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

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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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#inyouropinion

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

Memorable noise dispute Mr Poh helped mediate

Different forms of mediation

Difference between CMC and CDRT

Neighbour disputes still key over mediation

Simple neighbourly acts can avoid mediation

How Singapore intends to settle noise disputes more effectively.

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

Settling noise disputes will be easier with mandatory mediation as the Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) is enhanced, under the Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill. 

Involved with how the framework can be enhanced is grassroots leader Raymond Poh.

In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Christie Chiu speak with him to hear about his 14 years of experience in dealing with noise disputes, and how mediation has been effective in resolving disputes between neighbours (with an 80 per cent success rate with voluntary mediation cases).

Mr Poh also shares how the Community Advisory Panel’s (CAP) recommendations, along with the proposed CDMF enhancements, may help neighbours better understand one another and find middle ground. 

If the dispute remains unresolved after mediation with the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), neighbours may consider approaching the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) to file a claim as a last resort. This is equivalent to taking legal action against your neighbour, and parties involved are required to attempt mediation before filing a CDRT claim.

The new laws will also mean that officers under the new Community Relations Unit (CRU) have powers to investigate and take action in disputes where a neighbour severely disrupts the peace, such as cases where the neighbour deliberately makes loud noise throughout the day.

Officers can investigate, such as taking statements from neighbours, and with the resident’s consent, install noise sensors in homes to collect evidence.

The authorities also intend to allow the Housing Board to consider compulsory acquisition of flats as a deterrent and “the absolute last resort for severe, recalcitrant nuisance-making”.

This measure will be considered only when all other levers have failed, and acquisition is needed to protect the interests of other residents, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Law and Ministry of National Development said in a joint statement in August, adding that this will be similar to how HDB can consider compulsory acquisition of flats for those convicted of throwing killer litter under the Penal Code.

This podcast is brought to you by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY): https://www.mccy.gov.sg

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:25 CCTVs, house visits and detective work - a memorable dispute that Mr Poh had mediated 

7:38 Different forms of mediation

8:17 The difference between the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT)

11:37 Why settling neighbour disputes amicably is still a priority over mandatory mediation

12:40 How simple 'give and take' neighbourly acts can help avoid mediation as much as possible

More on the Community Disputes Management Framework: https://go.gov.sg/cdmf-enhancements

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

Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/3ESxU

Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Christie Chiu (christiec@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

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

---

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

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

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#inyouropinion

How Singapore intends to settle noise disputes more effectively.
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Settling noise disputes will be easier with mandatory mediation as the Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) is enhanced, under the Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill. 
Involved with how the framework can be enhanced is grassroots leader Raymond Poh.
In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Christie Chiu speak with him to hear about his 14 years of experience in dealing with noise disputes, and how mediation has been effective in resolving disputes between neighbours (with an 80 per cent success rate with voluntary mediation cases).
Mr Poh also shares how the Community Advisory Panel’s (CAP) recommendations, along with the proposed CDMF enhancements, may help neighbours better understand one another and find middle ground. 
If the dispute remains unresolved after mediation with the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), neighbours may consider approaching the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) to file a claim as a last resort. This is equivalent to taking legal action against your neighbour, and parties involved are required to attempt mediation before filing a CDRT claim.
The new laws will also mean that officers under the new Community Relations Unit (CRU) have powers to investigate and take action in disputes where a neighbour severely disrupts the peace, such as cases where the neighbour deliberately makes loud noise throughout the day.
Officers can investigate, such as taking statements from neighbours, and with the resident’s consent, install noise sensors in homes to collect evidence.
The authorities also intend to allow the Housing Board to consider compulsory acquisition of flats as a deterrent and “the absolute last resort for severe, recalcitrant nuisance-making”.
This measure will be considered only when all other levers have failed, and acquisition is needed to protect the interests of other residents, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Law and Ministry of National Development said in a joint statement in August, adding that this will be similar to how HDB can consider compulsory acquisition of flats for those convicted of throwing killer litter under the Penal Code.
This podcast is brought to you by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY): <a href="https://www.mccy.gov.sg/">https://www.mccy.gov.sg</a>
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:25 CCTVs, house visits and detective work - a memorable dispute that Mr Poh had mediated 
7:38 Different forms of mediation
8:17 The difference between the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT)
11:37 Why settling neighbour disputes amicably is still a priority over mandatory mediation
12:40 How simple 'give and take' neighbourly acts can help avoid mediation as much as possible
More on the Community Disputes Management Framework: <a href="https://go.gov.sg/cdmf-enhancements">https://go.gov.sg/cdmf-enhancements</a>
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Christie Chiu’s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/3ESxU"> https://str.sg/3ESxU</a>
Hosts: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>) and Christie Chiu (<a href="mailto:christiec@sph.com.sg">christiec@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
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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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>
---
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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

Mandatory mediation over noise - neighbourly relations are still key

Govt reconsiders job loss support

Behind the scenes on the scheme's gestation

Safeguards in place for the scheme and why?

