Political stalemate is diminishing Thailand’s international stature and economy

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Thailand, once seen as a rising middle power, is now stuck in political and economic stagnation that are affecting its international standing. Its years of political turmoil had caused its economy to underperform, with GDP growing by 1.9 per cent in 2023. 

While economists expect around GDP growth at 2.7 per cent in 2024 and 2.9 per cent in 2025 - the growth is inadequate to satisfy demands and expectations. 

Thailand is currently under the relatively new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. But its “old guard” institutions have not allowed the country to progress politically, which are controlling political outcomes through agencies like the constitutional court, the election commission, the anti-corruption commission and the Senate, says Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science. 

Meanwhile, Thailand's international standing has diminished - though the country’s size and geographic location mean it remains a key player in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is also divided on contentious issues such as the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. 

While former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has been appointed an informal advisor to next year’s Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expectations are low. 

The former premier, as well as Prime Minister Anwar himself, are from an older generation - but Asean needs a younger generation to lead it forward, says Professor Thitinan, who is currently a visiting professor as well at the London School of Economics, in this episode with host Nirmal Ghosh. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

6:02 How the military coup in May 2014 'sank' Thailand

10:29 Thailand lost out on tech revolutions like AI

15:07 Why Asean is currently at its weakest

19:22 How Thailand can play a regional role in the Myanmar crisis, and curb transnational crimes like scams

21:39 Msia PM Anwar picks Thaksin Shinawatra as informal Asean adviser

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

---

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---

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#STAsianInsider

Political stalemate is diminishing Thailand&rsquo;s international stature and economy
Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.
Thailand, once seen as a rising middle power, is now stuck in political and economic stagnation that are affecting its international standing. Its years of political turmoil had caused its economy to underperform, with GDP growing by 1.9 per cent in 2023.&nbsp;
While economists expect around GDP growth at 2.7 per cent in 2024 and 2.9 per cent in 2025 - the growth is inadequate to satisfy demands and expectations.&nbsp;
Thailand is currently under the relatively new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. But its &ldquo;old guard&rdquo; institutions have not allowed the country to progress politically, which are controlling political outcomes through agencies like the constitutional court, the election commission, the anti-corruption commission and the Senate, says Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Thailand's international standing has diminished - though the country&rsquo;s size and geographic location mean it remains a key player in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is also divided on contentious issues such as the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.&nbsp;
While former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has been appointed an informal advisor to next year&rsquo;s Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expectations are low.&nbsp;
The former premier, as well as Prime Minister Anwar himself, are from an older generation - but Asean needs a younger generation to lead it forward, says Professor Thitinan, who is currently a visiting professor as well at the London School of Economics, in this episode with host Nirmal Ghosh.&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
6:02 How the military coup in May 2014 'sank' Thailand
10:29 Thailand lost out on tech revolutions like AI
15:07 Why Asean is currently at its weakest
19:22 How Thailand can play a regional role in the Myanmar crisis, and curb transnational crimes like scams
21:39 Msia PM Anwar picks Thaksin Shinawatra as informal Asean adviser
Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Lynda Hong
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>
Website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X:<a href="https://str.sg/JD7r"> https://str.sg/JD7r</a>
Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/JbxG"> https://str.sg/JbxG</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a>
---
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#STAsianInsider

Thailand’s domestic politics needs revival to spark economy, regional influence

“New Year, New Me” vibes

How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL

Achieve your goals with your TikTok fam?

Social sabotage: “Are you sure you can do it?”

As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting “losing weight” on your list of resolutions - for the nth time? 

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year’s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging. 

Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails.

On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore. 

The new year usually brings them new clients - it’s a ‘New Year, New Me’ vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up.

Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations.

Like one of Jerome’s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira’s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience.

That’s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track. 

Watch this week’s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:18 “New Year, New Me” vibes

5:48 How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL

11:58 Can you achieve your goals with your TikTok fam?

30:51 Facing social sabotage - “Are you sure you can do it?”

Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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---

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#tup #tuptr

As we inch closer to a new year, will you be putting &ldquo;losing weight&rdquo; on your list of resolutions - for the nth time?&nbsp;
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Dropping the pounds is a classic New Year&rsquo;s resolution for many people, but sticking to it often proves challenging.&nbsp;
Natasha wanted to find out what trips up our weight loss goals, so she turned to the experts, who have seen success stories and epic fails.
On this episode of The Usual Place, she is joined by Mira Azman (@miraacurl), Senior Exercise Experience Coach at Virgin Active Singapore, and Jerome Simon (@jxmonxstar), Senior Club General Manager at Fitness First Singapore.&nbsp;
The new year usually brings them new clients - it&rsquo;s a &lsquo;New Year, New Me&rsquo; vibe, they both concur - but people have been known to drop out within weeks of signing up.
Mira and Jerome highlight that people often come in with unrealistic expectations.
Like one of Jerome&rsquo;s clients who wanted the physique that actor Chris Hemsworth had when he was playing Thor within two months. (Spoiler alert: The Thor-wannabe went AWOL after two months). Or Mira&rsquo;s client who wanted to lose 10kg in a month, despite barely having any exercise experience.
That&rsquo;s why both trainers say that accountability, whether by working out with a coach or finding a supportive community, can keep one on track.&nbsp;
Watch this week&rsquo;s episode of The Usual Place to find out what else these trainers had to say about TikTok trends, unsustainable diet fads and how to shift your mindset to get fit in 2025.
Highlights (click/tap above): 1:18 &ldquo;New Year, New Me&rdquo; vibes 5:48 How a Thor-wannabe went AWOL 11:58 Can you achieve your goals with your TikTok fam? 30:51 Facing social sabotage - &ldquo;Are you sure you can do it?&rdquo;
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a> Read Natasha's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a> Filmed by: Studio+65
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh &amp; Teo Tong Kai
Executive producers: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/5nfm&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iptWDheZTbc6UWH19K9Ik">https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
Apple Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/9ijX" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/9ijX&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1FaPmmc8vEyCxKmRadKVZo">https://str.sg/9ijX</a>
Spotify:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/cd2P" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/cd2P&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2w3xb6c1ejhhdXDpghQkBE">https://str.sg/cd2P</a>
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Feedback to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/wvz7&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LPvTdnzHsUwHU7VHQNXR8">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
ST Podcast website:&nbsp;<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://str.sg/stpodcasts&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw11bVm3kZchw4h57yIYmPUV">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
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---
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#tup #tuptr

Abs like Thor, curves like Kim K: are unrealistic expectations holding us back in the gym?

Global debt up

 Public debt owned by private creditors?

Laos debt crisis: China's role

Debt in foreign currencies

China & debt deferrals

Solutions for reducing debt burden

Developing countries are in a vicious debt cycle with little relief in sight, undermining social progress.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Some 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments in their debt, than on either education or health. In 2023, a record 54 developing countries allocated 10 per cent or more of government revenue just to pay off interest on their debt - reducing funds available to provide basic services from schools to hospitals, for their populations. 

Public debt thus becomes a human rights crisis, as well as an environmental crisis as most debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Countries then often have to export their way out of debt - which in many cases, such as in that of Laos, means exploiting their natural resources. 

The crisis is worsened by the fact that for many developing countries, it is more costly to borrow than for rich countries - because their credit ratings are worse. For example, the average African country may be paying almost 10 per cent while the United States and Germany may be paying less than 3 per cent, because the latter have higher credit ratings. 

In Laos' case, there is a geopolitical dimension as well; about 50 per cent of Laos's external debt is owed to China.

There is wide consensus that this is a full blown crisis, but the solutions to it are hard to implement. Part of the reason is many creditors are private lenders. Yet solutions are critical if developing countries are to be able to dig themselves out from under the mountain of debt they are burdened with. 

