Asian Insider

India’s poor air is not only a health hazard for its people, it is also 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. However, Beijing’s sustained efforts have overturned that situation. Instead, when the question of polluted cities comes up, eyes turn to India now. According to the noted Harvard economist Gita Gopinath, a former top IMF official, poor air quality is driving investment away from India and is causing more damage to its economy than US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.  There is enough policy experience, and scientific knowledge, to mitigate the situation. Indeed, India has within itself some of the world’s best scientific brains. The question is whether it has the political will to take the right measures, including pricing essential services such as water appropriately to curb overuse and wastage. In this wide-ranging conversation host Ravi Velloor speaks with Chandran Nair, the Malaysian-born, Founder and CEO of Hongkong based Global Institute for Tomorrow on how India could take cues from China to fix its foul air and water. Mr Nair, a biochemical engineer who in 1994 set up the first foreign environment consultancy in China, is a frequent traveller to China and India. He is also a sceptic of the consumption-based growth model that he says is causing irreparable damage to the environment.  Highlights (click/tap above) 3:42 China’s journey from ‘most polluted’ nation 10:52 India’s dismal environmental situation 14:26 Faulty growth models 17:37 Democratic non-dividend: India cannot do a China 22:42 Why utilities like water need to be priced right 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

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 where popular dishes originated are common across Asia. The world-famous butter chicken is fought over by two restaurants - one that started out in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, and one in New Delhi, India. In Southeast Asia, neighbours Singapore and Malaysia have also tussled over chicken rice. It is little wonder that China, given its geographic scale and the incredible richness of its regional cuisines, has its own internal food feuds.  Kaoyu, or grilled fish, is a regional speciality of Chongqing, made with freshwater fish from the Yangtze River and spices such as mala peppercorns and Chinese chillies. The dish’s commercial success, both inside and outside of China, has raised questions about its true origin story, with two regions in Chongqing, Wanzhou and Wushan, laying claim to it. In this episode, host Li Xueying asks Chongqing-based correspondent Aw Cheng Wei to share his journey in tracking down where kaoyu came from, and to get to the heart of why food is so important to the Chinese.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:23 How Chongqing’s cuisine reflects its local environment and culture 4:39 Popularity of the kaoyu dish across China 5:59 Beginning of the dispute over the dish’s origin 8:46 Government efforts to preserve authenticity through industry standards and culinary schools 10:31 The complexities of culinary origin disputes across China and beyond 13:40 China’s attitude towards food 15:42 Food’s power to connect and what it means for China Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/6y3x   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 on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

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 our April episode, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Latheefa Koya, executive director of Lawyers for Liberty and former chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Highlights (click/tap above): 3:10 Spate of fatal drink-driving crashes sparking a national debate: Why did one Klang case change everything? 5:44 Does this mask a deeper racial and class divide in Malaysian society? 8:26 Is a murder charge for drink-driving legally sound – or is the Attorney General bowing to public pressure? 12:57 Malaysia's road safety debate: Does the Islamic "diyat" mechanism have any place? 14:17 How can an anti-corruption body be weaponised as corporate mafia – and what powers make that possible? 20:41 MACC parading suspects in orange shirts: Does the humiliation tactic actually achieve anything? 25:15 Is PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's expected non-renewal of MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki a genuine reckoning – or just the bare minimum? 35:11 News nugget opinion: What 'energy-wasting' habit our guests absolutely refuse to give up, no matter what the authorities say? Read more: Malaysians are again up in arms over drink-driving, but this time it's for a different reason: https://str.sg/e3Gz  Why Malaysia PM Anwar's invoking a 'Zionist bogeyman' and a plot to topple the government: https://str.sg/rSwE  What fuel crisis? Why Malaysians are losing patience with their leaders' mileage: https://str.sg/H4H3  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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

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, which led to the effective closure of the Straits of Hormuz, has seized up many Asian economies which are seeing rising fuel prices, soaring airline ticket costs and leaving restaurants short of cooking fuel. But South-east Asia, with memories of the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s still fresh in memory is better placed macro-economically to tackle the crisis - evidenced in investors’ confidence in stocks such as DBS, SIA and OCBC.   In this wide-ranging episode, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research at Maybank Securities and an expert on the interplay of geopolitics, macro-economics and the stock market. They unpack the full dimensions of the crisis before discussing how Asia is likely to fare when it ends, as it must some day. Mr Wickramasinghe offers some advice: It has paid off for investors to be long on stocks, he says, and there is a case to keep some gold in your portfolio, as well as energy stocks. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:38 A Michelle Yeoh, Di Caprio-style crisis 8:16 South-east Asia is better placed than other regions 14:09 DBS, SIA - why some stocks do better than the rest 15:33 Opportunities for investors in this crisis 17:59 Post-War realities to watch for 21:10 Equities will never go out of fashion 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

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 Dasgupta the recent surge in bhajan clubbing - the fusion of devotional Hindu music with contemporary styles like EDM and rock. This cultural phenomenon, exemplified by recent concerts in Delhi and other cities, explores how young Indians are finding a modern form of spiritual engagement, stress relief, and social belonging. It has received government endorsement from Prime Minister Modi and the BJP as part of a Hindu religious revival, which includes state funding for concerts and events. This cultural shift also addresses social acceptance and generational changes in religious practices. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:18 How bhajan clubbing draws different age groups and its impact on faith practices 3:41 Influence of political figures like Modi endorsing this musical trend 6:35 The correlation between stress relief, youth identity, and spiritual needs 11:13 BJP’s promotion of Hinduism and religious revival through government policies 13:22 Political and economic motives behind government support for Hindu cultural activities 16:17 Future prospects of bhajan clubbing and its evolution into all-night raves Read Debarshi Dasgupta’s article here: https://str.sg/qFYv   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 on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