Are the eligibility criteria too complex?

Will the scheme help workers at higher risk?

How does the scheme reflect 4G leadership?

The SkillsFuture JobSeeker Support aims to help the retrenched tide over financially, while between jobs, after tough talks with unions, employers and the Government. 

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

As the global economy changes more rapidly and unpredictably, workers may face more risk from job loss despite best efforts. 

Yet, going out of a job can pose a hit to household finances. In an era of rising cost of living, lower- and middle-income workers are more likely to jump on the first job offer without considering their aptitudes. 

To give these workers more time to find the ‘right’ job for them, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will be launched in April 2025, with financial support structured to spur an active job search without incentivising prolonged unemployment. 

The scheme, estimated to cost the Government $200 million every year, comes as a result of tough talks among employers, unions and the Government. 

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and journalist Tay Hong Yi host Manpower minister Tan See Leng to learn how the scheme has taken shape behind the scenes.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:38 On the Government relooking its position on financial support for those who have lost jobs

11:11 On the scheme’s gestation: What took place behind the scenes

17:51 What are the safeguards in place for the scheme and why?

21:48 Eligibility criteria: Too complex to understand for job seekers?

25:36 Will the scheme help workers at higher risk?

28:58 How does this scheme reflect the 4G leadership’s approach to policymaking?

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

Read Tay Hong Yi’s articles:https://str.sg/dSAE

Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Studio+65 and Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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

---

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

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

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---

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

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#inyouropinion

The SkillsFuture JobSeeker Support aims to help the retrenched tide over financially, while between jobs, after tough talks with unions, employers and the Government. 
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
As the global economy changes more rapidly and unpredictably, workers may face more risk from job loss despite best efforts. 
Yet, going out of a job can pose a hit to household finances. In an era of rising cost of living, lower- and middle-income workers are more likely to jump on the first job offer without considering their aptitudes. 
To give these workers more time to find the ‘right’ job for them, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will be launched in April 2025, with financial support structured to spur an active job search without incentivising prolonged unemployment. 
The scheme, estimated to cost the Government $200 million every year, comes as a result of tough talks among employers, unions and the Government. 
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and journalist Tay Hong Yi host Manpower minister Tan See Leng to learn how the scheme has taken shape behind the scenes.
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:38 On the Government relooking its position on financial support for those who have lost jobs
11:11 On the scheme’s gestation: What took place behind the scenes
17:51 What are the safeguards in place for the scheme and why?
21:48 Eligibility criteria: Too complex to understand for job seekers?
25:36 Will the scheme help workers at higher risk?
28:58 How does this scheme reflect the 4G leadership’s approach to policymaking?
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Tay Hong Yi’s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/KpUx"> </a><a href="https://str.sg/dSAE">https://str.sg/dSAE</a>
Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Studio+65 and Hadyu Rahim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
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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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
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ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
---
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---
#inyouropinion

Tan See Leng: How tough talks resulted in job seeker support

Instant gratification among youth?

When does BNPL become a slippery slope?

Phantom debt: Ways  out

When you're $75,000 in debt

Social implications from BNPL

The 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) scheme allows for purchase on zero interest instalment plans with less credit requirement.

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

In 2023, Singapore consumers spent $3.4 billion online and in-store using 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) services from third-party providers like Atome and Grab PayLater, banks and retailers - without the need for minimum income as required by credit cards. 

And members of Gen Z, those between 18 and 24 years of age, and young millennials between 25 and 34, were among the bigger users of this method, according to the Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report.

With BNPL strengthening the purchasing power of youths, are there worrying social and financial implications from this new payment method, despite seemingly having more purchasing power? 

To discuss more about this, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong co-hosts with business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan to speak with their guests about the possible implications of the BNPL scheme on youths.

