Can Singapore ever stop being a 'Fine City'? The psychology of etiquette on public transport

New laws were passed to penalise littering, eating and drinking, as well as playing loud music or videos on public transport. Is legislation effective in regulating inconsiderate behaviour?  Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social is…

Are teachers in Singapore multi-tasking too much?

Apart from their vocation, teachers also handle administrative work and counselling. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Teachers in Singapore work longer than their peers in other advanced economi…

How iPhones, fast fashion spur the throwaway culture

Buying new iPhones, wardrobe makeovers and single-use products have become social norms. But what happens to the old, replaced items?  Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Annual launches like Apple…

What’s love gotta do with waiting for a BTO flat from HDB?

Could less waiting time reduce stress on a marriage and how can couples strengthen their relationships in the face of life challenges?  Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. With HDB planning to intr…

How Gen AI like ChatGPT enhances critical thinking, instead of making us lazy

We even invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this episode with our host and two human guests. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Preliminary findings from a recent MIT study in June in the US, conclu…

Body image issues, mental health problems: Why are men afraid to seek help?

Gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity may point to body image issues in men. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Outdated stereotypes of what a man should be like continue to exist today, with a…

Inside an animal abuser’s mind: What drives such cruelty & why some say the penalties aren’t enough

Four cat deaths recently have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Just before the crack of dawn in early May, the mutilated carcass …

Do Gen Zs really tackle life, work differently compared with their parents?

A recent ST-Milieu survey has found some striking similarities Gen Zs and their parents have, in the way they view their life priorities and challenges. Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. In this …

Game of life: Must success always be about good grades and jobs?

Success used to mean good grades, and then landing a good job. But is this changing? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.  In this special edition of In Your Opinion - filmed in front of a live audience - two youths share …

Using music to better reach out to seniors

How younger social workers and social service entrepreneurs are exploring the use of music in the eldercare space.  Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at social issues of the day with guests. In this special edition of In Your Opinion - filmed in fr…