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, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Their focus is on the war in the Middle East.  The conflict in Iran has further complicated Beijing’s ties with Washington. However, there are some dividends that might be reaped by China as America’s allies potentially look East because they find it more and more challenging to be on the same page as Trump.  On the economic front, fuel shortage is being felt across the board. But given China’s strengths in green technology, there might be opportunities for its companies as countries look to rejig their energy mix in the long run. Additionally, military analysts have suggested that the conflict serves as a living laboratory for Chinese technology given that some of Iran’s defences are reliant on systems developed by China. For now, Beijing’s global standing may have taken a hit as it has been exposed for having limited influence over happenings in the region. But with America fully engaged in Iran and the financial cost of the war, foreign policy space might well open up for China. Highlights (click/tap above):  2:17 Tensions between US and its allies could benefit China 7:26 A reminder on fossil fuel reliance 10:20 Beijing has spent years preparing for a fuel shock 12:56 Will China join a convoy in the Straits of Hormuz? 17:23 Iran as a living lab for military tech 20:02 Beijing’s limited influence in the Middle East Read more: https://str.sg/rk3J   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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  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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

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 Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Prof Benjamin Radd, an authority on the politics of the Middle East, especially Iran. Professor Radd, PhD (UCLA 2015) JD (Stanford 2003), is a Political Scientist and Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations, and an expert on government and politics of the Middle East, US foreign policy, and comparative law.  Dr Radd is also a professor at the UCLA School of Law and adjunct professor at the USC Gould School of Law, where he lectures on American legal development and constitutional law and politics.  In addition, Dr Radd is the Founder and CEO of Fascination Lab, an educational and experiential learning consulting firm. In 2023, he was hired to design a political crisis simulation that was filmed and released as an award-winning documentary, ‘War Game’, which was selected to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:32 Iranian regime's capability for waging a long war 6:23 Will the Iranian regime try to make a nuclear bomb? 15:14 Potential emergence of a moderate leader in Iran 19:21 Is Arab faith in the US shaken? 20:23 The possibility of Arab nations attacking Iran 22:17 Has Trump landed himself in a political mess? 25:01 When will the war end? 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

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 impacting the world at a pace far greater than that of previous general-purpose technologies, such as the steam engine, electricity, and computing. As the world adjusts to the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by tremendous advances in automation and robotics, it now faces the Fifth Industrial Revolution, the era of AI and its impressive ability to perform cognitive tasks normally performed by humans. In this episode, host Ravi Velloor speaks with the eminent economist Dr Khor Hoe Ee, who witnessed the Latin American debt crisis and the Asian financial crisis. Dr Khor, formerly Chief Economist at AMRO, has also seen how events like Covid-19 have had a major impact on the economy. They discuss how the US and China dominate the AI space, the speed of disruption, which South-east Asian economies are most exposed and what firms in the region can do to cope with the impact of this new technology. They also cover other topics, for instance: What happens to employment as we know it? Is there a threat of widespread deflation? Should we consider a universal basic income? Highlights (click/tap above): 4:19 The Fifth Industrial Revolution of AI is like no other period in history 7:56 South-east Asia’s options when US, China lead in AI 11:34 Jobs at risk; from radiology to business process outsourcing 12:00 Prospects for Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines 16:52 Is there a case for Universal Basic Incomes with future disruption in the market? 18:41 Who’ll win the AI race and how the region should position itself 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: Chen Junyi and 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Find out why it has become a paradox decades after its founding. 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. Putrajaya, founded in 1995, turned 30 in 2025. As Malaysia’s administrative capital and inspired by Paris, it was supposed to replace the former tin-mining colony that is Kuala Lumpur. Failure of urban planning that prioritised government offices and grandiosity over organic city life are some of the perceptions cited as to why the city has not lived up to its original promise. The Straits Times’ Malaysia correspondent Hadi Azmi, who recently moved next door to Putrajaya, tells host and foreign editor Li Xueying, about the disconnect between the ambitious vision for Putrajaya and the ground reality. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:47 The vision and reality of Putrajaya 8:13 The “unfinished bridge” and Putrajaya’s shelved monorail system 10:31 Lack of political will leads to urban planning issues 13:28 Lessons from Putrajaya’s township designs 19:22 Hadi’s personal insights and experience in Putrajaya Read Hadi Azmi’s article here: https://str.sg/CF3t  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 on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

From considering UEC path to starting school at six – is Malaysia's education overhaul built to last? 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 our February episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Eddin Khoo, historian, writer, educator, and founder of Malaysian traditional culture conservation group Pusaka.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:08 There are more encroachment into the Chinese minority in Kelantan now. What has changed in the last five years? 7:35 PAS’ return to federal government seems imminent. What lessons should non-Muslims draw from Kelantan’s experience? 11:19 Has the government found a durable solution on Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) or will this just spell more trouble in the future?  16:23 PM Anwar seems to have found a political balancing act on UEC. How sustainable is this?  19:38 Was the rollback on the Standard One readiness test responsive governance or poor planning? 22:12 What do Malaysians actually want from the education system? 26:52 If you were elected mayor of KL, what would you fix first? Read more: Where Muslims pray in ‘Beijing Mosque’ and a Chinese community finds its way https://str.sg/chinese-minority-kelantan  Malaysia makes Malay and history compulsory for Chinese independent school route to public universities: https://str.sg/7BNQ  After Sabah drubbing, debate reignites over little-known exam that could break up PM Anwar’s coalition: https://str.sg/n6yA   Who should run KL? Study into local polls stirs fears over demographics: https://str.sg/ci5e 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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

From a phone plan for cat parents to a keyless life: Two Singaporean founders share tips from their US start-up journeys 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 Jasmin Young and Anthony Chow about how they established successful businesses in the US. Jasmin Young has launched and led several Silicon Valley-based startups including Gather, which aims to build the world's first AI-based telco. She also steered Netreo, an enterprise software business, which was recognised by Inc 5000 as a fastest growing private company for eight consecutive years until 2024. She teaches at University of California, Berkeley and the National University of Singapore. Anthony Chow, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Igloo, has unlocked a key part of the sharing economy. His firm creates smart locks, devices and enterprise software for homes, commercial properties and infrastructure worldwide.  It has logged one billion unlocks annually and was named ‘International Startup of the Year’ at the Austin A List Awards 2025. A Stanford graduate, he also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the National University of Singapore. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:26 What’s Meow Mobile? 2:38 What’s Igloo? 9:14 Using AI to help connect people & products at scale 12:37 How can start-ups stand out in a crowd? 16:28 Why Anthony sent his smart locks into space 20:21 It’s a marathon, not a sprint 23:19 Jasmin’s biggest breakthrough during Covid 26:37 Does the Singapore brand help? 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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  

