Asian Insider

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S2E69: Crisis creates openings: Why Asia will stand out after a post-Iran conflict

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The Iran war is an unprecedented crisis but South-east Asia is better placed to handle it.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

The US-Israeli assault on Iran, which led to the effective closure of the Straits of Hormuz, has seized up many Asian economies which are seeing rising fuel prices, soaring airline ticket costs and leaving restaurants short of cooking fuel.

But South-east Asia, with memories of the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s still fresh in memory is better placed macro-economically to tackle the crisis - evidenced in investors’ confidence in stocks such as DBS, SIA and OCBC.

In this wide-ranging episode, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research at Maybank Securities and an expert on the interplay of geopolitics, macro-economics and the stock market. They unpack the full dimensions of the crisis before discussing how Asia is likely to fare when it ends, as it must some day.

Mr Wickramasinghe offers some advice: It has paid off for investors to be long on stocks, he says, and there is a case to keep some gold in your portfolio, as well as energy stocks.

Highlights (click/tap above)

1:38 A Michelle Yeoh, Di Caprio-style crisis

8:16 South-east Asia is better placed than other regions

14:09 DBS, SIA - why some stocks do better than the rest

15:33 Opportunities for investors in this crisis

17:59 Post-War realities to watch for

21:10 Equities will never go out of fashion

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E68: India’s $70 billion spiritual market fuelled by bhajan clubbing

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Discover how bhajan clubbing is transforming devotional music in India.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

In this episode, host Li Xueying discusses with Debarshi Dasgupta the recent surge in bhajan clubbing - the fusion of devotional Hindu music with contemporary styles like EDM and rock.

This cultural phenomenon, exemplified by recent concerts in Delhi and other cities, explores how young Indians are finding a modern form of spiritual engagement, stress relief, and social belonging.

It has received government endorsement from Prime Minister Modi and the BJP as part of a Hindu religious revival, which includes state funding for concerts and events.

This cultural shift also addresses social acceptance and generational changes in religious practices.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:18 How bhajan clubbing draws different age groups and its impact on faith practices

3:41 Influence of political figures like Modi endorsing this musical trend

6:35 The correlation between stress relief, youth identity, and spiritual needs

11:13 BJP’s promotion of Hinduism and religious revival through government policies

13:22 Political and economic motives behind government support for Hindu cultural activities

16:17 Future prospects of bhajan clubbing and its evolution into all-night raves

Read Debarshi Dasgupta’s article here: https://str.sg/qFYv

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E67: Is there a silver lining for China as war rages in the Middle East?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

With Washington distracted and opportunities in clean energy, Beijing might have the last laugh.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus.

For March, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Their focus is on the war in the Middle East.

The conflict in Iran has further complicated Beijing’s ties with Washington. However, there are some dividends that might be reaped by China as America’s allies potentially look East because they find it more and more challenging to be on the same page as Trump.

On the economic front, fuel shortage is being felt across the board. But given China’s strengths in green technology, there might be opportunities for its companies as countries look to rejig their energy mix in the long run.

Additionally, military analysts have suggested that the conflict serves as a living laboratory for Chinese technology given that some of Iran’s defences are reliant on systems developed by China.

For now, Beijing’s global standing may have taken a hit as it has been exposed for having limited influence over happenings in the region. But with America fully engaged in Iran and the financial cost of the war, foreign policy space might well open up for China.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:17 Tensions between US and its allies could benefit China

7:26 A reminder on fossil fuel reliance

10:20 Beijing has spent years preparing for a fuel shock

12:56 Will China join a convoy in the Straits of Hormuz?

17:23 Iran as a living lab for military tech

20:02 Beijing’s limited influence in the Middle East

S2E66: Iran’s war machine can only last a few more weeks: Expert

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Depleting its own military resources and antagonising Arab neighbours may be a cost too high for the regime to bear.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Prof Benjamin Radd, an authority on the politics of the Middle East, especially Iran.

Professor Radd, PhD (UCLA 2015) JD (Stanford 2003), is a Political Scientist and Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations, and an expert on government and politics of the Middle East, US foreign policy, and comparative law.

Dr Radd is also a professor at the UCLA School of Law and adjunct professor at the USC Gould School of Law, where he lectures on American legal development and constitutional law and politics.