Once in financial trouble with a $75,000 debt, Khairul Abbas Hamzah is now heading a consultancy to help debtors who are in the same boat - that he managed to get out of. 

Also on the show is financial literacy expert Aaron Chwee, head of Wealth Advisory at OCBC Bank. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:03 Instant gratification impulse among younger generation?

10:55 When BNPL becomes a slippery slope; what types of financial habits BNPL inculcates

21:18 Phantom debt and the recourse to get out of debt troubles

26:24 Abbas’ $75,000 debt trouble 

32:14 Social implications from BNPL 


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

Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: https://str.sg/KpUx

Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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

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

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

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---

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

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#inyouropinion

The 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) scheme allows for purchase on zero interest instalment plans with less credit requirement.
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
In 2023, Singapore consumers spent $3.4 billion online and in-store using 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) services from third-party providers like Atome and Grab PayLater, banks and retailers - without the need for minimum income as required by credit cards. 
And members of Gen Z, those between 18 and 24 years of age, and young millennials between 25 and 34, were among the bigger users of this method, according to the Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report.
With BNPL strengthening the purchasing power of youths, are there worrying social and financial implications from this new payment method, despite seemingly having more purchasing power? 
To discuss more about this, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong co-hosts with business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan to speak with their guests about the possible implications of the BNPL scheme on youths.
Once in financial trouble with a $75,000 debt, Khairul Abbas Hamzah is now heading a consultancy to help debtors who are in the same boat - that he managed to get out of. 
Also on the show is financial literacy expert Aaron Chwee, head of Wealth Advisory at OCBC Bank. 
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:03 Instant gratification impulse among younger generation?
10:55 When BNPL becomes a slippery slope; what types of financial habits BNPL inculcates
21:18 Phantom debt and the recourse to get out of debt troubles
26:24 Abbas’ $75,000 debt trouble 
32:14 Social implications from BNPL  
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles:<a href="https://str.sg/KpUx"> https://str.sg/KpUx</a> 
Hosts: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>) and Sue-Ann Tan (<a href="mailto:suetan@sph.com.sg">suetan@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
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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---
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---
#inyouropinion

BNPL: Buying power or financial trouble?

Why push unrealistic $2m HDB resale listings?

Effect on the market?

What should potential buyers do?

Can the $2m mark be delayed? How so?

How to spot unrealistically high HDB prices?

Two HDB resale flats had listing prices of $2 million in May, which were debunked by the authorities for being misleading and unrealistic.

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

The authorities sat up and paid attention when a jumbo flat in Sengkang was put up for sale with an asking price of $2 million in May. Then there was a listing for a DBSS flat in Toa Payoh asking for $2 million.

But with a record number of HDB transactions above $1million each - a phenomenon that started around 2012 -  is a HDB resale flat with a price tag of $2 million permanently unrealistic?

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan look at the percentages and context of HDB resale flats in the market with Nicholas Mak, who is now chief research officer of property search portal Mogul.sg.

He has over 25 years of experience in the Singapore and regional real estate markets.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:35 Why did the agents push these $2 million HDB resale listings, which have been debunked by the authorities as unrealistic or misleading?

3:30 Avoiding ripple effects and creating the wrong impression among other sellers and buyers

9:54 What should potential buyers do?

12:05 Can the government divert demand away from the resale market and delay reaching a $2m mark there?

16:35 How do buyers discern if a HDB resale listing price is unrealistically high? 

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

Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: https://str.sg/KpUx

Produced by: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg), Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 

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

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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

---

#inyouropinion

Two HDB resale flats had listing prices of $2 million in May, which were debunked by the authorities for being misleading and unrealistic.
Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
The authorities sat up and paid attention when a jumbo flat in Sengkang was put up for sale with an asking price of $2 million in May. Then there was a listing for a DBSS flat in Toa Payoh asking for $2 million.
But with a record number of HDB transactions above $1million each - a phenomenon that started around 2012 -  is a HDB resale flat with a price tag of $2 million permanently unrealistic?
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan look at the percentages and context of HDB resale flats in the market with Nicholas Mak, who is now chief research officer of property search portal Mogul.sg.
He has over 25 years of experience in the Singapore and regional real estate markets.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:35 Why did the agents push these $2 million HDB resale listings, which have been debunked by the authorities as unrealistic or misleading?
3:30 Avoiding ripple effects and creating the wrong impression among other sellers and buyers
9:54 What should potential buyers do?
12:05 Can the government divert demand away from the resale market and delay reaching a $2m mark there?
16:35 How do buyers discern if a HDB resale listing price is unrealistically high? 
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/KpUx">https://str.sg/KpUx</a> 
Produced by: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>), Sue-Ann Tan (<a href="mailto:suetan@sph.com.sg">suetan@sph.com.sg</a>), Ernest Luis &amp; Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 
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>
---
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

Are you paying too much for your resale HDB flat?