In this episode of Asian Insider, Olivia De Schutter, professor of law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Keith Barney, Associate Professor at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy, share with host Nirmal Ghosh insights into the fundamentally unjust situation many developing countries are trapped in. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

1:52 Global debt: From $51 trillion in 2010 to $97 trillion in 2023

4:01 The Pact for the Future acknowledges the issue, but much public debt is owned by private creditors

5:53 Why Laos debt crisis is also an environmental crisis; China's role in this

10:04 Since the debt is in foreign currencies, countries must export to repay it

13:59 China offers debt deferrals, not relief, just delaying the issue

16:01 Debt burden is driving the international community to consider debt-for-nature or debt-for-climate swaps

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@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

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 Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa 

---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB  

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX  

---

#STAsianInsider

Developing countries are in a vicious debt cycle with little relief in sight, undermining social progress.
Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.
Some 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments in their debt, than on either education or health. In 2023, a record 54 developing countries allocated 10 per cent or more of government revenue just to pay off interest on their debt - reducing funds available to provide basic services from schools to hospitals, for their populations.&nbsp;
Public debt thus becomes a human rights crisis, as well as an environmental crisis as most debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Countries then often have to export their way out of debt - which in many cases, such as in that of Laos, means exploiting their natural resources.&nbsp;
The crisis is worsened by the fact that for many developing countries, it is more costly to borrow than for rich countries - because their credit ratings are worse. For example, the average African country may be paying almost 10 per cent while the United States and Germany may be paying less than 3 per cent, because the latter have higher credit ratings.&nbsp;
In Laos' case, there is a geopolitical dimension as well; about 50 per cent of Laos's external debt is owed to China.
There is wide consensus that this is a full blown crisis, but the solutions to it are hard to implement. Part of the reason is many creditors are private lenders. Yet solutions are critical if developing countries are to be able to dig themselves out from under the mountain of debt they are burdened with.&nbsp;
In this episode of Asian Insider, Olivia De Schutter, professor of law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Keith Barney, Associate Professor at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy, share with host Nirmal Ghosh insights into the fundamentally unjust situation many developing countries are trapped in.&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
1:52 Global debt: From $51 trillion in 2010 to $97 trillion in 2023
4:01 The Pact for the Future acknowledges the issue, but much public debt is owned by private creditors
5:53 Why Laos debt crisis is also an environmental crisis; China's role in this
10:04 Since the debt is in foreign currencies, countries must export to repay it
13:59 China offers debt deferrals, not relief, just delaying the issue
16:01 Debt burden is driving the international community to consider debt-for-nature or debt-for-climate swaps
Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X:<a href="https://str.sg/JD7r"> https://str.sg/JD7r</a>
Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/JbxG"> https://str.sg/JbxG</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a>
Host: Nirmal Ghosh (<a href="mailto:nirmal@sph.com.sg">nirmal@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>
Website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>&nbsp;
---
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---
#STAsianInsider

Mountains of debt deepening human and environmental crises

Should you lower your standards in dating?

Looking for KPIs in dating

Men are more vulnerable than women

Dating after 40: Is it game over?

Where to start as a first-time dater

Are men bad at conversations?

Is modern dating painful and how can those who want to find love in 2025 find love intentionally?

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah dissected the dating game with Andrea Tan, a certified sex, love and relationship coach and founder of Athena Rising Coaching & Consulting and Chia Wei Goh, founder of CGull, a dating consultancy for men.

According to results from a Bumble survey that was released mid-Nov 2024, people here are still keen to date – four in five Singaporean singles interviewed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025. (Bumble is a women-first dating and social networking app that was founded in 2014.)

But what are some of the issues that get in the way of finding love?

From treating dates as job interviews to having many deal-breakers, both Andrea and Chia Wei dove into the insights they gleaned from working with their clients.

Natasha wanted to find out if dating stereotypes of ideal partners that surface on social media – “man in finance, trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes” or “trad wife”, for example – hurt or help one’s chances at making a great impression. 

Meanwhile, Chia Wei suggested that both genders take on a niche hobby such as yoga for men or muay thai for women, to open more opportunities to meet a partner of the opposite sex. 

Andrea, who is also Bumble’s relationship expert, said that to press ahead in the dating game, one needs a cheerleader support group to provide positive affirmations.

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:59 Should you lower your standards in dating?

11:46 Looking for KPIs in dating

15:16 Men are in a more vulnerable position than women

29:42 Is it game over in the dating game for those over 40?

32:51 Where to start if you’re a first-time dater

35:00 Are men bad at conversations?