India's new trade pacts with the EU and US, and the big question: Will Delhi revisit its decision to abandon RCEP? Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. A flurry of trade agreements announced by India – first, a “mother of all trade deals” FTA with the European Union, and days later, a framework deal with the US that saw Washington slashing its punitive tariffs on Indian exports to levels just below that of Vietnam and Malaysia, involves wider strategic calculations on every side. In this wide-ranging conversation, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, Chairman of India Trade Promotion Organisation and former foreign policy aide to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Having served as envoy to Singapore and France, he weighs in on the thinking behind the deals, India’s newfound confidence to sign on to market-opening agreements, and the chances of India revisiting its decision to abandon the Asean-backed RCEP, or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. They both discuss India’s trade imperatives, the tighter embrace by India of the European Union which is itself adjusting to a multipolar world, and how quality trade agreements help set the stage for foreign direct investment flows and stronger strategic ties. They also chat about the calibrated opening that India is making with China, even as it is not yet ready to revisit entering RCEP. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:08 India withdrawal from RCEP and focus on bilateral relations 5:15 A greater alignment of trade with geopolitics 8:46 Roots of India’s “self-confidence” to sign trade deals 11:07 What the trade deals mean for ordinary Indians 14:11 EU looks to India, Taiwan in the AI age 18:14 EU-India, and a message to the US 20:53 Did Trump negotiate with a “gun to India’s head”? 24:18 Why stress on defence in US-India trade deal 27:01 RCEP: A calibrated opening is ongoing with China 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Hong Kong prides itself on being a first world city. So how did such a thing like the Tai Po fire happen? 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. On Nov 26, 2025, a fire swept through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing 168 people.  What also perished in that inferno was a certain trust in the system to keep everyone safe.  The Straits Times’ Hong Kong Correspondent Magdalene Fung, a long-time resident of the city, talks to host and foreign editor Li Xueying about her experience covering the disaster. She also wrestles with the question of how Hong Kong’s tolerance for cutting corners cuts both ways. There is ingenuity. But the acceptance of quick, convenient fixes has also resulted in a society that collectively allowed the fire to happen. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:04 On the ground, covering the fire 03:52 A system that failed 09:54 But a society that also helped 11:03 Low standards and quick, convenient fixes 16:12 The fire doors are still not closed Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/JyX2y  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 on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition. 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 January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Dramatic developments in Venezuela and Iran, both important oil suppliers for China, have exposed Beijing’s vulnerability in terms of energy security.  Oil only accounts for around 18 per cent of China’s energy mix but most of this is imported. While both regimes have enjoyed solid ties with Beijing, the reality is there is little China can do directly to preserve its interests there. Domestically, China has achieved remarkable success in its clean energy transition. But the human cost of this effort, particularly when it comes to poorer communities, should not be underestimated. Clean tech may have played a part in China’s soft power rise (BYD electric vehicles and solar panels are obvious examples), but there is no guarantee that this will translate into a stronger hand geopolitically.     Highlights (click/tap above): 2:02 Are China’s interests in Venezuela dead in the water? 4:58 Impacts of developments in Venezuela, Iran on upcoming Trump-Xi meeting 7:37 Is China prepared to use force to defend its energy security interests? 09:44 The human cost of China’s clean energy transition 14:11 Challenges in clean energy storage, distribution 17:28 Clean tech fuels China’s soft power rise 20:14 Existential survival instinct: Running out of energy Read more: https://str.sg/tBih  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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  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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

We dissect the abduction of a sitting president and predict what might come next. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Was it all about oil? Transnational crime cartels? Or China? In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Hoover Fellow Joseph Ledford and veteran oil analyst Carl Larry to understand Washington’s real game in Venezuela. Dr Joseph Ledford is a Hoover Fellow and the Assistant Director of the Hoover History Lab at the Hoover Institution. His research focuses on the exercise of American power, especially in the Western Hemisphere.  Mr Carl Larry is a Sales Manager at Enverus MarketView with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, covering financial, commercial, and physical aspects of the market.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:31 The 3 goals of the US military operation in Venezuela 3:45 So, was it about oil? 6:31 Is the world going to get cheaper petrol now? 7:54 Why does the US not want China as a ‘neighbour’? 16:42 Why was Machado not made president? 21:26 Will the US’ shale miners be hurt? 23:58 Lessons from Iraq and clues for Asia 26:45 How will the US recover from the reputational hit? 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

As Asia’s militaries show an increasing appetite to deploy drones – most recently during the Thai-Cambodian skirmishes and the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May, 2025, we speak to the chief executive of the company that makes lethal Unmanned Aerial Systems such as the Predator, Reaper and Sea Guardian. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corp, on trends in modern warfare, the rise of data-driven hi-tech weapons, weapons that ‘loiter’ in the air awaiting command from the ground and space as the next frontier of contestation.  They also focus on UASs – in warfare and potentially for civil use – and discuss whether unmanned drones have raised the risk of warfare by not putting pilots directly in harm’s way. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:46 'The future is in unmanned systems' 5:45 ‘Hey, there’s an UAV flying right alongside me’ 7:00 Asian militaries buying Predators and eyeing EMALS: India, Japan, Taiwan, Asean 14:05 Can US go it alone in defence research? 16:43 Does unmanned raise risk of war? 20:32 ‘There will always be pilots’ 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Metal window grilles were meant to keep households safe from burglars but they have been fingered as eyesores. 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. One of Taiwan’s names is "Formosa" - given by Portuguese sailors who sighted the island in the 16th century and called it “Beautiful Island” given its natural wonders such as mountains, forests and hot springs. In more recent times though, Taiwanese officials and designers have complained about a man-made blight across its cities: ubiquitous, often rusty, metal grilles criss-crossing windows.     Together, foreign editor Li Xueying and Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee, surface a larger discussion about the pace of urban renewal in Taiwan - a challenge that many Asian cities face, given the competing imperatives between urban renewal, heritage conservation and the rights of homeowners. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 The ugly truth about Taipei's buildings 2:06 Taiwan's window bars mystery 4:53 The beauty behind the rust 7:42 Challenges in urban redevelopment 12:12 Cycling and pedestrian safety in Taiwan Read Yip Wai Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/7U6y  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 on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Malaysia’s 2025 was marked by a stormy PKR election, school violence, and a scandal rocking its football team. 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 our December episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Nik Nazmi, a member of Parliament from PKR, and former minister of natural resources and environmental stability. We look back at the Malaysian stories that shook 2025, from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet vacancy and the death of Zara Qairina amid rising school violence, to the scandal engulfing Harimau Malaya’s heritage players. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:18 Cabinet vacancy and unity government leadership 11:13 Who leads PKR next? Is it Nurul Izzah's turn? 16:07 Are authorities failing to protect Malaysian children? 19:51 Band-aid solutions to solve school violence 25:41 Criminal case for footballers' citizenship spoofing 28:08 Can Harimau Malaya recover its football credentials? 32:21 Rolling back the time zone to UTC+7 for an extra hour of sunrise Read more: The curious case of four missing Cabinet ministers in Malaysia https://str.sg/A9fZ  Death of student in Sabah raises hurdle for Malaysian PM Anwar as he faces tough state polls soon https://str.sg/hpptQ  Malaysia fans fear Asian Cup blow as Fifa probe casts doubt on naturalised players https://str.sg/p62X   Malaysia faces renewed calls to rewind the clock, 40 years after shifting to UTC+8 https://str.sg/qnuM  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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

