The Usual Place
The Usual Place
Synopsis: Join host and correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday live at noon, as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Podcaster: Natasha Ann Zachariah Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Editorial producer: Lynda Hong A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH MediaSocial links:
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Is owning a car in Singapore now out of reach?
Will the recent changes to the preferential additional registration fee (PARF) rebate and the current COE prices turn away car buyers? Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his Budget speech on Feb 12 that the PARF rebate will be lowered by 45 percentage points. The maximum rebate a car owner…
35:24
Budget 2026: Will AI lead to more inequality?
The conversation over the key announcement from Budget 2026 continues. On Feb 12, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a record $154.7 billion Budget, how the Government is doubling down on its AI push. For Singaporeans worried about the cost of living, there was household relief in the form of p…
50:28
Budget 2026: Why is Singapore betting big on AI?
The strong push towards artificial intelligence and support for vulnerable groups such as lower-income families were two big themes that emerged at Budget 2026. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also the Finance Minister, just delivered his first Budget since the new government was elected last…
39:15
She became a plumber, he chose the woodworking life. What drew them to blue-collared work?
When it comes to charting their career paths, it’s likely most young Singaporeans would opt for white-collared jobs. Hands-on skilled trades? Not so much. Yet, The Straits Times reported in January that a growing number of younger people are choosing to go into traditional skilled trades such as …
38:20
Has Trump ‘ruptured’ the global order? What can Singapore do?
After the World Economic Forum in Davos, it’s clear that global diplomacy has grown more confrontational and transactional. So what’s the game plan for Singapore now? In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha speaks with ST opinion editor Lin Suling, who was in Davos last week, and Lee Kuan Yew …
48:20
Are central kitchen meals coming to every Singapore school?
There has been a buffet of discussion as pre-packed food for students have been in the spotlight recently. Some schools have had to turn to prepared meals from centralised kitchens because of shrinking student numbers and a lack of canteen stallholders. But this has not been to everyone’s taste. …
41:33
Pritam Singh no longer Leader of the Opposition, what next for WP?
Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh has been removed as Leader of the Opposition by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, a day after Parliament debated his suitability for the role. PM Wong has invited the WP to nominate another elected MP. But the person put forth has to be an MP who has not been implicat…
48:33
New year, new job? What’s in store for job seekers in 2026?
Finding a new job may be on your resolution list this year, but will it be the right move in 2026? Much of the job market in 2025 was dominated by uncertainty and mixed signals. Fresh university graduates shared – and documented on social media – their struggles landing interviews and jobs, despi…
38:25
Why are buyers willing to pay $900,000 for 3-room resale HDB flats?
At least four three-room resale Housing Board flats were sold for between $900,000 and $935,000 in the first 11 months of 2025. What’s driving these eye-watering prices for smaller units, and how does this affect buyers who see three-room units as an accessible way to own a first home? Synopsis: …
39:35
SEA Games 2025: Athletes Kerstin Ong and Amanda Lim on chasing their sporting dreams despite struggles
It’s been about 10 days of excitement at the SEA Games, and Team Singapore has been going all out to make their mark. Hurdler Kerstin Ong and swimmer Amanda Lim have returned home after their events and will join The Usual Place podcast to talk about their experiences in Thailand. One is just get…
53:11