Connect with these coaches on social media:

Chia Wei: https://www.instagram.com/cgullwing/

Andrea Tan: https://www.instagram.com/theathenarising/

Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Filmed by: Studio+65
 
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh 

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast 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

#tup #tuptr

Is modern dating painful and how can those who want to find love in 2025 find love intentionally?
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
On this episode of The Usual Place, host Natasha Ann Zachariah dissected the dating game with Andrea Tan, a certified sex, love and relationship coach and founder of Athena Rising Coaching &amp; Consulting and Chia Wei Goh, founder of CGull, a dating consultancy for men.
According to results from a Bumble survey that was released mid-Nov 2024, people here are still keen to date &ndash; four in five Singaporean singles interviewed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025. (Bumble is a women-first dating and social networking app that was founded in 2014.)
But what are some of the issues that get in the way of finding love?
From treating dates as job interviews to having many deal-breakers, both Andrea and Chia Wei dove into the insights they gleaned from working with their clients.
Natasha wanted to find out if dating stereotypes of ideal partners that surface on social media&nbsp;&ndash; &ldquo;man in finance, trust fund, 6&rsquo;5&rdquo;, blue eyes&rdquo; or &ldquo;trad wife&rdquo;, for example &ndash; hurt or help one&rsquo;s chances at making a great impression.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Chia Wei suggested that both genders take on a niche hobby such as yoga for men or muay thai for women, to open more opportunities to meet a partner of the opposite sex.&nbsp;
Andrea, who is&nbsp;also Bumble&rsquo;s relationship expert, said that to press ahead in the dating game, one needs a cheerleader support group to provide positive affirmations.
Highlights (click/tap above):
6:59 Should you lower your standards in dating?
11:46 Looking for KPIs in dating
15:16 Men are in a more vulnerable position than women
29:42 Is it game over in the dating game for those over 40?
32:51 Where to start if you&rsquo;re a first-time dater
35:00 Are men bad at conversations?
Connect with these coaches on social media:
Chia Wei: https://www.instagram.com/cgullwing/
Andrea Tan: https://www.instagram.com/theathenarising/
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a> Read Natasha's articles:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a> Read Elizabeth Law&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/wL8c">https://str.sg/wL8c</a>
Filmed by: Studio+65 &nbsp; Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh 
Executive producers: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/5nfm&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iptWDheZTbc6UWH19K9Ik">https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
Apple Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/9ijX" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/9ijX&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1FaPmmc8vEyCxKmRadKVZo">https://str.sg/9ijX</a>
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Feedback to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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---
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#tup #tuptr

Dating with KPIs? How to rework your dating mindset for 2025

You need more drivers than buses

Local drivers cut reduces foreign drivers too

Driver’s typical working day start at 5.30am

The international school student chips in

“I might be dead before I can pay off the bus”

“Money not enough” - not even raising fares can fix current school bus woes.

Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport.

School bus fares are constantly rising, and yet operators are saying that ferrying pupils to schools is a loss-making venture with little way out. Mr Darry Lim, 44, who grew his father’s bus company from eight to 38 buses, says that the troubles facing the industry are only worsening as a sizeable number of local drivers are leaving the trade every year. 

Darry is the director of Hui Leong, a private transport company and serves as the transport officer of the Singapore School Transport Association which represents mainly self-employed school bus drivers.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

2:21 More drivers than buses are needed

4:11 Shrinking local driver population also means a cut in foreign drivers because of the allowable foreign worker quota, worsening the situation

7:05 A driver’s typical working day start at 5.30am to pick up the first pupil

15:40 The international school student chips in

19:15 “I might be dead before I can pay off the bus!”

Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G

Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ

Read more Transport articles: https://str.sg/KHyM

Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (niantjoel@sph.com.sg)

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2

Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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---