Find out why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as countries try to toggle away from the greenback. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. Harvard historian Mary Bridges, the author of Dollars and Dominion, explains why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as China, Russia, India and many countries try to toggle away from the greenback and into rival currencies like the yuan or the euro. In this episode, Dr Bridges, the Ernest May Fellow in History & Policy at Harvard University’s International Security Programme, tells US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar that while the world is becoming multipolar and diversified, the thick layer of institutions, relationships and trust built around the US dollar mean that any transition will take a very long time. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:59 How the US dollar became the king of currencies 3:58 How the US banks went into Asia 11:17 Will the US dollar lose its dominance? 19:17 Are crypto-currencies encroaching on dollar dominion? 21:11 Are Trump’s tariffs spurring de-dollarisation? 23:49 Why China’s BRI is also a currency play 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: 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

Our guest reveals pioneer leaders’ differing views on Singapore’s Aug 9, 1965 split from Malaysia. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ chief columnist Sumiko Tan speaks to Janadas Devan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, on how the The Albatross File: Inside Separation sheds fresh light on the decisions that led to Singapore’s independence. Edited by Susan Sim, the 488-page volume is co-published by Straits Times Press and the National Archives of Singapore, and was launched by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Dec 7 alongside an exhibition at the National Library. Mr Janadas, who coordinated the book, explains that Singapore’s 1963 merger with Malaysia was fraught from the outset, with the 1964 race riots further straining ties. Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee kept a private file he code-named “Albatross”, a reference to the bird in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous 1798 poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, symbolising the burden of the troubled merger. Documents inside the file range from an early Cabinet memo by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to the final Separation Agreement, and includes Dr Goh’s handwritten notes of his meetings with Malaysian leaders. Mr Janadas highlights how merger with Malaysia was a fundamental aim of Mr Lee’s People’s Action Party. It is something young Singaporeans today might find hard to understand, he acknowledges. But the merger was problematic, and proposals for a looser federation eventually collapsed, derailed by unclear terms and British anxieties as Indonesia’s Confrontation was then raging. Dr Goh led the talks for Singapore, navigating sensitive issues and political tensions. Within the Singapore leadership, views differed on whether Singapore should — or could — make it alone. Dr Goh pushed for going separate ways as the best option, while ministers Toh Chin Chye and S. Rajaratnam opposed separation once they learnt of it. Mr Lee was deeply torn, but ultimately authorised the move. Within a few years, Singapore's leaders concluded that Separation was the best outcome for Singapore. Mr Janadas also reflects on his father, Mr Devan Nair, who was the only PAP MP voted into the Malaysian Parliament at the time. When the two sides separated, his father decided to stay on in Malaysia, only returning to Singapore in 1969. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:11 The political climate of the 1960s 7:59 Why young Singaporeans may struggle to understand why the PAP pushed for merger with Malaysia 9:32 Early trouble after merger in 1963; Umno lost 3 seats it contested in Singapore GE to PAP’s Malay candidates 13:13 Was a looser federation ever an option? 17:23 The role of the British as Singapore and Malaysia leaders tried to work through their disagreements 18:35 What did Lee Kuan Yew mean by making life intolerable for the Malaysian leadership? 27:35 Diverging views: Lee always wanted a looser federation but Dr Goh felt separation was the answer 32:45 How Mrs Lee says that the closest her husband came to a nervous breakdown was August 9th, 1965 39:03 Janadas on how his father, Devan Nair, refused to accept Separation at first, before being convinced by Lee to eventually return 44:32 Do Singaporeans today underestimate how fragile the nation’s early years were? Buy the book: The Albatross File: Inside Separation (Standard/Collector’s Editions) https://www.stbooks.sg/products/the-albatross-file-inside-separation-collectors-edition Book tickets to the exhibition opening Dec 8 at the National Library Building: https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg Host: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg) Read Sumiko’s articles:https://str.sg/Jbhe  Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz  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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

Our guest expert explains the Americas-focused doctrine, inspired by the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine’s hemispheric stance. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, the eminent Filipino geopolitical expert and strategist, on declining US influence in Asia and the ‘Donroe’ Doctrine. They discuss the doctrine’s precursor, the Monroe Doctrine, and how key American allies in Asia are reacting to talk of the Donroe Doctrine. Ravi and Gill also discuss the potential of a ‘G-2', or Group of Two, which would include just the US and China. This, too, is a concept that many Asian nations with their own view of their place in the world, actively resist. Highlights: (Click/Tap Above) 1:24 What is the Donroe Doctrine? 4:47 Implications for Philippines 7:30 Reactions of allies Japan, South Korea, Australia, and quasi-ally India 13:10 ‘G2’ & the Donroe Doctrine: Clear concerns 16:11 A misguided strategy? US-China gap narrowing 19:47 Quad, Squad and increasing mini-laterals minus US Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) 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  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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

