US President Donald Trump in September 2026.
The concept currently favoured by both the US and China to define their relationship - constructive, strategic stability - is also a bit of a mirage, he says. &ldquo;There's nothing strategic about it, the best I think the Chinese can hope for would be stability,&rdquo; he adds.
Roach is not among those anticipating a turning of the page with the Nov 3 midterm elections, even if the Democrats seize a majority in the Congress.
Roach also takes an axe to Trump&rsquo;s frequent assertions of America being the &ldquo;hottest economy&rdquo;. &ldquo;He calls it an &ldquo;exaggeration&rdquo; that also reflects the poor state of growth elsewhere in the world.
But a Great Depression-scale collapse is not in the cards, according to him. &ldquo;I don't think we're gonna have a replay of the 1930s-styled bank-driven collapse,&rdquo; he says.
Highlights (click/tap above):
00:50 "Hong Kong is over?": Stephen Roach clarifies the controversial headline in a Financial Times column in 2024
6:40 What&rsquo;s not going right between the US and China?
7:40 Why Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;shallow thinking&rdquo; on AI hurts
10:28 His warning to China about a deal with Trump
14:00 Will a strong Democratic show in the Nov 3 midterm elections constrain Trump?
18:10 Is Trump&rsquo;s claim of a "golden age&rdquo; for America true?
24:20 As the 100th anniversary of the Great Depression nears, could there be a repeat?
30:00 Will US dollar primacy be seriously challenged?
33:00 When he sees China coming out of the slowdown
38:20 Lastly, on India: Will its economy continue to over-promise and under-deliver?
Read Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/whNo"> https://str.sg/whNo</a>&nbsp;
Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/gD6E">https://str.sg/gD6E</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (<a href="mailto:bhagya@sph.com.sg">bhagya@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>&nbsp;
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>&nbsp;
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---
#STAsianInsider

Is Hong Kong really over? Warning China about a deal with Trump

Budget 2027 allocations for Borneo states

Sarawak's push for financial autonomy

Securing the Borneo vote for Budget 2027

Sarawak assertiveness and autonomy

Putrajaya-East Malaysia resource dynamics

Personalistic politics in Borneo

Syed Saddiq & Bella Astillah's betrothal gifts

East Malaysia’s assertiveness and fiscal demands are growing. This is reshaping its federal relationship with Putrajaya.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia.

For our October episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Arnold Puyok, deputy director at the Institute of Borneo Studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and visiting fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:50: Budget 2027 allocations for Sabah and Sarawak and whether funds bridge development gaps

08:20: Changing expectations in Sarawak: Moving from federal funding amounts to financial autonomy and decision-making

13:25: Political calculus of Budget 2027: Securing the Borneo vote bloc ahead of general elections

21:30: Sarawak's regional assertiveness, and the question of effective autonomy amid secession call

30:30: Federal establishment and Putrajaya's uneasy dynamic with East Malaysian resource push

34:10: Personalistic politics in Borneo: Why individual leadership matters more than party brands

38:50: News nugget: Syed Saddiq and Bella Astillah's viral future-focused betrothal gifts

Read more:

In the final lap, Malaysia’s PM Anwar returns to base with reformist budget: https://str.sg/EpEu 

From colonial-era crests to its own airline, a founding partner redraws its place in Malaysia: https://str.sg/dDuM 

Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq and singer-actress Bella Astillah tie the knot: https://str.sg/AUTN

Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr 

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK 

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)  

