Johnny Depp's suit: Impact on men in Singapore

When do abused husbands finally quit marriage?

Why won't men confide in their trusted circle?

Three main reasons men stay in abusive unions.

Breaking Bro Code: Checking on friends safely!

Dating red flags: How to spot abusive spouses?

A counsellor of a support group reveals why some men choose to tolerate physical, emotional and psychological abuse in their marriages. 

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

Spousal abuse cases in Singapore rose significantly in 2024 to 2,136, up from 2,008 such cases in 2023, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). 

While official figures did not give a breakdown of these cases by gender, the defamation case of Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard and post-Covid-19 awareness have encouraged more men to step forward, said a counsellor who runs a specialised support group for battered husbands. 

To find out more in this episode, assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks with Josiah Yeo, a counsellor at Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS), who started its support group for abused husbands in 2022. 

Mr Yeo details how one of the abused husbands in the support group was beaten with golf clubs and made to slap himself in public. He was even locked out of the house and made to kowtow in front of the door 30 times, before he could get into his home. 

Apart from abusive marriages, Mr Yeo also gives some pre-marital advice on what are some red flags to look out for, especially in the dating stage.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

1:49 Impact of Johnny Depp’s defamation suit on men in Singapore

9:31 When do abused husbands finally walk away from a marriage?

14:05 Why men don’t confide in their friends

18:40 Three reasons men stay in abusive marriage

19:11 Breaking the "bro code": How to check on a friend without making it awkward

32:39 Dating red flags - how to spot a potential abusive spouse

Read more on abused spouses: https://str.sg/aqjX

Helplines

Family violence
National Anti-Violence & Sexual Harassment Helpline: 1800-777-0000 (24 hours)
AWARE Helpline: 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
Care Corner Project StART: 6476-1482 (weekdays 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; except public holidays)
TOUCH Family Support: 6317-9998
Lutheran Community Care Services: 6441-3906 / connect@lccs.org.sg

Mental well-being
National Mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788

Counselling
Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990

Online resources
mindline.sg/fsmh
eC2.sg
chat.mentalhealth.sg
carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

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

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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

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

---

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast 

---

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#inyouropinion

A counsellor of a support group reveals why some men choose to tolerate physical, emotional and psychological abuse in their marriages.&nbsp;
Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Spousal abuse cases in Singapore rose significantly in 2024 to 2,136, up from 2,008 such cases in 2023, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).&nbsp;
While official figures did not give a breakdown of these cases by gender, the defamation case of Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard and post-Covid-19 awareness have encouraged more men to step forward, said a counsellor who runs a specialised support group for battered husbands.&nbsp;
To find out more in this episode, assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks with Josiah Yeo, a counsellor at Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS), who started its support group for abused husbands in 2022.&nbsp; Mr Yeo details how one of the abused husbands in the support group was beaten with golf clubs and made to slap himself in public. He was even locked out of the house and made to kowtow in front of the door 30 times, before he could get into his home.&nbsp;
Apart from abusive marriages, Mr Yeo also gives some pre-marital advice on what are some red flags to look out for, especially in the dating stage.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
1:49 Impact of Johnny Depp&rsquo;s defamation suit on men in Singapore
9:31 When do abused husbands finally walk away from a marriage?
14:05 Why men don&rsquo;t confide in their friends
18:40 Three reasons men stay in abusive marriage
19:11 Breaking the "bro code": How to check on a friend without making it awkward
32:39 Dating red flags - how to spot a potential abusive spouse
Read more on abused spouses: <a href="https://str.sg/aqjX">https://str.sg/aqjX</a>
Helplines
Family violence
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">National Anti-Violence &amp; Sexual Harassment Helpline: 1800-777-0000 (24 hours)</li>
<li aria-level="1">AWARE Helpline: 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Care Corner Project StART: 6476-1482 (weekdays 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; except public holidays)</li>
<li aria-level="1">TOUCH Family Support: 6317-9998</li>
<li aria-level="1">Lutheran Community Care Services: 6441-3906 / <a href="mailto:connect@lccs.org.sg">connect@lccs.org.sg</a></li>
</ul>
Mental well-being
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">National Mindline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019</li>
<li aria-level="1">Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928</li>
<li aria-level="1">Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1</li>
<li aria-level="1">Women&rsquo;s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788</li>
</ul>
Counselling
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252</li>
<li aria-level="1">Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555</li>
<li aria-level="1">Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366</li>
<li aria-level="1">We Care Community Services: 3165-8017</li>
<li aria-level="1">Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293</li>
<li aria-level="1">Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990</li>
</ul>
Online resources
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://mindline.sg/fsmh?ref=inline-article">mindline.sg/fsmh</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://fycs.org/ec2-sg/?ref=inline-article">eC2.sg</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.imh.com.sg/chat/Pages/default.aspx/?ref=inline-article">chat.mentalhealth.sg</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://carey.carecorner.org.sg/?ref=inline-article">carey.carecorner.org.sg</a> (for those aged 13 to 25)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.limitless.sg/talk?ref=inline-article">limitless.sg/talk</a> (for those aged 12 to 25)</li>
</ul>
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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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---
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#inyouropinion

