Study hard, work hard, retire then die: Do Singaporeans spend our lives living someone else's dream?

Good grades, good jobs, applying for a BTO, getting married. Isn’t that every Singaporean’s dream? In this episode, Julian Low, co-founder of theatre practice Wushiren, talks about his experience defying the “Singaporean Dream” by dropping out of medical school. He then went on to pursue his dream…

'Spotify can just take it down': A Gen Z collector on why his peers are going analogue, buying CDs

Wired earphones and film cameras: Is retro tech back, or another performative trend? In this episode, we look at how retro analogue items such as wired earphones, film cameras, and Walkmans are making a comeback. Is this here to stay or is it just another performative trend? Join hosts Kai Wen an…

How much cash is 'enough' and how to invest the rest? An investment expert breaks it down

Invest but keep enough liquidity to help you sleep at night. In this episode, we look into the concept of liquidity. Everyone tells us to invest, but how much is enough and how much should we leave behind for a rainy day? What about saving for BTO and other commitments?  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann…

They decide your pay, promotion and performance: Should your boss be on your socials?

What are the repercussions of adding your boss and colleagues on social media? In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss the nuances of adding your colleagues and supervisor on social media.  While there are benefits to sharing your personal life with them on these platforms, should we also be…

High anxiety, spiking cortisol: it's tough making friends as an adult, is it worth the trouble?

Our friend circles shrink as we get older. How do we deal with it? In this episode, therapist Cao Zhikai shares how we can deal with losing friends as we enter adulthood, and what we can do to combat that feeling of loss. She also shares about the grief of friendship breakups, which don’t often ge…

Why travelling with friends can lead to meltdowns and broken friendships

Is travelling with friends worth the risk when all hell breaks loose? From disagreements over budget to one person wanting to “travelmax” while another wants to wake up at noon, a trip can become a horror story.  In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss whether you should travel with friends …

Singapore stocks have just had their best run in years, are you missing out?

The US market is exciting, but it can also be dangerous for young investors. The US market has been on a tear, but it is also littered with pitfalls for unsuspecting new investors.  Should we stock pick or just buy the S&P 500? And what about new IPOs like Space X? In this episode, ST business c…

Pay transparency: what to do after finding out a colleague’s salary is higher than yours

Would you reveal your salary to your colleagues? What to do if you are underpaid? In this episode, ST’s own manpower correspondent Sharon Salim talks about navigating conversations around salary transparency and how being too transparent can affect workplace dynamics. Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann di…

Invest in stocks and ETFs because your friend says so? Why friends and finances don’t always mix

Talking to friends about money can be sensitive, here’s how to navigate it.  Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Friendships may be priceless, but money talk often crops up among friends - who owes…

7 jobs in 14 years: A comms director explains why job hopping isn't always bad

Job hopping: Career suicide or a way to learn what works for you? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, Annabel Lim, Business & Reputation Director at communications firm We. Communi…