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---

#wheelinsights

&ldquo;Money not enough&rdquo; - not even raising fares can fix current school bus woes.
Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport.
School bus fares are constantly rising, and yet operators are saying that ferrying pupils to schools is a loss-making venture with little way out. Mr Darry Lim, 44, who grew his father&rsquo;s bus company from eight to 38 buses, says that the troubles facing the industry are only worsening as a sizeable number of local drivers are leaving the trade every year.&nbsp;
Darry is the director of Hui Leong, a private transport company and serves as the transport officer of the Singapore School Transport Association which represents mainly self-employed school bus drivers.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
2:21 More drivers than buses are needed
4:11 Shrinking local driver population also means a cut in foreign drivers because of the allowable foreign worker quota, worsening the situation
7:05 A driver&rsquo;s typical working day start at 5.30am to pick up the first pupil
15:40 The international school student chips in
19:15 &ldquo;I might be dead before I can pay off the bus!&rdquo;
Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/wt8G"> https://str.sg/wt8G</a>
Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn:<a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"> https://str.sg/iqkJ</a>
Read more Transport articles: <a href="https://str.sg/KHyM">https://str.sg/KHyM</a>
Host: Lee Nian Tjoe (<a href="mailto:niantjoel@sph.com.sg">niantjoel@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced &amp; edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/iqW2">https://str.sg/iqW2</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/iqgB">https://str.sg/iqgB</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
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---
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---
#wheelinsights

Raising school bus fares cannot solve woes in industry

Types of deep sea mining

Environmental impacts of deep sea mining

Why countries push for deep sea mining

Nauru’s plans for seabed mining explained

Is deep sea mining avoidable?

Rich lodes of valuable metals lie on the seafloor. Will a global rush to mine them be allowed – and will doing so damage the world’s oceans?

Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

Scattered across the sea bed are trillions of potato-sized lumps brimming with lucrative metals vital to making electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, smartphones and much more. This is sparking a “blue rush”, as some countries and companies are eager to cash-in on them. 

Yet the mining of polymetallic nodules remains banned and there are growing concerns that scooping them off the sea floor risks disrupting one of the most important, but still poorly understood, parts of the planet. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ project director of ocean governance Julian Jackson on the risks. 

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

2:12 Three different types of deep sea mining

6:42 Environmental impacts of deep sea mining 

12:21 Why countries are pushing for deep sea mining 

14:58 Implication of Micronesian country Nauru announcing intention to start sea bed mining. 

17:02 Is deep sea mining necessary? 

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on X: https://str.sg/JLM6

Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu

Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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---

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

---

#greenpulse

Rich lodes of valuable metals lie on the seafloor. Will a global rush to mine them be allowed &ndash; and will doing so damage the world&rsquo;s oceans?
Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.
Scattered across the sea bed are trillions of potato-sized lumps brimming with lucrative metals vital to making electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, smartphones and much more. This is sparking a &ldquo;blue rush&rdquo;, as some countries and companies are eager to cash-in on them.&nbsp;
Yet the mining of polymetallic nodules remains banned and there are growing concerns that scooping them off the sea floor risks disrupting one of the most important, but still poorly understood, parts of the planet. In this episode, hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with The Pew Charitable Trusts&rsquo; project director of ocean governance Julian Jackson on the risks.&nbsp;
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
2:12 Three different types of deep sea mining
6:42 Environmental impacts of deep sea mining&nbsp;
12:21 Why countries are pushing for deep sea mining&nbsp;
14:58 Implication of Micronesian country Nauru announcing intention to start sea bed mining.&nbsp;
17:02 Is deep sea mining necessary?&nbsp;
Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/848W">https://str.sg/848W</a>
Read her articles: <a href="https://str.sg/JLM2">https://str.sg/JLM2</a>
Follow David Fogarty on X: <a href="https://str.sg/JLM6">https://str.sg/JLM6</a>
Read his articles: <a href="https://str.sg/JLMu">https://str.sg/JLMu</a>
Hosts: Audrey Tan (<a href="mailto:audreyt@sph.com.sg">audreyt@sph.com.sg</a>) &amp; David Fogarty (<a href="mailto:dfogarty@sph.com.sg">dfogarty@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaY">https://str.sg/JWaY</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWag">https://str.sg/JWag</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
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---
#greenpulse

Trashed or treasure? Will deep sea mining ruin oceans?

How young co-founders started Glints

Growing technical and soft skills quickly

Shifting focus on age as a young leader

Inspiring confidence among those you lead

The peak of Qin En's career?

Where young leaders can grow the most

Good leadership that inspires confidence cuts across age.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

It isn’t possible to draw lines along age, tenure, skill and leadership in the working world as neatly as previously.

The image of top leaders has expanded beyond the notion of someone assuming their position after a long-drawn process.