The island’s diplomatic space may be shrinking but it wants to engage the world on its own terms. 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 November, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee. They discuss Taiwan’s foreign policy preoccupations and the implications of the Beijing-Tokyo spat over remarks made by Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi on cross-strait tensions. Up against an increasingly dominant China, Taiwan is adopting what it calls “integrated diplomacy” as it seeks to buttress relations with like-minded partners.  At the same time, the normalisation of so-called grey-zone tactics by the mainland against the island carries risks for Taiwan’s societal resilience and its ability to respond in the event of an actual attack. All eyes are on the next round of talks between American President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the first half of 2026, as this could have far-reaching implications on Taiwan’s role on the global stage. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:49 Taipei’s “integrated diplomacy” 4:12 China-Japan spat over Taiwan 7:46 Shift in approach for cross-strait ties 10:35 What’s at stake when Trump and Xi meet in 2026 13:51 Leverage in tariff talks with the US 15:22 Grey-zone tactics 19:27 Breakthrough at European parliament 21:31 China Taipei or Chinese Taipei? Read more: https://str.sg/s4A7  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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  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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- 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

Our expert guest explains why he predicts both men will seek good vibes in 2026. 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 hosts her special guest - Harvard Professor Graham Allison - who tells her how he manages to read Trump right, by taking him seriously, looking at his patterns amid all his statements, and noticing the trend lines. Prof Allison is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard University where he has taught for five decades. He is a leading analyst of national security with special interests in nuclear weapons, Russia, China, and decision-making.   He has also written books, including Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?, published in 2017. He also had another book out earlier in 2013 - Lee Kuan Yew: The Grand Master’s Insights on China, the United States and the World -  which has been a bestseller in the US and abroad.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:31 How well do Trump & Xi vibe? Getting a sense of their agendas for 2026 7:34 What do Trump and Xi want from each other? 9:31 Will Trump get hawkish on China ahead of 2026 election? 13:52 Why is Trump muted on China-Japan spat over Taiwan? 18:50 Why Trump is different from any other US president 21:48 How today’s China looks at today’s America 24:43 Will China be the world’s sole superpower? Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Follow Bhagyashree Garekar on 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side.  Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, foreign policy adviser to the Cabinet of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of the most authoritative voices on Japan about the ascend and likely impact of Sanae Takaichi. They discuss Ms Takaichi’s first diplomatic encounter with US President Donald Trump, her hardline approach to defence, and China, Japan’s shifting priorities in Asean as Philippines rises in salience and Indonesia declines, Tokyo’s dread of Trump’s ‘G-2’ talk, the future of the Quad security dialogue, and her approach to economic policy. They also discuss Ms Takaichi’s softer, personal side – her early life, propensity to ride powerful motorbikes, marriage to the same man twice and finally, the question: Now that Japan has its first woman PM, is it time to consider an Empress for Japan? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 Shinzo Abe’s protege? Yes, and no. 5:00 Asean summit and first encounter with Donald J Trump 10:00 Japan’s dread of Trump’s “G-2” talk 12:00: Defence thrust, and the nuclear question 18:30 China, Japan’s key neighbour 22:30 For Tokyo, Indonesia dips while Philippines rises 26:00 Is Quad dead in the water? 31:00 Japan and foreigners 36:10 Sanae Takaichi: woman, wife, rocker, biker 41:20 After woman PM, an Empress for Japan? Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) 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  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Chen Junyi 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Spoiler: Politics, and the private lives of politicians.  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. For more than a century, it was quite accepted in France that Presidents and male politicians could have mistresses, and no one would pry into their private lives.  But public attitudes are changing, and this is manifested in persistent curiosity about President Emmanuel Macron and his wife - who have now taken the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit to battle scurrilous allegations.  In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying hosts global affairs correspondent Jonathan Eyal, who takes his skewer to double standards, culture wars and conspiracy theories that are fuelling the change.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:48 Paris in summer: A hotbed of scandals 4:11 Climate and political heat 7:01 Changing political privacy norms in France 9:29 The role of social media and disinformation 13:31 Macron’s political challenges and scandals Read Jonathan Eyal’s article here: https://str.sg/cDua  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) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

A grand bargain will be hard to strike at the upcoming US-China presidential summit, says a top trade 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, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler - who was recently a panellist at SPH Media’s Oct 9 Asia Future Summit - speaks with US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar to unpack what can be expected from President Donald Trump’s Asia trip. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:09 On the expected Trump-Xi meeting 6:11 What China wants out of the meeting 7:39 Wendy Cutler’s gut feel on the summit outcome 12:00 Did Singapore get the ‘best deal’ out of Trump? 14:10 Seoul may get a deal, not New Delhi 17:19 ‘We're gonna be living in a tariff world for the next 3.5 years’ 23:34 Is the sun setting on Apec? 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: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26. For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just tabled his latest budget for 2026, and will now have to juggle domestic and international impressions over the visit of US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit starting Oct 26. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:57 Was the RM470b allocation in Budget 2026 a creative fiscal feat? 5:09 How successful has Anwar been in pushing for financial reforms? 8:39 Is the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak a political move ahead of the state election? 11:18 Can Malaysia afford to have Trump miss the Asean Summit? 13:31 Will Malaysia have to one day choose between the US and China? 15:37 Why Malaysians’ anger on the Palestinian cause is real  19:38 How to celebrate an F1 win without alcoholic champagne Read more: Demystifying Budget 2026 tabled by PM Anwar https://str.sg/mpP6 Is Budget 2026 a political strategy for Sabah state polls? https://str.sg/wJ76g Malaysians are unhappy with Trump’s visit to KL https://str.sg/DBc3 Petronas CEO under fire for champagne celebration at Singapore GP https://str.sg/7HoB  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 Hosts: 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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people. They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement. They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity. This episode is brought to you by Citi. Highlights: (click/tap above) 1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples 7:30 The shift to South-east Asia 9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade 11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank" 12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia 14:10 Why Vietnam is booming 17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia 19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift Read more Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/ Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #STAI

Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well?  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. One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises.  She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life. In this episode, host and ST's foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices 6:55 Socio-economic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices 9:15 The Catholic church's role in social welfare 13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion 17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: https://str.sg/wN4UL  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters   Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good. 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 China bureaus. For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They revisit the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, focusing on Beijing’s message to the world and what it reveals in terms of foreign policy preoccupations. China’s WWII narrative was loud and clear: We have come a long way from being a victim to a great power. Additionally, the communist party is now strong enough to protect the nation. For the domestic audience, the event was a great source of pride and served to galvanise the people during a time of great power rivalry with Washington. Taken together with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum and the Xiangshan Forum on defence matters, September was a high-key month for China’s narrative building efforts as a responsible global player. It sought to portray itself as a great power with friends, while leading the call for a new security order. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if China’s narrative shaping efforts would strengthen its hand when dealing with the United States. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:14 What is the big deal about the parade? 2:34 Futuristic weapons under the spotlight 5:21 Indonesian President Prabowo gets prime seat 6:57 Why WWII history matters to the Chinese government 8:49 Massive logistical preparations before the event 11:03 Do Chinese people still feel anger or resentment towards the war? 16:10 The West didn’t want to endorse China’s WWII narrative 17:30 China’s vision for a new security order 20:32 Looking ahead: APEC in South Korea and a Trump-Xi meeting  Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-showcases-military-diplomatic-prowess-at-parade-attended-by-putin-kim  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew 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  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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Why it's significant that China and India declare they are not rivals but partners. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, co-founder and head of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a non-government think tank in Beijing, about the Chinese view on recent developments in Sino-Indian ties, and the summit in early August between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Wang says perceptions that India may be dragged by fellow Quad nations into diluting its non-aligned instincts, and the lack of exchanges during the prolonged Covid-19 shutdowns, contributed to a chill in ties. The Xi-Modi summit in Tianjin revives hope of vastly improved ties, and China’s close ties with Pakistan, and improving ties with India, could contribute to peace on the sub-continent, he adds. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:05 What went so wrong when things seemed to be going right 4:00 The ‘Quad’ factor in ties  10:05 India is nobody’s quisling 13:15 China’s reasons to mend fences 14:45 The Russia factor 16:30 Belts and Roads 19:30 How China views recent US-India troubles Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Single Chinese want to find love, but remain straitjacketed by expectations of what their partners should look like. 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. Inequality is at play in China’s singles market in more ways than one.  In China, the number of men outstrip that of women, and yet, they find it far easier to find marriage partners.    At the same time, both genders are trapped by familial and their own expectations to marry within the same social bracket, in the face of a growing divide between the elites and the broader generation. China correspondent Michelle Ng unpacks the dynamics with host and ST foreign editor Li Xueying. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:49 Attending a matchmaking event in Beijing 2:55 Screening for income 5:40 A paradox in the marriage market 9:04 Anxiety of the rich 12:29 Lack of social mixing Read Michelle Ng’s article here: https://str.sg/jMu4 Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters   Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX 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  The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

The coming months will see several changes in the political landscape as parties make moves on various fronts.  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. In this episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei are joined by Ibrahim Suffian, also known as Ben, the co-founder and programs director of Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. With Malaysia’s opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) holding its annual conference in September, and the 17th Sabah election that is likely happening by year-end, what is on the horizon for Malaysia’s political scene? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:32 PAS no longer just a supporting actor in Malaysia’s political scene 7:37 PAS as an alternative for Barisan National and Umno and its more moderated image 10:47 Possible leadership change in the coming PAS congress and ambitions of federal power 14:17 What’s next for PAS and its standing in Perikatan Nasional (PN)? 18:55 The coming Sabah elections and the state of play  27:16 Why the death of 13-year-old Sabah student Zara Qairina has become part of the political discussion 29:39 The rise of state nationalism in Sabah 35:52 News nugget: Malaysians generally feel optimistic about ageing  Read more: The state of play in Sabah as elections loom - https://str.sg/oKkNK  6 in 10 Malaysians upbeat about ageing - https://str.sg/DhRU  Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ  Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Hosts: Tan Tam Mei (tammei@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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Why does President Donald Trump seem so intent on winning the Nobel Peace Prize? 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, President Donald Trump’s ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize is the topic of discussion for ST's assistant foreign editor Clement Tan who hosts colleague and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar. They discuss the motivations behind his desire for the award and the international political implications of his nomination at a time when a number of wars are raging and the ensuing loss of innumerable lives frame his presidency.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:23 Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize 3:07 Trump vs. Obama: A rivalry 4:07 Global reactions and nominations 7:05 Trump's diplomatic efforts 9:59 Current major conflicts and Trump's role 13:43 Nobel Peace Prize nomination process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Declaring war “against everybody” including China and hoping for the right result is very worrying. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, on US policy toward Asia. Mr Bolton speaks on the chaos and confusion in the Trump White House, the lack of a coherent policy toward Asia including senseless tariffs slapped on key security partners, and Mr Trump’s proclivity to personalise foreign policy. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 A tone-deaf presidency  4:45 Asia in Trump 2.0 6:30 Singapore’s shock over tariffs 10:20 Is Trump more than an aberration? 11:30 Trump’s China fascination 13:40 Desperation for a Nobel; Trump in Asian conflicts 16:40 Are Quad and Aukus dead in the water? 19:00 Taiwan has reason to be worried Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Social isolation is especially acute in the capital city of Seoul—and it’s not just among the elderly. 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 and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo, who has lived in South Korea for six years, as she describes what life in Seoul can be like, and explains why loneliness is a looming epidemic not just for the aged but for young people there as well.  Steps are being taken to address the challenge, with local authorities rolling out measures ranging from cafes where anyone can drop by for a steaming hot bowl of ramyeon to 24-hour call centres.   Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 All alone in Seoul 4:59 Intense competition in exams and for jobs 6:41 A district in southern Seoul City 11:47 Tackling the problem before depression sets in 15:04 Are mindsets shifting? Read Wendy Teo’s article here: https://str.sg/f4bN Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters   Host: Li Xueying (xueying@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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Ultimately, the outcome might depend on both sides’ threshold for pain. 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 China bureaus. For July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. They take stock of the twists and turns in the tariff negotiations between Washington and Beijing. Both sides have weaponised access to rare earths and advanced chips as well as the potential sale of short video app TikTok, among other issues, in a bid to gain leverage. Ultimately, how the negotiations pan out may depend on how much pain both sides are prepared to endure.  On the horizon is talk about a possible visit by President Donald Trump to China and how this might play a decisive role for some sort of deal. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The twists and turns of US-China tariff negotiations 3:24 How Beijing has weaponised the access to rare earths 5:40 China can now buy Nvidia H20 AI chips again. What are the implications? 7:49 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes waves in China 9:54 Can Americans be happy without Chinese goods? 12:41 How the sale of TikTok might be a bargaining chip 13:56 Transhipment taxes add a layer of uncertainty 17:59 What a grand bargain might look like 19:37 Who will win the trade war?  Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Albert Wai (albertw@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  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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