Is SG road culture under pressure?

Has higher cost of cars caused the hostility?

Social media as a learning tool

Basic Theory Course: back to  in-person class

Why speeding does not save much time

The human touch SG roads lost

The tension between drivers and motorcyclists in Singapore is longstanding, ugly and increasingly a fatality risk - but what lies at the root of this strained relationship? 

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

Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 54 people within the first four months of 2024. 

Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for more than half those deaths - a trend that continues from the previous year. 

With traffic accident fatalities in 2023 at an all time high since 2016, it’s time to ask what can be done to make Singapore’s roads safer. 

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and co-host and STNow reporter Christie Chiu speak with their two guests to find out if Singapore’s roads are truly as hostile as these numbers depict, and what factors are driving it. 

On the road for at least six hours a day with aspiring motorists, Aman Aljunied is an experienced motorbike and car instructor who previously taught at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre for nearly 40 years. 

Joining the discussion is Dennis Quah, who heads the Singapore chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners’ Group, a motorcycle club renowned for its safe riding practices. When he’s not riding motorcycles, Dennis drives on a daily basis. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:59 Is Singapore’s road culture uglier than other South-east Asian countries? How the effects of a high-pressure society bleed into our roads

7:54 “High cost of these toys called cars”: Are the stark differences in COE and ERP fees a main factor of hostility between motorcyclists and drivers?

11:40 The pros and cons of social media as a tool to circulate footage of road incidents 

18:29 Why Aman thinks Basic Theory Course lessons should go back to in-person classes

24:03 Dennis and Aman on why speeding up, does not actually save motorists much time

37:04 The human touch that has been lost on Singapore’s roads

Produced by: Christie Chiu (christiec@sph.com.sg), Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 

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

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

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

Read Christie Chiu’s article’s: https://str.sg/3ESxU

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

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

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

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

---

#inyouropinion

The tension between drivers and motorcyclists in Singapore is longstanding, ugly and increasingly a fatality risk - but what lies at the root of this strained relationship? 
Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 54 people within the first four months of 2024. 
Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for more than half those deaths - a trend that continues from the previous year. 
With traffic accident fatalities in 2023 at an all time high since 2016, it’s time to ask what can be done to make Singapore’s roads safer. 
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and co-host and STNow reporter Christie Chiu speak with their two guests to find out if Singapore’s roads are truly as hostile as these numbers depict, and what factors are driving it. 
On the road for at least six hours a day with aspiring motorists, Aman Aljunied is an experienced motorbike and car instructor who previously taught at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre for nearly 40 years. 
Joining the discussion is Dennis Quah, who heads the Singapore chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners’ Group, a motorcycle club renowned for its safe riding practices. When he’s not riding motorcycles, Dennis drives on a daily basis. 
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:59 Is Singapore’s road culture uglier than other South-east Asian countries? How the effects of a high-pressure society bleed into our roads
7:54 “High cost of these toys called cars”: Are the stark differences in COE and ERP fees a main factor of hostility between motorcyclists and drivers?
11:40 The pros and cons of social media as a tool to circulate footage of road incidents 
18:29 Why Aman thinks Basic Theory Course lessons should go back to in-person classes
24:03 Dennis and Aman on why speeding up, does not actually save motorists much time
37:04 The human touch that has been lost on Singapore’s roads
Produced by: Christie Chiu (<a href="mailto:christiec@sph.com.sg">christiec@sph.com.sg</a>), Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>), Ernest Luis &amp; Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 
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>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</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>
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Read Christie Chiu’s article’s: <a href="https://str.sg/3ESxU">https://str.sg/3ESxU</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt"> https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</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>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</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

Singapore’s worsening road culture: What’s behind it and what can be done?

Advantages of having children younger

Heartwarming moments vs. sacrifices

Will you regret not having children?

Govt’s push for babies impact your choice?

Is parenting a 50/50 effort?