Forced to kowtow until he bled: Why some men stay in abusive marriages

As AI reshapes work and life, schools are changing too. But before we redesign education, should we ask what it’s really for?

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

Education is one of the few institutions almost every Singaporean passes through - and one of the most contested. From debates about declining attention spans to rising anxiety, we now wonder about the role of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Questions about standards, equity, excellence and inclusion continue to surface.

Schools are expected to prepare students not just for jobs, but for citizenship and for lives that feel meaningful. Sometimes these expectations are in tension with one another as we grapple with the AI revolution that’s underway.

In this episode, we ask a more fundamental question: What purpose does education serve in a world increasingly driven by technology and AI? 

And how should our answers change when the world students are entering - shaped by AI and rapid technological change - may look radically different from the one schools were designed for?

Joining the discussion with Deputy Opinion Editor Mubin Saadat are Ms Elisha Tushara, The Straits Times education correspondent who spent a decade teaching before moving into journalism, and Dr Liu Woon Chia, Director and researcher at the National Institute of Education and co-founder of its Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

1:30 AI impact on education

11:55 What do PISA and OECD studies tell us?

15: 03 Friction in learning

19:35 A focus on human qualities in learning 

26:35 AI as a teacher’s tool

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

Host: Mubin Saadat (mubin@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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

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

---

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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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---

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---

#inyouropinion

As AI reshapes work and life, schools are changing too. But before we redesign education, should we ask what it&rsquo;s really for?
Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Education is one of the few institutions almost every Singaporean passes through - and one of the most contested. From debates about declining attention spans to rising anxiety, we now wonder about the role of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Questions about standards, equity, excellence and inclusion continue to surface.
Schools are expected to prepare students not just for jobs, but for citizenship and for lives that feel meaningful. Sometimes these expectations are in tension with one another as we grapple with the AI revolution that&rsquo;s underway.
In this episode, we ask a more fundamental question: What purpose does education serve in a world increasingly driven by technology and AI?&nbsp;
And how should our answers change when the world students are entering - shaped by AI and rapid technological change - may look radically different from the one schools were designed for?
Joining the discussion with Deputy Opinion Editor Mubin Saadat are Ms Elisha Tushara, The Straits Times education correspondent who spent a decade teaching before moving into journalism, and Dr Liu Woon Chia, Director and researcher at the National Institute of Education and co-founder of its Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
1:30 AI impact on education
11:55 What do PISA and OECD studies tell us?
15: 03 Friction in learning
19:35 A focus on human qualities in learning&nbsp;
26:35 AI as a teacher&rsquo;s tool
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Mubin Saadat (<a href="mailto:mubin@sph.com.sg">mubin@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app:<a href="https://www.awedio.sg/"> https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast 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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#inyouropinion

Education vs. AI - Can schools balance ChatGPT and character-building?

Civic behaviour in Covid times

Why seniors play media loudly

Aiding drivers with tough riders

How countries regulate transit behaviour

The lady commuter that ‘broke’ the system

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 issues of the day with guests.

Behaviours of inconsiderate commuters on public transport and interchanges are set to be regulated under new laws passed in Parliament in Oct 2025. 

Examples of inconsiderate behaviour include littering, eating and drinking, as well as playing loud music and videos on mobile phones.

The latest legislation follows a slew of laws that regulate behaviours in Singapore, raising the question if we can ever shake off Singapore’s reputation of being a ‘fine’ city. 

To find out more, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks to two sociologists. 

