Deals and words: Reading the tea leaves for the ‘historic’ Xi-Trump summit

Twists and turns can be expected for the rest of this year. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus. For May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert …

No big, fat hugs: Trump, Xi will have a summit of careful smiles

A banquet in Beijing does not alter US-China rivalry but both leaders could sell modest outcomes as wins, says analyst. 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 Ch…

What cues India can take from China to fix its foul air and water

India’s poor air is driving much needed investment away from the country.  Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. There was a time when China was thought to have the world’s most polluted cities. …

The mystery of Chongqing grilled fish’s origin story - and why it matters

The stakes are high. A region’s association with a popular dish is increasingly big business, as the Chinese eat out more. 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. Disputes over…

'Corporate mafia’: The scandal that Malaysia can no longer ignore

From drink-driving to MACC scandal, is Malaysia's justice system bending to public pressure or finally getting serious? Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For…

Crisis creates openings: Why Asia will stand out after a post-Iran conflict

The Iran war is an unprecedented crisis but South-east Asia is better placed to handle it. 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. The US-Israeli assault on Iran, …

India’s $70 billion spiritual market fuelled by bhajan clubbing

Discover how bhajan clubbing is transforming devotional music in India. 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 discusses with Debarshi Dasgupt…

Is there a silver lining for China as war rages in the Middle East?

With Washington distracted and opportunities in clean energy, Beijing might have the last laugh. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus. For March,…

Iran’s war machine can only last a few more weeks: Expert

Depleting its own military resources and antagonising Arab neighbours may be a cost too high for the regime to bear. 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…

Why Grab-type firms are the way for SE Asia to thrive in AI era

How South-east Asia can navigate the age of AI and its impact on the economy and employment. 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. Artificial Intelligence is imp…