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

#STAsianInsider

East Malaysia&rsquo;s assertiveness and fiscal demands are growing. This is reshaping its federal relationship with Putrajaya.
Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia.
For our October episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Arnold Puyok, deputy director at the Institute of Borneo Studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and visiting fellow at the ISEAS&ndash;Yusof Ishak Institute.
Highlights (click/tap above):
03:50: Budget 2027 allocations for Sabah and Sarawak and whether funds bridge development gaps
08:20: Changing expectations in Sarawak: Moving from federal funding amounts to financial autonomy and decision-making
13:25: Political calculus of Budget 2027: Securing the Borneo vote bloc ahead of general elections
21:30: Sarawak's regional assertiveness, and the question of effective autonomy amid secession call
30:30: Federal establishment and Putrajaya's uneasy dynamic with East Malaysian resource push
34:10: Personalistic politics in Borneo: Why individual leadership matters more than party brands
38:50: News nugget: Syed Saddiq and Bella Astillah's viral future-focused betrothal gifts
Read more:
In the final lap, Malaysia&rsquo;s PM Anwar returns to base with reformist budget: <a href="https://str.sg/EpEu">https://str.sg/EpEu</a>&nbsp;
From colonial-era crests to its own airline, a founding partner redraws its place in Malaysia: <a href="https://str.sg/dDuM">https://str.sg/dDuM</a>&nbsp;
Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq and singer-actress Bella Astillah tie the knot: <a href="https://str.sg/AUTN">https://str.sg/AUTN</a>
Read Zurairi A.R.&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/DCfr">https://str.sg/DCfr</a>&nbsp;
Read Shannon Teoh's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/wzyK">https://str.sg/wzyK</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Zurairi A.R. (<a href="mailto:zurairi@sph.com.sg">zurairi@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#STAsianInsider

Can Sabah and Sarawak decide Malaysia's next election?

A bigger war after US mid-terms?

What if Trump nukes Iran?

Tehran's lessons from North Korea

Houthis, and a Saudi 'Vietnam'

Time to think of a post-US Middle East

Gulf rivalries will sharpen

Israel's rearranging the region

Hard lessons for East Asia

Amid fears that the war on Iran could worsen after the US mid-term polls, a question: Is Tehran overplaying its hand?

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode he speaks with Prof. Vali Nasr, the globally renowned expert on Iran and Middle East about where the War on Iran is currently, and what lies ahead. 

Ravi and Vali also discuss US failure to protect its Gulf allies, the Houthi attacks that have pushed Saudi Arabia to the back foot, how Israel is rearranging the region, and chances of the war turning into a global conflict.

Highlights (click/tap above)

08:00 A bigger war after US mid-terms?

13:00 What if Trump nukes Iran?

22:00 Tehran’s lessons from North Korea

25:00 Houthis, and a Saudi ‘Vietnam’

35:00 Time to think of a post-US Middle East

41:00 Gulf rivalries will sharpen

45:00 Israel’s rearranging the region

50:00 Hard lessons for East Asia

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 (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Amirul Karim

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

#STAsianInsider

Amid fears that the war on Iran could worsen after the US mid-term polls, a question: Is Tehran overplaying its hand?
Synopsis: The Straits Times&rsquo; senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.
In this episode he speaks with Prof. Vali Nasr, the globally renowned expert on Iran and Middle East about where the War on Iran is currently, and what lies ahead.&nbsp;
Ravi and Vali also discuss US failure to protect its Gulf allies, the Houthi attacks that have pushed Saudi Arabia to the back foot, how Israel is rearranging the region, and chances of the war turning into a global conflict.
Highlights (click/tap above)
08:00 A bigger war after US mid-terms?
13:00 What if Trump nukes Iran?
22:00 Tehran&rsquo;s lessons from North Korea
25:00 Houthis, and a Saudi &lsquo;Vietnam&rsquo;
35:00 Time to think of a post-US Middle East
41:00 Gulf rivalries will sharpen
45:00 Israel&rsquo;s rearranging the region
50:00 Hard lessons for East Asia
Read Ravi's columns:<a href="https://str.sg/3xRP"> https://str.sg/3xRP</a>
Follow Ravi on X:<a href="https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor"> https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor</a>
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/sfpz"> https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani &amp; Amirul Karim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#STAsianInsider

Iran vs US: Is the war about to get much worse?

Post-Covid-19 cinema boom

Exploring traditional communal practices

Resurgence of analogue lifestyle

Mechanical keyboards and diverse communities

Emerging analogue trends such as knitting

In an increasingly digital world, why are young Indonesians drawn to activities that bring them offline and together?