They are Assistant Professor of Sociology (Education) at the School of Social Sciences at the Singapore Management University, George Wong; and Research Assistant Professor and head of the Urban Psychology Lab in the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Samuel Chng. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

11:24 How people demonstrated civic behaviour during the Covid pandemic 

18:25 The technological reason for seniors blasting videos and music 

22:28 Empowering bus drivers to deal with inconsiderate commuters 

26:10 How other countries regulate civil behaviours in public transport

29:46 The lady commuter that ‘broke’ the system

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

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Chen Junyi

Executive producers: 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

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

---

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast 

---

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---

#inyouropinion

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?&nbsp;
Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.
Behaviours of inconsiderate commuters on public transport and interchanges are set to be regulated under new laws passed in Parliament in Oct 2025.&nbsp;
Examples of inconsiderate behaviour include littering, eating and drinking, as well as playing loud music and videos on mobile phones.
The latest legislation follows a slew of laws that regulate behaviours in Singapore, raising the question if we can ever shake off Singapore&rsquo;s reputation of being a &lsquo;fine&rsquo; city.&nbsp;
To find out more, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong speaks to two sociologists.&nbsp;
They are Assistant Professor of Sociology (Education) at the School of Social Sciences at the Singapore Management University, George Wong; and Research Assistant Professor and head of the Urban Psychology Lab in the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Samuel Chng.&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
11:24 How people demonstrated civic behaviour during the Covid pandemic&nbsp;
18:25 The technological reason for seniors blasting videos and music&nbsp;
22:28 Empowering bus drivers to deal with inconsiderate commuters&nbsp;
26:10 How other countries regulate civil behaviours in public transport
29:46 The lady commuter that &lsquo;broke&rsquo; the system
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Chen Junyi
Executive producers: 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: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app:<a href="https://www.awedio.sg/"> https://www.awedio.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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The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast</a>&nbsp;
---
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---
#inyouropinion

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

Teacher workload up?

Tech: Add to or lightens load?

AI tools to lighten load

Administrative duties, parents' expectations

Teachers 'parenting' students?

Mid-career switches to teaching

School leaders & teachers

Dealing with systemic challenges

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 economies. They spend less time teaching but more on planning, counselling and communicating with students’ parents, according to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) released on Oct 7, 2025. 

In total, the Talis survey polled 194,000 teachers in 55 education systems across Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

Teachers in Singapore work an average of 47.3 hours a week, higher than the overall average of 41 hours. Approximately 3,500 teachers and respective school principals across all 145 public secondary schools and 10 randomly selected private secondary schools participated in the survey from April to August 2024.

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines why this is happening, and whether there is any way their workload and stress can be reduced.  

In the studio with her is Ms Sarah Tan, a former secondary school teacher with 17 years of experience and taught till 2020, but now gives tuition. She is also a mother of two children aged 13 and 15.

Mr Manogaran Suppiah was formerly the principal of Anderson Serangoon Junior College. He first started out teaching for 16 years, before moving to different departments within the Ministry of Education, including becoming the founding executive director of Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST). In 2022, he retired from his career spanning over 40 years.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

7:23 Teacher workload: Why it has gone up

11:08 How technology adds to and can also lighten workload

14:10 Learning to use AI tools? 

18:18 Administrative duties, parents' expectations

23:20 On teachers having to 'parent' students?

28:43 Mid-career switches from other professions to teaching: Different perspectives

30:00 Why education leaders must find out from teachers what is meaningless

33:08 School leaders, heads of departments and teachers: What's lacking?

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

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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

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

---

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Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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---

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

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---

#inyouropinion

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 economies. They spend less time teaching but more on planning, counselling and communicating with students&rsquo; parents, according to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis) released on Oct 7, 2025.&nbsp;
In total, the Talis survey polled 194,000 teachers in 55 education systems across Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
Teachers in Singapore work an average of 47.3 hours a week, higher than the overall average of 41 hours. Approximately 3,500 teachers and respective school principals across all 145 public secondary schools and 10 randomly selected private secondary schools participated in the survey from April to August 2024.
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines why this is happening, and whether there is any way their workload and stress can be reduced.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the studio with her is Ms Sarah Tan, a former secondary school teacher with 17 years of experience and taught till 2020, but now gives tuition. She is also a mother of two children aged 13 and 15.
Mr Manogaran Suppiah was formerly the principal of Anderson Serangoon Junior College. He first started out teaching for 16 years, before moving to different departments within the Ministry of Education, including becoming the founding executive director of Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST). In 2022, he retired from his career spanning over 40 years.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
7:23 Teacher workload: Why it has gone up
11:08 How technology adds to and can also lighten workload
14:10 Learning to use AI tools?&nbsp;
18:18 Administrative duties, parents' expectations
23:20 On teachers having to 'parent' students?
28:43 Mid-career switches from other professions to teaching: Different perspectives
30:00 Why education leaders must find out from teachers what is meaningless
33:08 School leaders, heads of departments and teachers: What's lacking?
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/" data-stringify-link="https://www.awedio.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
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---
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 teachers in Singapore multi-tasking too much? 

Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17

Batteries in phones can be replaced

Can you pair earbuds from different sets?

Repair culture's role in fighting fast fashion

How to decipher green washing tactics

Would repair vouchers encourage more repairs?

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’s iPhone have spurred the desire to own the latest piece of technology, as consumers face up to marketing tactics from smartphones to fast fashion. 

Usually, older items that are replaced are being tossed away to make way for the new.

What else can be done to the replaced items apart from sending them to the landfill? 

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines whether we have a throwaway culture that’s grown despite years of public education and outreach and whether we are too quick to chuck stuff to make way for new ones. She also explores if the iPhone 17 is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 16. 

Her guests are Mr Tan Ching Hwee, founder of myhalo, a platform allowing users to trade-in, repair, sell, and buy used digital devices; and Mr Lionel Dorai, executive director of Zerowaste SG, an NGO that advocates for Singapore to go zero waste through public education. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

9:03 Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17

12:53 Batteries in phones can be replaced

17:03 Pairing earbuds from different sets - does it work? 

23:44 The repairing culture in curbing throwaways in fast fashion 

31:46 How to decipher green washing tactics

35:34 Would CDC vouchers to subsidise repair costs encourage more to repair? 

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

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast 

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

---

#inyouropinion

Buying new iPhones, wardrobe makeovers and single-use products have become social norms. But what happens to the old, replaced items?&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s iPhone have spurred the desire to own the latest piece of technology, as consumers face up to marketing tactics from smartphones to fast fashion.&nbsp;
Usually, older items that are replaced are being tossed away to make way for the new.
What else can be done to the replaced items apart from sending them to the landfill?&nbsp;
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines whether we have a throwaway culture that&rsquo;s grown despite years of public education and outreach and whether we are too quick to chuck stuff to make way for new ones. She also explores if the iPhone 17 is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 16.&nbsp;
Her guests are Mr Tan Ching Hwee, founder of myhalo, a platform allowing users to trade-in, repair, sell, and buy used digital devices; and Mr Lionel Dorai, executive director of Zerowaste SG, an NGO that advocates for Singapore to go zero waste through public education.&nbsp;
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
9:03 Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17
12:53 Batteries in phones can be replaced
17:03 Pairing earbuds from different sets - does it work?&nbsp;
23:44 The repairing culture in curbing throwaways in fast fashion&nbsp;
31:46 How to decipher green washing tactics
35:34 Would CDC vouchers to subsidise repair costs encourage more to repair?&nbsp;
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/" data-stringify-link="https://www.awedio.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast</a>&nbsp;
---
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

How iPhones, fast fashion spur the throwaway culture 

BTO still among few affordable options: Sumit

How BTO wait affects marriage

Fighting effectively as a couple

Knowing when to cut your losses

Money matters in marriage

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 introduce more Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, buyers can expect to collect keys in under three years, reducing the amount of stress on the couple relationship, say an economist and a counsellor. 

How can young couples decide if they have found the right life partners to take on the wait for a BTO flat?

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong hosts two guests. 

Thr first is National University of Singapore's Professor of Real Estate and Economics Sumit Agarwal. He penned a study on the correlation between early marriages, a higher propensity for divorce and waiting times for a BTO, that was featured in the third book in a series - Kiasunomics 3: Economic Insights For Everyday Life. The book overall, analyses the influence and consequences of economic decisions in Singapore.

The second is Mr Neo Eng Chuan, Psychologist and founder of CaperSpring. He has 20 years of experience in helping couples.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

2:10 Post-Covid: BTO one of the few affordable options for young couples

4:00 The effect of BTO-waiting on marriage 

14:11 Is it good to have 'effective fighting' between couples?