This is a convention upended, perhaps most prominently, by the heady proliferation of influential start-ups with precociously young leaders at the helm, one of whom journalist Tay Hong Yi spoke to in the latest episode of Headstart On Record

His guest is:

Mr Looi Qin En, partner at venture capital firm Saison Capital, who co-founded careers discovery platform Glints.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 How did Glints’ co-founders start a business that young?

3:20 How did Qin En grow both his technical skills and soft skills so quickly?

6:30 How to convince people to look past your age as a young leader?

14:53 How to inspire confidence among those you lead?

16:59 Has Qin En ever felt he has peaked early in his career?

20:32 Where young leaders have the most room to learn

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg)

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

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ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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---

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---

#headstart

Good leadership that inspires confidence cuts across age.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
It isn’t possible to draw lines along age, tenure, skill and leadership in the working world as neatly as previously.
The image of top leaders has expanded beyond the notion of someone assuming their position after a long-drawn process.
This is a convention upended, perhaps most prominently, by the heady proliferation of influential start-ups with precociously young leaders at the helm, one of whom journalist Tay Hong Yi spoke to in the latest episode of Headstart On Record
His guest is:
Mr Looi Qin En, partner at venture capital firm Saison Capital, who co-founded careers discovery platform Glints.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:00 How did Glints’ co-founders start a business that young?
3:20 How did Qin En grow both his technical skills and soft skills so quickly?
6:30 How to convince people to look past your age as a young leader?
14:53 How to inspire confidence among those you lead?
16:59 Has Qin En ever felt he has peaked early in his career?
20:32 Where young leaders have the most room to learn
Read Tay Hong Yi's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/w6cz"> https://str.sg/w6cz</a>
Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/AAxy">https://str.sg/AAxy</a>
Host: Tay Hong Yi (<a href="mailto:hytay@sph.com.sg">hytay@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced &amp; edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong &amp; Joanna Seow
Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wB2m"> https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/wuN3"> https://str.sg/wuN3</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/wBr9"> https://str.sg/wBr9</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter:<a href="http://str.sg/headstart-nl"> https://str.sg/headstart-nl</a>
---
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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
ST Podcast website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> </a><a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#headstart

What is it like being a young boss?

SEA's triple Rs

Asean & India: Underrated regions

Middle class strengths

Market gains: India v China

Tripwires in Asean

Deglobalisation, Trump & SEA

Factors to watch are increasing population, workforce and productivity.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with James Cheo, chief investment officer for Asean and India with HSBC Group Private Banking, on the glowing economic prospects for Asean and India amid weakening growth in the ageing countries of North-east Asia.

Mr Cheo is a former macroeconomist with Singapore’s central bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore. 

They discuss what’s driving growth in South-east Asia and India, growth being led by productivity and not just investments, and the potential pitfalls investors into these regions need to look out for.

They also discuss the likely impact of Donald Trump returning to the American presidency in January 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:10 The ‘Triple Rs’ powering South-east Asia

6:40 The new AI is all about Asean and India

9:50 The middle class is leading the way for both regions

11:00 India: 8 years of market gains in a row; Rupee stability great for investors

20:10 Asean’s tripwires

23:00 Deglobalisation challenge; Trump's return and South-east Asia

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 

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts 

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts 

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---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB 

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX 

---

#STAsianInsider

Factors to watch are increasing population, workforce and productivity.
Synopsis: Join The Straits Times&rsquo; senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.
In this episode, Ravi speaks with James Cheo, chief investment officer for Asean and India with HSBC Group Private Banking, on the glowing economic prospects for Asean and India amid weakening growth in the ageing countries of North-east Asia.
Mr Cheo is a former macroeconomist with Singapore&rsquo;s central bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore.&nbsp;
They discuss what&rsquo;s driving growth in South-east Asia and India, growth being led by productivity and not just investments, and the potential pitfalls investors into these regions need to look out for.
They also discuss the likely impact of Donald Trump returning to the American presidency in January 2025.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:10 The &lsquo;Triple Rs&rsquo; powering South-east Asia
6:40 The new AI is all about Asean and India
9:50 The middle class is leading the way for both regions
11:00 India: 8 years of market gains in a row;&nbsp;Rupee stability great for investors
20:10 Asean&rsquo;s tripwires
23:00 Deglobalisation challenge;&nbsp;Trump's return and South-east Asia
Host: Ravi Velloor (<a href="mailto:velloor@sph.com.sg">velloor@sph.com.sg</a>)
Read Ravi's columns:<a href="https://str.sg/3xRP"> https://str.sg/3xRP</a>
Follow Ravi on X:<a href="https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor"> https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a>
Produced and edited by: Fa&rsquo;izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/JWa7"> https://str.sg/JWa7</a>&nbsp;
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/JWa8"> https://str.sg/JWa8</a>&nbsp;
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/JWaX"> https://str.sg/JWaX</a>&nbsp;
Website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
ST Podcast website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>&nbsp;
---
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The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB"> https://str.sg/icyB</a>&nbsp;
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX"> https://str.sg/icyX</a>&nbsp;
---
#STAsianInsider