A conversation with Chicago-based Mayank Chhaya, the Dalai Lama’s biographer, on the highs and lows of His Holiness’ remarkable journey through life.  Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Mayank Chhaya, writer, broadcaster and the Dalai Lama’s biographer.  Mr Chhaya, a writer and broadcaster, says that at 90, the Dalai Lama has become larger than the Tibetan cause he espouses and represents. He describes some remarkable moments in the Dalai Lama’s life, discusses his politics and geopolitics, and what lies ahead with China standing firm that it will choose the next Dalai Lama. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 The flight to safety  6:10 Prayers, pigeons and lightning strikes 9:20 Dalai Lama has grown beyond Tibetan cause 12:00 The geopolitical Dalai Lama   16:50 China has lifted Tibetan living standards 19:50 At some point, there could be two Dalai Lamas Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot. 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. Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting it out while teetering on poles. But the city has been gripped in what Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung says is an almost “visceral fear” over a recent government edict to reduce the use of bamboo in construction projects due to safety concerns. ST foreign editor Li Xueying catches up with her over a similar debate arising over the would-be demolition of Choi Hung, Hong Kong’s first large-scale public housing project completed in the 1960s.  Having undergone the social turmoil and political changes of recent years since the 2019 protests, Hong Kongers are seeking comfort in the things that can remain the same - and quietly protesting the changes coming their way. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:53 Changes in government regulations over bamboo scaffolding 2:25 Safety concerns 9:24 A fear of change 11:42 Why Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate has to go 17:02 Has cultural nostalgia been weaponised?  Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/dbo9 Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters   Host: Li Xueying (xueying@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 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 The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically. 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 our June episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow at RSIS, as they unpack Malaysia’s showing at global forums. From hosting a landmark Asean Summit and joining BRICS, his diplomatic engagements with leaders from China, Russia, and the Middle East, PM Anwar has advanced Malaysia on the world stage. But domestically, challenges are mounting. With talk of nepotism and several movements within the unity government, what could come next? How will this reshape the political field as the country inches closer to its 16th General Election that must be held by early 2028? Highlights (click/tap above): 6:58 Malaysia as Asean chair and PM Anwar’s showing  9:44 How can PM Anwar and Asean effect change, especially in Myanmar?  14:20 Translating Malaysia’s international appearance for the domestic audience 18:20 Malaysia’s diplomatic balancing act between the US and China 23:09 Nurul Izzah’s rise to PKR No.2 post, Rafizi Ramli’s exit from Cabinet 31:08 Timing, motivations and implications: Why Tengku Zafrul Aziz is joining the PKR 41:50 Quelling Umno’s upset; what to expect at the next Cabinet reshuffle, moves ahead of next general election 47:08 News nugget from Malaysia: Penang’s new char kway teow champion Read more: Malaysia’s showing at Asean - https://str.sg/Gp5Q Fallout from Malaysia’s PKR election - https://str.sg/mbjY Zafrul’s jump to the PKR - https://str.sg/kbSe Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ  Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Hosts: Tan Tam Mei (tammei@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 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg); edited by: Elsa Goh --- Discover more ST podcast channels: 'All-in-one' ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts (*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Special edition series: Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- 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 #stpodcasttr

A conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran. Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from cars to even batik shirts. Some call this phenomenon the ‘Second China Shock.’ In this episode, Ravi speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, the eminent Singapore economist and expert on regional politics and geopolitics. Mr Bhaskaran is a partner and board member of Centennial Group, a Washington DC-based policy advisory, and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:00 What the 'Second China Shock' is about 5:30 ‘Fitness centre’ of global manufacturing  7:05 Countries, industries most affected 10:00 How can Asean respond? 12:30 A protectionist wave ahead 15:00 Why Asean has a lot going for it Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 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  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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

China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards 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. The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong province, where peonies aren't just admired by tourists - they drive a multi-billion yuan industry. Long revered for their cultural significance, peonies now powers a thriving local economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and carrying unexpected political symbolism, including ties to First Lady Peng Liyuan. What can a single city alone reveal about the China’s deeper economic challenges - from changing consumer behaviour to rising youth unemployment and growing regional divides? Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 The cultural significance of peonies in China 4:04 Peonies in modern Chinese culture 5:42 Toothpaste, cooking oil and TCM - how peony is made into 260 products 13:33 Challenges and strategies for cities in China 17:43 Conclusion and broader economic insights Read Joyce Lim’s article here: https://str.sg/LcLs  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x   Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  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  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia. 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 China bureaus. For May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based in Chongqing. They discuss Chongqing’s evolution as an automotive hub and its aspirations to beef up the tech sector to better support the manufacturing of vehicles going forward. Given its geographical location and logistical prowess, Chongqing has thus far focused on Central Asia and other parts of the developing world as key export markets for its vehicles. Even as the US-China trade war rages, Chongqing’s prospects remain upbeat as those in the industry say they will hunker down and continue to focus on markets that are plugged into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a central pillar to President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s political and economic influence worldwide. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:12 Past history: How Chongqing became an automotive hub 3:45 Chongqing’s automotive sector makes up half of its industry value-added services 5:20 Dummy question: What is the difference between smart cars and EVs? 10:04 Temporary truce in trade war could affect Chongqing? Is China dumping EVs into emerging markets? 13:20 Rail connection critical to Chongqing-Central Asia trade 14:50 Mala food scene in Chongqing: What you need to know Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Hosts: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) & Sarah Ng (ngsls@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  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Singapore's 2025 general election was held on May 3, and the ruling People's Action Party won 65.57 per cent of the national vote, a commanding swing up from its 61.24 per cent share in 2020. The ruling party won 87 seats out of the contested 97, securing a majority in Parliament. The opposition Workers' Party retained two GRCs in Aljunied and Sengkang, and one SMC in Hougang. This election gave Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the clear mandate that he had sought, in his first electoral contest as head of government and leader of the PAP. Narrated by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Amirul Karim Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- 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 #asianinsider #tuptrs