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

In this episode, host Li Xueying speaks with Indonesia correspondent Karina Tehusijarana about the growing popularity of shared, analogue and hands-on trends, such as a resurgence in cinema attendance to jump rope groups and custom mechanical keyboards.

As people seek ways to connect beyond their screens, these different pursuits point to a renewed interest in community and the tangible pleasures of an offline life.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:20 Post-Covid-19 cinema boom

6:30 Exploring traditional communal practices like arisan

10:40 The analogue lifestyle: A resurgence

16:50 Mechanical keyboards and diverse communities

19:50 Emerging analogue trends such as knitting and vinyl records

Read Karina Tehusijarana’s articles here: https://str.sg/dEAyW 

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR 

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

#STAsianInsider

In an increasingly digital world, why are young Indonesians drawn to activities that bring them offline and together?
Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.
In this episode, host Li Xueying speaks with Indonesia correspondent Karina Tehusijarana about the growing popularity of shared, analogue and hands-on trends, such as a resurgence in cinema attendance to jump rope groups and custom mechanical keyboards.
As people seek ways to connect beyond their screens, these different pursuits point to a renewed interest in community and the tangible pleasures of an offline life.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:20 Post-Covid-19 cinema boom
6:30 Exploring traditional communal practices like arisan
10:40 The analogue lifestyle: A resurgence
16:50 Mechanical keyboards and diverse communities
19:50 Emerging analogue trends such as knitting and vinyl records
Read Karina Tehusijarana&rsquo;s articles here: <a href="https://str.sg/dEAyW">https://str.sg/dEAyW</a>&nbsp;
Read Li Xueying&rsquo;s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/iqmR"> https://str.sg/iqmR</a>&nbsp;
Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn:<a href="https://str.sg/ip4x"> https://str.sg/ip4x</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/sfpz"> https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Li Xueying (<a href="mailto:xueying@sph.com.sg">xueying@sph.com.sg</a>)
Edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/JWa7"> https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/JWa8"> https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/JWaX"> https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR"> https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#STAsianInsider

Why Indonesians are falling back in love with cinemas and the analogue life

Was the carpet 'red' enough?

Kay takeaways from the summit

Is Xi bending Trump's ear on Asia?

'De-risking' from the US is on

Free and open Indo-Pacific, Quad

Middle East conundrum

Trump's stroking of Xi and talk of a G-2 with China is vexing Asian middle powers Japan and India.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi hosts two experts on geopolitics – Prof Tomohiko Taniguchi, former foreign policy adviser to the Shinzo Abe Cabinet in Japan, and Dr Sanjaya Baru, geoeconomist and media adviser to the late Indian PM Manmohan Singh.

They both explain what their respective countries make of the spectacular welcome President Donald Trump gave President Xi Jinping in the Sept 23-25 summit that took place in Washington DC.

They also discuss the evolving nature of Japan's and India’s bilateral relationships with the US, including talk of ‘derisking’ from Washington.

Highlights (click/tap above)

1:30 Was the carpet ‘red’ enough?

5:30 Key takeaways from the summit

9:30 Is Xi bending Trump’s ear on Asia?

14:00 ‘De-risking’ from the US is on

18:40 Free and open Indo-Pacific, Quad

22:30 Middle East conundrum

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 (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Amirul Karim

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

#STAsianInsider

Trump's stroking of Xi and talk of a G-2 with China is vexing Asian middle powers Japan and India.
Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times&rsquo; senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.
In this episode, Ravi hosts two experts on geopolitics &ndash; Prof Tomohiko Taniguchi, former foreign policy adviser to the Shinzo Abe Cabinet in Japan, and Dr Sanjaya Baru, geoeconomist and media adviser to the late Indian PM Manmohan Singh.
They both explain what their respective countries make of the spectacular welcome President Donald Trump gave President Xi Jinping in the Sept 23-25 summit that took place in Washington DC.
They also discuss the evolving nature of Japan's and India&rsquo;s bilateral relationships with the US, including talk of &lsquo;derisking&rsquo; from Washington.
Highlights (click/tap above)
1:30 Was the carpet &lsquo;red&rsquo; enough?
5:30 Key takeaways from the summit
9:30 Is Xi bending Trump&rsquo;s ear on Asia?
14:00 &lsquo;De-risking&rsquo; from the US is on
18:40 Free and open Indo-Pacific, Quad
22:30 Middle East conundrum
Read Ravi's columns:<a href="https://str.sg/3xRP"> https://str.sg/3xRP</a>
Follow Ravi on X:<a href="https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor"> https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor</a>
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/sfpz"> https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Ravi Velloor (<a href="mailto:velloor@sph.com.sg">velloor@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani &amp; Amirul Karim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
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---
#STAsianInsider