Do higher cash incentives promote parenthood?

Children can invoke feelings of joy, gratitude and fulfilment, but also thoughts of fatigue, financial stress, and lack of personal time?

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

For the first time ever, the resident total fertility rate (TFR) dropped below 1, hitting 0.97 in 2023. Singapore's replacement TFR rate meanwhile stands at 2.1 - the level of fertility at which the population replaces itself from one generation to the next.

The instincts to procreate, it seems, are varied and personal, as hosts Sarah Koh and Aqil Hamzah - journalists from The Straits Times - find out from their guests. 

For Ms Charisse Grace Agustin, 29, being childless was a decision that she made at the age of 18, while still a junior college student.

Mr Sng Shan En, 27, on the other hand, is already a father to a three-year-old, with plans for more children in the future if his wife wants them.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 The advantages to having children younger rather than older

6:00 Heartwarming moments vs. material sacrifices of having children

10:17 The future regret in not having children

16:22 Would the government’s push for babies change your decision?

18:46  Is parenting a 50/50 effort between mom and dad?

21:04 Would higher cash incentives nudge more towards parenthood?

Produced by: Aqil Hamzah (haqil@sph.com.sg), Sarah Koh (sarahkoh@sph.com.sg), Lynda Hong, Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified of new episodes:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

Read Aqil Hamzah’s articles: https://str.sg/i5gS

Read Sarah Koh’s articles: https://str.sg/CzpH

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

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

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

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore’s War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

---

#inyouropinion

Children can invoke feelings of joy, gratitude and fulfilment, but also thoughts of fatigue, financial stress, and lack of personal time?
Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
For the first time ever, the resident total fertility rate (TFR) dropped below 1, hitting 0.97 in 2023. Singapore's replacement TFR rate meanwhile stands at 2.1 - the level of fertility at which the population replaces itself from one generation to the next.
The instincts to procreate, it seems, are varied and personal, as hosts Sarah Koh and Aqil Hamzah - journalists from The Straits Times - find out from their guests. 
For Ms Charisse Grace Agustin, 29, being childless was a decision that she made at the age of 18, while still a junior college student.
Mr Sng Shan En, 27, on the other hand, is already a father to a three-year-old, with plans for more children in the future if his wife wants them.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:00 The advantages to having children younger rather than older
6:00 Heartwarming moments vs. material sacrifices of having children
10:17 The future regret in not having children
16:22 Would the government’s push for babies change your decision?
18:46  Is parenting a 50/50 effort between mom and dad?
21:04 Would higher cash incentives nudge more towards parenthood?
Produced by: Aqil Hamzah (haqil@sph.com.sg), Sarah Koh (sarahkoh@sph.com.sg), Lynda Hong, Ernest Luis &amp; Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified of new episodes:
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> 
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/">https://www.awedio.sg</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> 
Read ST’s Opinion section: <a href="https://str.sg/w7sH">https://str.sg/w7sH</a> 
Read Aqil Hamzah’s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/i5gS">https://str.sg/i5gS</a> 
Read Sarah Koh’s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/CzpH">https://str.sg/CzpH</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a> 
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a> 
In Your Opinion: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a> 
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a> 
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a> 
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a> 
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a> 
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a> 
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a> 
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a> 
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</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> 
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a> 
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a> 
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a> 
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a> 
Singapore’s War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</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

Is parenthood a sacrifice young Singaporeans aren’t willing to make?

Are younger people ditching dating apps?

Making dating intentions clear

Getting dating app fatigue

Have young adults lost the art of conversation

Is it more difficult to date these days?

Swiping for love used to be the way for millennials to find a connection, but there seems to be growing dating app disillusionment among the young.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.

Bernice Fong, Dhareeni Shanmugam and John Lim are three under-30s who have had different experiences with dating apps over the years.

John, who runs a content agency, finds that with everyone having many options, he feels “like a piece of meat” - an experience the 28-year-old finds can be dehumanising. 

Meanwhile Bernice has sworn off dating apps. The 28-year-old brand and marketing manager felt jaded and tired from swiping through but not quite finding the match she wanted.

Dhareeni, a 26-year-old account executive for a public relations agency, shares why she swiped right on her boyfriend, and why she was drawn to his “niche preference” for fish.

Host Natasha wants to find out why there’s no love lost between young people and dating apps.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:16 Are younger people ditching dating apps?