18:07 When is it time to cut short your losses?

24:15 Money matters in a marriage

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

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew and Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

---

#inyouropinion

Could less waiting time reduce stress on a marriage and how can couples strengthen their relationships in the face of life challenges?&nbsp;
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 introduce more Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, buyers can expect to collect keys in under three years, reducing the amount of stress on the couple relationship, say an economist and a counsellor.&nbsp;
How can young couples decide if they have found the right life partners to take on the wait for a BTO flat?
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong hosts two guests.&nbsp;
Thr first is National University of Singapore's Professor of Real Estate and Economics Sumit Agarwal. He penned a study on the correlation between early marriages, a higher propensity for divorce and waiting times for a BTO, that was featured in the third book in a series - Kiasunomics 3: Economic Insights For Everyday Life. The book overall, analyses the influence and consequences of economic decisions in Singapore.
The second is Mr Neo Eng Chuan, Psychologist and founder of CaperSpring. He has 20 years of experience in helping couples.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
2:10 Post-Covid: BTO one of the few affordable options for young couples
4:00 The effect of BTO-waiting on marriage&nbsp;
14:11 Is it good to have 'effective fighting' between couples?
18:07 When is it time to cut short your losses?
24:15 Money matters in a marriage
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew and Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/" data-stringify-link="https://www.awedio.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast</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

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

How youths can use ChatGPT without laziness

ChatGPT's take on making people lazier

Memory & focus decline: Cheryl

Using Gen AI to boost critical thinking

Shahrman’s way of sparking creativity with AI

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, concluded that people using just generative AI (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT, became lazier with each subsequent essay they wrote. 

The study, conducted in Boston, categorised three groups of test subjects aged 18 to 39 according to the tools that they used: ChatGPT, Google or no tools. 

The brain activity of these writers were scanned across 32 regions of their brain. The result found that ChatGPT users had the lowest brain activity, and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioural levels,” according to the study.  

But the way ChatGPT is used was critical, as the study found that test subjects who used ChatGPT only after writing the essays on their own, had significant increases in brain connectivity. 

Just how can ChatGPT be used to enhance productivity without making us lazy? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues and looks at how her human guests maintain the balance between optimising the use of ChatGPT and becoming over-reliant on it. 

Her guests are Shahrman Nayan, creative director of OneDash22, a local video production company and an avid user of Gen AI for his work; and Cheryl Chia, founder of BrainFit, an education centre for children and young adults, building their cognitive, thinking, and study skills through programmes grounded in scientific approaches. 

We also invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this podcast discussion.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

6:00 How can youths use ChatGPT without becoming lazy

13:14 "I can make people lazier if they use me to avoid thinking critically": ChatGPT 

15:21 Cognitive functions like memory and concentration have been going down: Cheryl 

29:04 How young people can use Gen AI to improve critical thinking

37:03 How Shahrman uses Gen AI like ChatGPT to get his colleagues to produce creative work

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Rebekah Chia and Natasha Liew

Executive producers: 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

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

---

#inyouropinion

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, concluded that people using just generative AI (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT, became lazier with each subsequent essay they wrote.&nbsp;
The study, conducted in Boston, categorised three groups of test subjects aged 18 to 39 according to the tools that they used: ChatGPT, Google or no tools.&nbsp;
The brain activity of these writers were scanned across 32 regions of their brain. The result found that ChatGPT users had the lowest brain activity, and &ldquo;consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioural levels,&rdquo; according to the study. &nbsp;
But the way ChatGPT is used was critical, as the study found that test subjects who used ChatGPT only after writing the essays on their own, had significant increases in brain connectivity.&nbsp;
Just how can ChatGPT be used to enhance productivity without making us lazy? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues and looks at how her human guests maintain the balance between optimising the use of ChatGPT and becoming over-reliant on it.&nbsp;
Her guests are Shahrman Nayan, creative director of OneDash22, a local video production company and an avid user of Gen AI for his work; and Cheryl Chia, founder of BrainFit, an education centre for children and young adults, building their cognitive, thinking, and study skills through programmes grounded in scientific approaches.&nbsp;
We also invite ChatGPT to be a 'guest' in this podcast discussion.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
6:00 How can youths use ChatGPT without becoming lazy
13:14 "I can make people lazier if they use me to avoid thinking critically": ChatGPT&nbsp;
15:21 Cognitive functions like memory and concentration have been going down: Cheryl&nbsp;
29:04 How young people can use Gen AI to improve critical thinking
37:03 How Shahrman uses Gen AI like ChatGPT to get his colleagues to produce creative work
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Rebekah Chia and Natasha Liew
Executive producers: 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>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/" data-stringify-link="https://www.awedio.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-sk="tooltip_parent">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

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

Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues

Is BMI a reliable health indicator?