Beyond Trump-Xi summit: Why Japan and India are wary

What's noteworthy of Sept summit?

How far can good rapport take them?

What could 2 more meetings this year produce?

Pax Silica & Pax Waico will not be watertight

What can SEAsia take away from the summit

If Democrats win, will Trump be constrained?

Does diplomacy get harder?

Are Trump & Xi explaining themselves well?

Trump and Xi are nudging the bilateral relationship from confrontation to stability, says Chan Heng Chee.

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points.

In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Singapore's Ambassador At-Large Chan Heng Chee about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade.

The pomp-filled visit included a rare sight; President Donald Trump and his wife Melania waited at the tarmac to greet President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan as they landed in Washington DC.

Critics have dismissed the September 23-25 summit as heavy on symbolism and lacking in substance. 

Chan, who served as Singapore's envoy to the US for 16 years, says building a rapport counts as a worthy outcome. “When you have a relationship, you can make a deal, solve problems,” she said. 

“The Chinese will miss Trump when he's gone,” she added, noting that the charismatic American leader, serving his last term in office, had taken risks in reaching out to a rival.

The stabilisation, which is still fragile, will benefit the region, she said. “We want to see the two great powers getting on because we do not want to be third-party collateral,” she said while spelling out the stakes for South-east Asia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 What's noteworthy about the September summit?

8:00  How far can a good rapport take them?

11:20 What could two more meetings this year produce?

15:40 Why Pax Silica and Pax Waico will not be watertight

17.30: What can South-east Asia take away from the summit?

25:30 If Democrats win midterms, will Trump be constrained?

30:10 When everyone has a view on geopolitics, does diplomacy get harder?

35:50 Are Trump and Xi explaining themselves well?

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 (bhagya@sph.com.sg) 

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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 

---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB 

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX 

---

#STAsianInsider

Trump and Xi are nudging the bilateral relationship from confrontation to stability, says Chan Heng Chee.
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and geopolitical talking points.
In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Singapore's Ambassador At-Large Chan Heng Chee about Chinese President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade.
The pomp-filled visit included a rare sight; President Donald Trump and his wife Melania waited at the tarmac to greet President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan as they landed in Washington DC.
Critics have dismissed the September 23-25 summit as heavy on symbolism and lacking in substance.&nbsp;
Chan, who served as Singapore's envoy to the US for 16 years, says building a rapport counts as a worthy outcome. &ldquo;When you have a relationship, you can make a deal, solve problems,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The Chinese will miss Trump when he's gone,&rdquo; she added, noting that the charismatic American leader, serving his last term in office, had taken risks in reaching out to a rival.
The stabilisation, which is still fragile, will benefit the region, she said. &ldquo;We want to see the two great powers getting on because we do not want to be third-party collateral,&rdquo; she said while spelling out the stakes for South-east Asia.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:50 What's noteworthy about the September summit?
8:00&nbsp; How far can a good rapport take them?
11:20 What could two more meetings this year produce?
15:40 Why Pax Silica and Pax Waico will not be watertight
17.30: What can South-east Asia take away from the summit?
25:30 If Democrats win midterms, will Trump be constrained?
30:10 When everyone has a view on geopolitics, does diplomacy get harder?
35:50 Are Trump and Xi explaining themselves well?
Read Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/whNo"> https://str.sg/whNo</a>&nbsp;
Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/gD6E">https://str.sg/gD6E</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (<a href="mailto:bhagya@sph.com.sg">bhagya@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>&nbsp;
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>&nbsp;
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>&nbsp;
---
#STAsianInsider

US and China are trying to make nice, says Singapore diplomat

Najib's house arrest & unity government

Impact of house arrest on PH credibility

UMNO assembly: Zahid dares PM Anwar

PAS' leadership ambitions ahead of GE16

Regional views on PAS-led government

JPJ 'H' series plates hit record bids

There’s a potential Malay political realignment. Here’s what it means for regional stability and Malaysia’s governance.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia.