7:52 Making dating intentions clear

16:20 Getting dating app fatigue

27:54 Have young adults lost the art of conversation?

38:38 Is it more difficult for young people to date these days?

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

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

Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Zachary Lim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video

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

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg


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


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

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

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

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

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

Swiping for love used to be the way for millennials to find a connection, but there seems to be growing dating app disillusionment among the young.
Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives.
Bernice Fong, Dhareeni Shanmugam and John Lim are three under-30s who have had different experiences with dating apps over the years. John, who runs a content agency, finds that with everyone having many options, he feels “like a piece of meat” - an experience the 28-year-old finds can be dehumanising. Meanwhile Bernice has sworn off dating apps. The 28-year-old brand and marketing manager felt jaded and tired from swiping through but not quite finding the match she wanted. Dhareeni, a 26-year-old account executive for a public relations agency, shares why she swiped right on her boyfriend, and why she was drawn to his “niche preference” for fish. Host Natasha wants to find out why there’s no love lost between young people and dating apps.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:16 Are younger people ditching dating apps?
7:52 Making dating intentions clear
16:20 Getting dating app fatigue
27:54 Have young adults lost the art of conversation?
38:38 Is it more difficult for young people to date these days?
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic:<a href="https://str.sg/8Wav"> https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Zachary Lim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/5nfm"> https://str.sg/5nfm</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/9ijX"> https://str.sg/9ijX</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/cd2P"> https://str.sg/cd2P</a>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg </a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/iSXm"> https://str.sg/iSXm </a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn:<a href="https://str.sg/v6DN"> https://str.sg/v6DN</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt"> https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</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>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</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>
#tup #tuptr

Are young people breaking up with dating apps?

What is Titus up to these days?

Popularity dipped, no thanks to the economy

Dealing with mental health issues

Why he has become more cautious about sharing

Singapore’s most well-known OnlyFans creator Titus Low is slowly moving on from the platform that has brought him fame, money and drama. Lots of it.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day.

Sitting down with The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah, Titus opens up about asking to work with his family’s business and pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a real estate agent.

He shares the lessons learnt and the fallout from baring all online.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:10 What is Titus up to these days?

9.00 His post-pandemic popularity has dipped, no thanks to today's economic situation

14.26 Dealing with mental health issues

23.30 Why he has become more cautious about sharing his life online

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

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

Edited by producers: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video

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

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

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

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

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

Singapore’s most well-known OnlyFans creator Titus Low is slowly moving on from the platform that has brought him fame, money and drama. Lots of it.
Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day.
Sitting down with The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah, Titus opens up about asking to work with his family’s business and pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a real estate agent.
He shares the lessons learnt and the fallout from baring all online.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:10 What is Titus up to these days? 9.00 His post-pandemic popularity has dipped, no thanks to today's economic situation 14.26 Dealing with mental health issues 23.30 Why he has become more cautious about sharing his life online
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: <a href="https://str.sg/8Wav">https://str.sg/8Wav</a>
Host: Natasha Zachariah (<a href="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-stringify-link="mailto:natashaz@sph.com.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">natashaz@sph.com.sg</a>)
Edited by producers: Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Filmed by: Joel Chng and Marc Justin De Souza, ST Video
Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/5nfm">https://str.sg/5nfm</a> 
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/9ijX">https://str.sg/9ijX</a> 
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/cd2P">https://str.sg/cd2P</a> 
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Natasha Zachariah's articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iSXm">https://str.sg/iSXm</a>
Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/v6DN">https://str.sg/v6DN</a><a href="https://str.sg/iqkJ"></a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion: <a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</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>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</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>
#tup #tuptr

Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent?

Daisy and Ruiming's financial habits

Managing finances while renting

Using Grab or taxis for work

Covid-19: Gen Z's changing money views

Daisy: Working since 15, on influencer career

Ruiming & Daisy: Achieving financial freedom

This generation, it appears in a survey result too, is not afraid to spend immediately for happiness or instant gratification, but they do so within their means.

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

It used to be that avocado toast was the symbol of millennial extravagance, infamous for dashing that generation’s chance of ever owning property - at least, according to Tim Gurner. 

The Australian real estate millionaire in 2017 said that millennials should stop spending $19 for avocado toast if they ever want to own homes. Over half a decade since the rise of the avocado millennial, Gen Z - those born 1997 to 2012 - have outstripped them in splurging. And mostly, for pleasure. 