The new AI stands for Asean and India

Secret Santa - yay or nay?

The rules of regifting

Is it okay to skip a house party?

Paw-rent dilemma of dealing with guests

Tag-team hosting

From unwanted Secret Santa gifts to guest etiquette fails, Natasha and her guests dive into the dos and don’ts of navigating holiday gatherings with humour and grace. 

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the fun - and sometimes the headache - of social gatherings. Whether it’s an office party, a house dinner, or a festive get-together with friends, the rules of holiday etiquette can be blurry. 

On this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha is joined by colleagues who are seasoned party hosts themselves - The Straits Times features correspondent Elizabeth Law and ST senior audience growth specialist Friday Farzanah.

With tinsel on their mics and an adorable alt-Christmas tree, the trio dissect different scenarios of holiday etiquette, from navigating cheapo Secret Santas to guests who break your glasses. They debate whether “enforced fun” like icebreaker games should be, well, enforced, and reflect on gracious hosting and thoughtful guest behavior.

What pet peeves do you have about office parties, or being a guest or host during the holiday season? Tell us in the comment section below!

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:56 Secret Santa - yay or nay?

7:06 The rules of regifting

17:50 Is it ok to flake on a house party if you don’t feel up to it?

27:48 The paw-rent dilemma of dealing with excited guests

39:05 Tag-team hosting

Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Filmed by: ST Video

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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From unwanted Secret Santa gifts to guest etiquette fails, Natasha and her guests dive into the dos and don&rsquo;ts of navigating holiday gatherings with humour and grace.&nbsp;
Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The holiday season is here, bringing with it the fun - and sometimes the headache - of social gatherings. Whether it&rsquo;s an office party, a house dinner, or a festive get-together with friends, the rules of holiday etiquette can be blurry. On this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha is joined by colleagues who are seasoned party hosts themselves - The Straits Times features correspondent Elizabeth Law and ST senior audience growth specialist Friday Farzanah. With tinsel on their mics and an adorable alt-Christmas tree, the trio dissect different scenarios of holiday etiquette, from navigating cheapo Secret Santas to guests who break your glasses. They debate whether &ldquo;enforced fun&rdquo; like icebreaker games should be, well, enforced, and reflect on gracious hosting and thoughtful guest behavior. What pet peeves do you have about office parties, or being a guest or host during the holiday season? Tell us in the comment section below! Highlights (click/tap above): 1:56 Secret Santa - yay or nay? 7:06 The rules of regifting 17:50 Is it ok to flake on a house party if you don&rsquo;t feel up to it? 27:48 The paw-rent dilemma of dealing with excited guests 39:05 Tag-team hosting Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a> Read Natasha's articles:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a> Read Elizabeth Law&rsquo;s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/wL8c">https://str.sg/wL8c</a>
Filmed by: ST Video
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Elsa Goh
Executive producers: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/5nfm&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726912254033000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iptWDheZTbc6UWH19K9Ik">https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
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Feedback to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
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#tup #tuptr

Holiday Survival Guide: Tips For The Parties

Fukushima: No deaths, coal mining kills more

Evacuation isn’t best for radiation leaks

Why SMRs work for Singapore

Nuclear energy and Nimby concerns

Nuclear waste as a social challenge

It is safer to live near a nuclear power plant than to ride a plane, says an expert. Do we have a Not In My Backyard (Nimby) syndrome?