For our September episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Syaza Shukri, associate professor of political science at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:50: Najib Razak’s conditional house arrest and what it means for unity government

10:00: Impact of Najib's house arrest on Pakatan Harapan's credibility

18:20: UMNO general assembly: Zahid Hamidi dares PM Anwar to face confidence vote

22:10: PAS' posture and leadership ambitions ahead of GE16

26:40: Regional perspectives: Should neighbours worry about a PAS-influenced government?

34:40: News nugget: JPJ's 'H' series vanity licence plates hit multi-million ringgit bids

Read more:

Crowdfunding $15m fine: Najib’s party wants supporters to chip in, but trolls give 1 sen as an insult: https://str.sg/ok2tS 

Four years of uneasy alliance still cannot erase decades of UMNO’s distrust against PH allies: https://str.sg/v69u 

Bids for Malaysia’s special ‘H’ licence plate series garner record $28.6m in five days: https://str.sg/wR2sA 

“PAS’s Evolving International Engagement: From Islamism to Development Diplomacy?” by Syaza Shukri and Norshahril Saat https://str.sg/ogHNu 

Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr 

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK 

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)  

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

#STAsianInsider

There&rsquo;s a potential Malay political realignment. Here&rsquo;s what it means for regional stability and Malaysia&rsquo;s governance.
Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points in Malaysia.
For our September episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Dr Syaza Shukri, associate professor of political science at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
Highlights (click/tap above):
03:50: Najib Razak&rsquo;s conditional house arrest and what it means for unity government
10:00: Impact of Najib's house arrest on Pakatan Harapan's credibility
18:20: UMNO general assembly: Zahid Hamidi dares PM Anwar to face confidence vote
22:10: PAS' posture and leadership ambitions ahead of GE16
26:40: Regional perspectives: Should neighbours worry about a PAS-influenced government?
34:40: News nugget: JPJ's 'H' series vanity licence plates hit multi-million ringgit bids
Read more:
Crowdfunding $15m fine: Najib&rsquo;s party wants supporters to chip in, but trolls give 1 sen as an insult: <a href="https://str.sg/ok2tS">https://str.sg/ok2tS</a>&nbsp;
Four years of uneasy alliance still cannot erase decades of UMNO&rsquo;s distrust against PH allies: <a href="https://str.sg/v69u">https://str.sg/v69u</a>&nbsp;
Bids for Malaysia&rsquo;s special &lsquo;H&rsquo; licence plate series garner record $28.6m in five days: <a href="https://str.sg/wR2sA">https://str.sg/wR2sA</a>&nbsp;
&ldquo;PAS&rsquo;s Evolving International Engagement: From Islamism to Development Diplomacy?&rdquo; by Syaza Shukri and Norshahril Saat <a href="https://str.sg/ogHNu">https://str.sg/ogHNu</a>&nbsp;
Read Zurairi A.R.&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/DCfr">https://str.sg/DCfr</a>&nbsp;
Read Shannon Teoh's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/wzyK">https://str.sg/wzyK</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Zurairi A.R. (<a href="mailto:zurairi@sph.com.sg">zurairi@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#STAsianInsider

Could UMNO and PAS reshape Malaysia's next election?

Why should we care about BRICS?

What the New Delhi summit achieved

What does Trump see in BRICS?

China-India 'competition within cooperation'

US vs China: Clash over AI in BRICS?

Beijing's goals for BRICS 2027

BRICS - alternative world order?