Just in Singapore, we’re seeing 20-somethings fork out $10,000 for holidays and almost just as much to catch Taylor Swift overseas. But a recent IPS study found that the young are still spending within their means. 

Still, are they putting aside enough funds for a rainy day in the future? 

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and co-host and STNow reporter Carmen Sin speak with their two guests to find out if youths are caught in a financial jam between spending and saving the fruits of their labour. 

Having saved his first $100,000 at age 28, He Ruiming, now 35 and co-founder of personal finance blog The Woke Salaryman, urges disciplined financial perspectives for Gen Z. 

Joining the discussion is Daisy Anne Mitchell, 26, who is British but has lived and studied in schools in Singapore since she was five. She has worked two full-time jobs after graduating from school, but made a U-turn to freelancing and working as an influencer now - where she has gotten flak online for being candid about her cashflow. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:15 Eating broccoli and chicken for three years? Freelancing as a career - Ruiming and Daisy share their habits on saving, earning and spending

9:30 Managing financial prudence even when renting

16:38 Taking private hire transport like Grab or taxis to work: Is that prudent all the time?

21:26 Why Daisy thinks that the recent Covid era has reduced the value of money for Gen Zers

28:12 Daisy on her working life since she was 15, and discusses how an influencer career has worked for her

33:59 Ruiming and Daisy on gaining financial freedom 

Produced by: Carmen Sin (carmensin@sph.com.sg), Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 

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

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

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

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

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

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

---

#inyouropinion

This generation, it appears in a survey result too, is not afraid to spend immediately for happiness or instant gratification, but they do so within their means.
Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
It used to be that avocado toast was the symbol of millennial extravagance, infamous for dashing that generation’s chance of ever owning property - at least, according to Tim Gurner. 
The Australian real estate millionaire in 2017 said that millennials should stop spending $19 for avocado toast if they ever want to own homes. Over half a decade since the rise of the avocado millennial, Gen Z - those born 1997 to 2012 - have outstripped them in splurging. And mostly, for pleasure. 
Just in Singapore, we’re seeing 20-somethings fork out $10,000 for holidays and almost just as much to catch Taylor Swift overseas. But a recent IPS study found that the young are still spending within their means. 
Still, are they putting aside enough funds for a rainy day in the future? 
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and co-host and STNow reporter Carmen Sin speak with their two guests to find out if youths are caught in a financial jam between spending and saving the fruits of their labour. 
Having saved his first $100,000 at age 28, He Ruiming, now 35 and co-founder of personal finance blog The Woke Salaryman, urges disciplined financial perspectives for Gen Z. 
Joining the discussion is Daisy Anne Mitchell, 26, who is British but has lived and studied in schools in Singapore since she was five. She has worked two full-time jobs after graduating from school, but made a U-turn to freelancing and working as an influencer now - where she has gotten flak online for being candid about her cashflow. 
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:15 Eating broccoli and chicken for three years? Freelancing as a career - Ruiming and Daisy share their habits on saving, earning and spending
9:30 Managing financial prudence even when renting
16:38 Taking private hire transport like Grab or taxis to work: Is that prudent all the time?
21:26 Why Daisy thinks that the recent Covid era has reduced the value of money for Gen Zers
28:12 Daisy on her working life since she was 15, and discusses how an influencer career has worked for her
33:59 Ruiming and Daisy on gaining financial freedom 
Produced by: Carmen Sin (<a href="mailto:carmensin@sph.com.sg">carmensin@sph.com.sg</a>), Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>), Ernest Luis &amp; Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim 
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>
ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</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>
Read ST's Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place: <a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
In Your Opinion:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt"> https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
COE Watch: <a href="https://str.sg/iTtE">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
Asian Insider: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Health Check: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaN">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
Green Pulse: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Your Money &amp; Career: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Hard Tackle: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
#PopVultures: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX">https://str.sg/w9TX</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>
---
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/i44T">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
Invisible Asia (9 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZn">https://str.sg/wuZn</a>
Stop Scams (10 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZB">https://str.sg/wuZB</a>
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuJa">https://str.sg/wuJa</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

Do Gen Zers really have no savings for the long term?

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

Podcaster: Lynda Hong and ST journalists

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Podcaster: Lynda Hong and ST journalists
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis &amp; Lynda Hong
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

In Your Opinion

Social links:

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