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

Nuclear energy: Why not? That is the response from an expert on why Singapore is exploring it. 

The radioactive release from the Fukushima meltdown in 2011 did not kill anyone, but thousands of workers at coal mines die every year, says Dr Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in NTU. 

Dr Chew’s research focuses on the usage of civilian nuclear energy. He was previously with the civil service, working on energy security and energy transition issues.

“When you compare the (nuclear sector) to airline industries, there are more airline crashes and lives being lost. But yet, people are still flying,” he adds.

Still, the horrors of nuclear disasters such as the meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima appear to have scarred mankind. To go nuclear or not is a highly polarising topic in many countries. 

To gain the public’s trust on nuclear energy in Singapore, Dr Chew emphasises the importance for authorities to explain a country’s need for nuclear energy, educate the people about radiation safety, and also ensure the population is prepared for a worst-case scenario.

Most of the time, the best form of protection is to stay at home, shut the windows and wait for the authorities’ instructions, he adds. 

Singapore, like several other countries mired by the triple threat of climate change, energy security and rising electricity costs, is taking a hard look at a controversial energy source – nuclear power.

The authorities have been exploring advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), that are promised to be safer.

In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Shabana Begum find out what drives the fear of nuclear power. Will Singapore residents allow a nuclear plant to be built in their 'backyard'? 

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:32 No deaths from Fukushima meltdown itself, but more deaths from coal-mining

7:34 Evacuation is not the best protection from radiation leaks

9:36 Why small modular reactors (SMRs) are suitable for Singapore

17:00 Nuclear and the 'Nimby' syndrome

26:02 How nuclear waste becomes a social issue  

Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Read Shabana Begum’s articles:https://str.sg/LfQG 

Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Shabana Begum (nshab@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

 ---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

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---

#inyouropinion

It is safer to live near a nuclear power plant than to ride a plane, says an expert. Do we have a Not In My Backyard (Nimby) syndrome?
Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Nuclear energy: Why not? That is the response from an expert on why Singapore is exploring it.&nbsp;
The radioactive release from the Fukushima meltdown in 2011 did not kill anyone, but thousands of workers at coal mines die every year, says Dr Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in NTU.&nbsp;
Dr Chew&rsquo;s research focuses on the usage of civilian nuclear energy. He was previously with the civil service, working on energy security and energy transition issues.
&ldquo;When you compare the (nuclear sector) to airline industries, there are more airline crashes and lives being lost. But yet, people are still flying,&rdquo; he adds.
Still, the horrors of nuclear disasters such as the meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima appear to have scarred mankind. To go nuclear or not is a highly polarising topic in many countries.&nbsp;
To gain the public&rsquo;s trust on nuclear energy in Singapore, Dr Chew emphasises the importance for authorities to explain a country&rsquo;s need for nuclear energy, educate the people about radiation safety, and also ensure the population is prepared for a worst-case scenario.
Most of the time, the best form of protection is to stay at home, shut the windows and wait for the authorities&rsquo; instructions, he adds.&nbsp;
Singapore, like several other countries mired by the triple threat of climate change, energy security and rising electricity costs, is taking a hard look at a controversial energy source &ndash; nuclear power.
The authorities have been exploring advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), that are promised to be safer.
In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Shabana Begum find out what drives the fear of nuclear power. Will Singapore residents allow a nuclear plant to be built in their 'backyard'?&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:32 No deaths from Fukushima meltdown itself, but more deaths from coal-mining
7:34 Evacuation is not the best protection from radiation leaks
9:36 Why small modular reactors (SMRs) are suitable for Singapore
17:00 Nuclear and the 'Nimby' syndrome
26:02 How nuclear waste becomes a social issue&nbsp;&nbsp;
Read ST's Opinion section: <a href="https://str.sg/w7sH">https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Shabana Begum&rsquo;s articles:https://str.sg/LfQG&nbsp;
Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Shabana Begum (nshab@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/wukb">https://str.sg/wukb</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/w7sV">https://str.sg/w7sV</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
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Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#inyouropinion

 No deaths from Fukushima,  but will SG ever accept nuclear energy?

Synopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives 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.

Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives 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.
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis &amp; The Straits Times, SPH Media.

The Straits Times Podcasts

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