Donald Trump need not be. BRICS is nowhere near creating an alternative to the US-led world order, says our expert.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Sarang Shidore, the director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute in Washington DC.

In a conversation taking stock of the grouping’s annual meeting in New Delhi on Sept 12-13, he calls BRICS an “interesting experiment” that is worth studying. 

Like ASEAN, it operates on consensus but has no charter. BRICS has been on a membership drive and now covers nearly all the regions outside of the wealthy western world.

BRICS comprises 11 members - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. It also has 'partner countries' including the likes of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

US President Donald Trump has blasted the grouping, suspecting it of wanting to supplant the US dollar, the world’s leading currency. But de-dollarisation is not on the horizon, Shidore says.

Instead, the body is asking for “modest, not revolutionary” reforms in the world order.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 Why should Asean care about BRICS?

6:50 What the New Delhi summit achieved

11:50 What does Trump see in BRICS?

19:30 ‘Competition within cooperation’: The China-India dance 

27:10 US vs China: Destined to clash over AI in BRICS nations?

33:15 What are Beijing’s goals when it chairs BRICS in 2027?

37:45 Is BRICS ever going to create an alternative world order?

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 (bhagya@sph.com.sg) 

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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 

---

#STAsianInsider

Donald Trump need not be. BRICS is nowhere near creating an alternative to the US-led world order, says our expert.
Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.
In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Sarang Shidore, the director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute in Washington DC.
In a conversation taking stock of the grouping&rsquo;s annual meeting in New Delhi on Sept 12-13, he calls BRICS an &ldquo;interesting experiment&rdquo; that is worth studying.&nbsp;
Like ASEAN, it operates on consensus but has no charter. BRICS has been on a membership drive and now covers nearly all the regions outside of the wealthy western world.
BRICS comprises 11 members - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. It also has 'partner countries' including the likes of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
US President Donald Trump has blasted the grouping, suspecting it of wanting to supplant the US dollar, the world&rsquo;s leading currency. But de-dollarisation is not on the horizon, Shidore says.
Instead, the body is asking for &ldquo;modest, not revolutionary&rdquo; reforms in the world order.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:40 Why should Asean care about BRICS?
6:50 What the New Delhi summit achieved
11:50 What does Trump see in BRICS?
19:30 &lsquo;Competition within cooperation&rsquo;: The China-India dance&nbsp;
27:10 US vs China: Destined to clash over AI in BRICS nations?
33:15 What are Beijing&rsquo;s goals when it chairs BRICS in 2027?
37:45 Is BRICS ever going to create an alternative world order?
Read Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/whNo"> https://str.sg/whNo</a>&nbsp;
Bhagyashree Garekar&rsquo;s LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/gD6E">https://str.sg/gD6E</a>&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (<a href="mailto:bhagya@sph.com.sg">bhagya@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>&nbsp;
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>&nbsp;
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>&nbsp;
---
#STAsianInsider

Can BRICS challenge the US-led world order?

Brutal war and worsening refugee situation

A 9-year-old drug addict

Wasting, malnourished children

Ukraine distraction, journalists under the gun

Has Blakeney seen a shrink himself?

An unending conflict and shrinking aid leave Myanmar’s refugees and displaced in increasingly dire circumstances.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, he speaks with the British psychotherapist and aid worker Edward Blakeney on the travails of Myanmar’s 1.6 million exiles and 4 million internally displaced people.

What emerges is a story of food shortages, medical issues including mental trauma, and lack of educational opportunities among an exile diaspora that now stretches from Thailand to Bangladesh, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka.

Highlights (click/tap above)

2:30 Brutal war and a worsening refugee situation

5:20 A 9-year-old drug addict

8:40 Wasting, malnourished children

14:10 Ukraine distraction, journalists under the gun

24:00 Has Blakeney seen a shrink himself, given what he has seen and experienced?