Indonesia’s capital, one of South-east Asia’s most crowded cities, contains 12 million people in a land area of 660 sq km.  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. Host and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlina Arshad, who has lived in Jakarta for 16 years - and moved five times. What are the lessons that she’s picked up in searching for the right apartment in Indonesia’s capital city?  In this city of contrasts, private-sector developers are on a tearing streak to build high-end condominiums for an expanding middle class. At the same time, graveyards and slums are just round the block from these homes.  And for decades now, the government has strove to resolve the housing and urban development challenge in Jakarta. What plans does the Prabowo administration now have?  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:58 Every move an exciting and chaotic journey 4:03 Drawing the curtains on a graveyard 5:57 Indonesians’ attitudes towards the dead 8:31 Why Jakarta is so crowded 10:48 Fixing the housing challenge Read Arlina Arshad’s article here: https://str.sg/b9qb  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)  Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7    ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  — 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

A conversation with M R Narayan Swamy, veteran South Asian journalist and biographer of slain Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests. As Sri Lanka approaches the 16th anniversary of the end of its civil war, Ravi speaks with M R Narayan Swamy in this episode. Swamy is the author of several books on Sri Lanka’s now-vanquished militant group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and he talks about his most recent book – The Rout of Prabhakaran. Swamy’s book details the last days of Tamil Tigers supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran who was killed, along with hundreds of fighters and Tamil civilians, by the Sri Lankan army in May, 2009. In this podcast, he discusses why Prabhakaran, who once controlled a third of Sri Lanka’s landmass, and two-thirds of its coastline, met his bloody end; the mistakes he made along the way, and the magical hold he seemed to hold on his cadres. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:30 A post-mortem on Prabhakaran, and Tigers 5:40 ‘Political harakiri’ – the big lessons from the defeat 13:10 Tigers compared with Hamas 16:25 “Unforgivable Western complicity” 19:35 Tamil insurgency effectively ending 23:10 Can Sri Lanka now be another Singapore Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 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  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Xi’an is famous for its terracotta warriors but still faces significant challenges in air pollution. 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 six of the 10 years between 2014 and 2023, Xi’an had the poorest air quality among China’s new top-tier cities, which are the most commercially attractive cities after Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. In 2023, the city ranked fifth from the bottom out of 168 key cities in China, having recorded harmful PM2.5 levels of 48 ug/m3 on average that year, much higher than the healthy limit of 5 ug/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While there are improvements in air quality over the years - thanks to measures taken by the government, there is still a long way to go. The local residents, while they do not disregard the pollution, are more concerned with their financial situation.  In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with ST correspondent Ang Qing - who shares her experiences being in Xi'an for three months, a city known for its terracotta warriors and its air pollution challenges. They also talk about the role of civic engagement and environmental activism in China, highlighting the efforts of young activists and their challenges advocating for change. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:03 Qing’s personal journey in Xi’an 5:54 The state of air quality in Xi’an 8:42 Government measures and community responses 11:34 Public perception and future challenges? 14:22 Qing's takeaways: Civic engagement and environmental activism in China Read Ang Qing’s article here: https://str.sg/JUC7c  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR  Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)  Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7    ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  — 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

Who is Dr Anji Sinha? Our US bureau chief finds that the key to this story lies in relationships. Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points. As of the publication of this episode on March 21, nothing much is known about the person recently nominated by US President Donald Trump to become the top American diplomat in Singapore beyond his or her name. The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar reveal the detective work involved in trying to uncover who US President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore is - from following the breadcrumbs laid out by contacts to dealing with dead ends and working the phones to reveal the Florida connection. Highlights (click/tap above): 03:00 The significance of the US Ambassador to Singapore 04:55 Uncovering who Dr Anji Sinha is 07:34 A tip-off and a subtle hint  09:53 Dealing with hesitant sources, sensitive diplomatic matters 14:17 Broadening contacts 17:28 The Trump administration’s cautious approach 19:46 The Florida Connection 25:02 Looking ahead: The confirmation process Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo  Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ  Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX  Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@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 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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

Thousands of mainland Chinese are choosing Malaysia’s laid-back vibes over their stressful lives back home.  Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus. For March, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, and special guest Dr Ong Kian Ming, both based in Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to settle down in multicultural Malaysia, as thousands of mainland Chinese on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa scheme have discovered. Affordable property, international schools, local food and a relaxed lifestyle are all draws, but are there drawbacks? As it is, signage in the Chinese language has already sparked off a war of words between politicians. Speaking of politics, the recent Democratic Action Party (DAP) election saw the Lim family influence diminished. Former deputy minister and party insider Dr Ong gives us the lowdown on what happened on March 16, and his predictions for the DAP’s future.  Highlights (click/tap above): 01:21 MM2H: Why is it so popular with mainland Chinese? 06:43 Cultural shift, retail landscape change from influx of Chinese 11:19 How Chinese brands are adapting to local market 14:57 Furore over Chinese signage 19:43 DAP election: How the party’s evolved in Malaysian politics 26:56 Will DAP turn into MCA 2.0 30:49 Mood at party polls 38:02 Lim Guan Eng's future role and influence 42:38 News nugget: What’s your desert island Malaysian snack? Read more: MM2H scheme - https://str.sg/bsDx  Malaysia’s DAP election - https://str.sg/Kiqx Heated exchange Malaysia’s MCA and DAP - https://str.sg/FS6T  Dr Ong Kian Ming’s Are We OK? podcast - https://str.sg/63jG Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE  Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ  Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@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  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg  --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- 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