Obsessing over the scales

How should we deal with toxic masculinity?

Vicious circle; reactions to therapy

The importance of "feeling things"

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 new generation of social media influencers like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross producing content that posits to teach men how to be men.

But does it make someone any less of a man if they decide to speak up about the issues they face?

For years, ST journalist Aqil Hamzah, 28, has grappled with body image issues, but was too afraid to seek help, thinking it wouldn’t be the manly thing to do.

Years of skipping meals took a toll on his health, and it was only after losing clumps of hair that he decided to seek help for it.

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues that have plagued her co-host Aqil alongside psychiatrist Adrian Loh, who specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry.

The trio then discuss if toxic masculinity has a role to play in men’s unwillingness to speak up about their issues.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

00:56 Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues

03:27 Is BMI an accurate indication for weight management?

08:50 Obsessing over the scales

21:21 What is toxic masculinity and how should people deal with it?

24:51 How role models repeat a vicious cycle & the different reactions to therapy

33:35 The importance of feeling things

Read Aqil’s article on body image here: https://str.sg/kuf8 

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

Follow Aqil Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ttUo 

Read his articles: https://str.sg/i5gS 

Host: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew

Executive producers: 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

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

---

#inyouropinion

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 new generation of social media influencers like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross producing content that posits to teach men how to be men.
But does it make someone any less of a man if they decide to speak up about the issues they face?
For years, ST journalist Aqil Hamzah, 28, has grappled with body image issues, but was too afraid to seek help, thinking it wouldn&rsquo;t be the manly thing to do.
Years of skipping meals took a toll on his health, and it was only after losing clumps of hair that he decided to seek help for it.
In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues that have plagued her co-host Aqil alongside psychiatrist Adrian Loh, who specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry.
The trio then discuss if toxic masculinity has a role to play in men&rsquo;s unwillingness to speak up about their issues.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
00:56 Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues
03:27 Is BMI an accurate indication for weight management?
08:50 Obsessing over the scales
21:21 What is toxic masculinity and how should people deal with it?
24:51 How role models repeat a vicious cycle &amp; the different reactions to therapy
33:35 The importance of feeling things
Read Aqil&rsquo;s article on body image here:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/kuf8">https://str.sg/kuf8</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/fatty-sissy-gym-rat-a-young-mans-struggle-with-body-image"></a>Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Follow Aqil Hamzah on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/ttUo">https://str.sg/ttUo</a>&nbsp;
Read his articles: <a href="https://str.sg/i5gS">https://str.sg/i5gS&nbsp;</a>
Host: Lynda Hong (<a href="mailto:lyndahong@sph.com.sg">lyndahong@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew
Executive producers: 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>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg/" data-stringify-link="https://www.awedio.sg" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-sk="tooltip_parent">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

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

Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week.

Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers

Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.

Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.

Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg); edited by: Elsa Goh

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE

ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts

(*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

---

Special edition series:

Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx

This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).

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

This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra.

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

This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra.