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 (velloor@sph.com.sg)

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

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Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

#STAsianInsider

An unending conflict and shrinking aid leave Myanmar&rsquo;s refugees and displaced in increasingly dire circumstances.
Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times&rsquo; senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.
In this episode, he speaks with the British psychotherapist and aid worker Edward Blakeney on the travails of Myanmar&rsquo;s 1.6 million exiles and 4 million internally displaced people.
What emerges is a story of food shortages, medical issues including mental trauma, and lack of educational opportunities among an exile diaspora that now stretches from Thailand to Bangladesh, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka.
Highlights (click/tap above)
2:30 Brutal war and a worsening refugee situation
5:20 A 9-year-old drug addict
8:40 Wasting, malnourished children
14:10 Ukraine distraction, journalists under the gun
24:00 Has Blakeney seen a shrink himself, given what he has seen and experienced?
Read Ravi's columns:<a href="https://str.sg/3xRP"> https://str.sg/3xRP</a>
Follow Ravi on X:<a href="https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor"> https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor</a>
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/sfpz"> https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Ravi Velloor (<a href="mailto:velloor@sph.com.sg">velloor@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
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---
#STAsianInsider

Nine-year-olds on drugs: Has the world abandoned Myanmar?

Next chapter for Taiwan correspondent

High-tech prowess meets deep-rooted tradition

How locals cope with geopolitical pressure

Taiwan's mangoes hot property in Europe

Cross-strait families and shifting identities

What Wai Yee will miss most about Taiwan

Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee reflects on her four-year journey in this special farewell episode.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

After four years of reporting from the frontlines, Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee is hanging up her media pass to embark on a new chapter.

In this special farewell episode, host Li Xueying sits down with Wai Yee for one final, reflective look back at the island she called home for the past four years.

They discuss the stark paradox of high-tech industries coexisting with deep-rooted tradition, and the everyday resilience of people living with geopolitical uncertainty.

Wai Yee shares the stories that defined her tenure in Taiwan, and what she will miss most.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:08 Why it’s time to say goodbye: Wai Yee’s next chapter

3:56 Taiwan’s high-tech prowess meets deep-rooted tradition

6:16 How locals cope with geopolitical pressure

10:50 Taiwan’s mangoes becoming hot property in Europe

16:29 Navigating cross-strait families and shifting identities

20:17 What Wai Yee will miss most about Taiwan

Read Yip Wai Yee’s articles here: https://str.sg/wFZk 

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR 

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

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 

YouTube: https://str.sg/rF3qR 

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

---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

#STAsianInsider

Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee reflects on her four-year journey in this special farewell episode.
Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.
After four years of reporting from the frontlines, Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee is hanging up her media pass to embark on a new chapter.
In this special farewell episode, host Li Xueying sits down with Wai Yee for one final, reflective look back at the island she called home for the past four years.
They discuss the stark paradox of high-tech industries coexisting with deep-rooted tradition, and the everyday resilience of people living with geopolitical uncertainty.
Wai Yee shares the stories that defined her tenure in Taiwan, and what she will miss most.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:08 Why it&rsquo;s time to say goodbye: Wai Yee&rsquo;s next chapter
3:56 Taiwan&rsquo;s high-tech prowess meets deep-rooted tradition
6:16 How locals cope with geopolitical pressure
10:50 Taiwan&rsquo;s mangoes becoming hot property in Europe
16:29 Navigating cross-strait families and shifting identities
20:17 What Wai Yee will miss most about Taiwan
Read Yip Wai Yee&rsquo;s articles here:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/wFZk">https://str.sg/wFZk</a>&nbsp;
Read Li Xueying&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iqmR">https://str.sg/iqmR</a>&nbsp;
Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/ip4x">https://str.sg/ip4x</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Sign up for ST&rsquo;s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://str.sg/sfpz">https://str.sg/sfpz</a>&nbsp;
Host: Li Xueying (<a href="mailto:xueying@sph.com.sg">xueying@sph.com.sg</a>)
Edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/rF3qR">https://str.sg/rF3qR</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
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#STAsianInsider

Leaving Taiwan after four years: What our correspondent learnt

Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.

Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.
Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Asian Insider

Get our uniquely Asian perspective on global issues, with ST’s correspondents from around the world.

Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.
Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Asian Insider

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