Is chilli the most important ingredient in Singapore cuisine?

Is “not spicy enough” a legitimate criticism of a dish?  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at key issues of the day with newsmakers. Across Singapore’s diverse culinary landscape, chilli is a common accompaniment to almost any meal — think sambal belachan, chilli paste …

Fewer babies, slower boom? The future of Singapore’s real estate market

Why Singapore’s low fertility rate last year could really redefine real estate from 2050. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with newsmakers. Singapore is producing fewer babies. Its birth rate, measured by the total fertility rate…

Why your electricity bill is going up when fuel reserves are full

If Singapore has fuel reserves, why are electricity tariffs surging?  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with newsmakers. From April to June 2026, electricity and household tariffs will be higher. And we’ve been warned to brace for…

Does a degree still guarantee a good full-time job?

The first woman to lead a university in Singapore discusses how SMU is adapting to AI and different forms of employment. Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with newsmakers. Facing a softer job market, fresh challenges wrought by ar…

Trading cards: Childhood hobby, investment asset or a gateway to gambling?

Are these cards really that bad? Could playing with them lead to gambling?  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Pokemon. One Piece. Magic: The Gathering. These trading card games bring back nostalgic childhood memories.…

Gen AI won't take your job away. Here's why

Why older workers with deep domain expertise have a unique advantage in the AI era, how companies can fix the "broken rung" for fresh graduates.  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Ten years ago, the message to the wor…

Who says Singapore is hot, boring and expensive?

Booming arrivals, stubborn humidity – but dull and overpriced?  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Singapore’s tourism pitch is not just about selling its picture-perfect skyline; it’s also about showcasing its rich mu…

Temporary or permanent relief? The future of CDC vouchers

Government support measures such as CDC vouchers were meant to cushion soaring inflation. But are they fiscally sustainable?  Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Temporary government handouts like the CDC vouchers were …

Dr Becky, millennial parent whisperer, on screentime and modern parenting

Are we using phones constructively to help kids to learn or assist adults in coping? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. One of the most fraught challenges of modern parenting is our love-hate relationship with screen t…

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

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 signific…