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

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#stpodcasttr

Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week.
Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers
Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST&rsquo;s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (<a href="mailto:ernest@sph.com.sg">ernest@sph.com.sg</a>); edited by:&nbsp;Elsa Goh
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Discover more ST podcast channels:
'All-in-one' ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/wvz7&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KXUIUdgbiGGW7OJKB9tbp">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
The Usual Place:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/wEr7u" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/wEr7u&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UXQZLWCV7xXV0t4E8pIHb">https://str.sg/wEr7u</a>
Asian Insider:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JWa7" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/JWa7&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38BqyAemf2ukalewZxpJis">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Headstart On Record: <a href="https://str.sg/wB2m" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/wB2m&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bgAkk588qc3xhDpnOzDA5">https://str.sg/wB2m</a>
Green Pulse:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JWaf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/JWaf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GCh1zzPTMGHAn-bIwaYF0">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
Health Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JWaN" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/JWaN&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sE5FxOWu3hK_r6r-JWWe5">https://str.sg/JWaN</a>
In Your Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/w7Qt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CnZ2jvpNr500g-KQicMop">https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
Wheel Insights:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/iTtE" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/iTtE&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw00_MKAkkWlXOorxGOLIzfI">https://str.sg/iTtE</a>
ST Podcasts website: <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts">https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts</a>
(*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
SPH Awedio app: <a href="https://www.awedio.sg---">https://www.awedio.sg</a>
<a href="https://www.awedio.sg---">---</a>
Special edition series:
Green Trails (4 eps):&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/bMyx" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/bMyx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1s3jSH9McN6waPR3ux1gVy">https://str.sg/bMyx</a>
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps):&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/i44T" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/i44T&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw14C8XpAJT3NwECdg5etcWl">https://str.sg/i44T</a>
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra.
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): <a href="https://str.sg/wuZ2" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/wuZ2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw16LnQH-L6al98edzUwz3Yo">https://str.sg/wuZ2</a>
This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra.
Music Lab: <a href="https://str.sg/w9TX" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/w9TX&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Y3CqWrFBZm-mLJVTOSapN">https://str.sg/w9TX</a>
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Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/icyB" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/icyB&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2inZVaKnv7bG5HGwVbSFbF">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/icyX" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/icyX&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750408938780000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3AbSXsQDI8v9I5rLqCKQ-U">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
#stpodcasttr

Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

Inside an animal abuser’s mind

Spotting red flags, psychopathy signs

Enforcement gaps abusers exploit

Do abusers want to be caught?

What abuse says about Singapore

Can tougher laws or caning help?

What should citizens do or avoid?

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 of a community cat was discovered on a road in Yishun.

In the days that followed, three more cats were reported to have been seriously injured or found dead in housing estates around Singapore, stoking fears of animal abusers at large. 

While three of the cases have since been attributed to road traffic accidents rather than deliberate acts of cruelty, they have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers.

In this episode, correspondent Ang Qing unpacks the psyche of an animal abuser in Singapore with psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng and criminal lawyer Josephus Tan.

They discuss the gaps in Singapore’s animal protection system, how to fix them, as well as why society’s failure to protect vulnerable creatures can have worrying consequences for the nation as a whole.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

1:45 Inside an animal abuser’s mind

5:29 Understanding psychopathy and spotting red flags

10:19 Gaps in enforcement and how criminals exploit them

15:30 Do some abusers have a sadistic desire to get caught?

18:58 What animal abuse says about Singapore and its people

24:06 Can tougher laws and caning make a difference

32:59 What the ordinary citizen should or shouldn’t do

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

Host: Ang Qing (aqing@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: 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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Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

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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

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#inyouropinion

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 of a community cat was discovered on a road in Yishun.
In the days that followed, three more cats were reported to have been seriously injured or found dead in housing estates around Singapore, stoking fears of animal abusers at large.&nbsp;
While three of the cases have since been attributed to road traffic accidents rather than deliberate acts of cruelty, they have re-ignited calls for tougher enforcement against animal abusers.
In this episode, correspondent Ang Qing unpacks the psyche of an animal abuser in Singapore with psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng and criminal lawyer Josephus Tan.
They discuss the gaps in Singapore&rsquo;s animal protection system, how to fix them, as well as why society&rsquo;s failure to protect vulnerable creatures can have worrying consequences for the nation as a whole.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
1:45 Inside an animal abuser&rsquo;s mind
5:29 Understanding psychopathy and spotting red flags
10:19 Gaps in enforcement and how criminals exploit them
15:30 Do some abusers have a sadistic desire to get caught?
18:58 What animal abuse says about Singapore and its people
24:06 Can tougher laws and caning make a difference
32:59 What the ordinary citizen should or shouldn&rsquo;t do
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sH"> https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Ang Qing (<a href="mailto:aqing@sph.com.sg">aqing@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: 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" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/wvz7" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>
Get more updates: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-stringify-link="http://str.sg/stpodcasts" data-sk="tooltip_parent">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-stringify-link="https://str.sg/4Vwsa" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a>
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Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
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#inyouropinion

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

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

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

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

In Your Opinion

A hard look at the social issues of the month in Singapore. Join ST journalists and other guests as they discuss with Lydia Wong.

In Your Opinion

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

71 clip(s)