In addition, Dr Radd is the Founder and CEO of Fascination Lab, an educational and experiential learning consulting firm. In 2023, he was hired to design a political crisis simulation that was filmed and released as an award-winning documentary, ‘War Game’, which was selected to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:32 Iranian regime's capability for waging a long war

6:23 Will the Iranian regime try to make a nuclear bomb?

15:14 Potential emergence of a moderate leader in Iran

19:21 Is Arab faith in the US shaken?

20:23 The possibility of Arab nations attacking Iran

22:17 Has Trump landed himself in a political mess?

25:01 When will the war end?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E65: Why Grab-type firms are the way for SE Asia to thrive in AI era

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

How South-east Asia can navigate the age of AI and its impact on the economy and employment.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

Artificial Intelligence is impacting the world at a pace far greater than that of previous general-purpose technologies, such as the steam engine, electricity, and computing.

As the world adjusts to the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by tremendous advances in automation and robotics, it now faces the Fifth Industrial Revolution, the era of AI and its impressive ability to perform cognitive tasks normally performed by humans.

In this episode, host Ravi Velloor speaks with the eminent economist Dr Khor Hoe Ee, who witnessed the Latin American debt crisis and the Asian financial crisis.

Dr Khor, formerly Chief Economist at AMRO, has also seen how events like Covid-19 have had a major impact on the economy.

They discuss how the US and China dominate the AI space, the speed of disruption, which South-east Asian economies are most exposed and what firms in the region can do to cope with the impact of this new technology.

They also cover other topics, for instance: What happens to employment as we know it? Is there a threat of widespread deflation? Should we consider a universal basic income?

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:19 The Fifth Industrial Revolution of AI is like no other period in history

7:56 South-east Asia’s options when US, China lead in AI

11:34 Jobs at risk; from radiology to business process outsourcing

12:00 Prospects for Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines

16:52 Is there a case for Universal Basic Incomes with future disruption in the market?

18:41 Who’ll win the AI race and how the region should position itself

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chen Junyi and Fa'izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E64: Putrajaya 30 years on: The capital that never quite replaced Kuala Lumpur

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Find out why it has become a paradox decades after its founding.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Putrajaya, founded in 1995, turned 30 in 2025. As Malaysia’s administrative capital and inspired by Paris, it was supposed to replace the former tin-mining colony that is Kuala Lumpur.

Failure of urban planning that prioritised government offices and grandiosity over organic city life are some of the perceptions cited as to why the city has not lived up to its original promise.

The Straits Times’ Malaysia correspondent Hadi Azmi, who recently moved next door to Putrajaya, tells host and foreign editor Li Xueying, about the disconnect between the ambitious vision for Putrajaya and the ground reality.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:47 The vision and reality of Putrajaya

8:13 The “unfinished bridge” and Putrajaya’s shelved monorail system

10:31 Lack of political will leads to urban planning issues

13:28 Lessons from Putrajaya’s township designs

19:22 Hadi’s personal insights and experience in Putrajaya

Read Hadi Azmi’s article here: https://str.sg/CF3t

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E63: Malaysia’s education gamble: UEC option and lowering school age

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

From considering UEC path to starting school at six – is Malaysia's education overhaul built to last?

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For our February episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Eddin Khoo, historian, writer, educator, and founder of Malaysian traditional culture conservation group Pusaka.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:08 There are more encroachment into the Chinese minority in Kelantan now. What has changed in the last five years?

7:35 PAS’ return to federal government seems imminent. What lessons should non-Muslims draw from Kelantan’s experience?

11:19 Has the government found a durable solution on Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) or will this just spell more trouble in the future?

16:23 PM Anwar seems to have found a political balancing act on UEC. How sustainable is this?

19:38 Was the rollback on the Standard One readiness test responsive governance or poor planning?

22:12 What do Malaysians actually want from the education system?

26:52 If you were elected mayor of KL, what would you fix first?

Where Muslims pray in ‘Beijing Mosque’ and a Chinese community finds its way https://str.sg/chinese-minority-kelantan

Malaysia makes Malay and history compulsory for Chinese independent school route to public universities: https://str.sg/7BNQ

After Sabah drubbing, debate reignites over little-known exam that could break up PM Anwar’s coalition: https://str.sg/n6yA

Who should run KL? Study into local polls stirs fears over demographics: https://str.sg/ci5e

Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Host: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E62: Singaporean tech founders on building global companies in US

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

From a phone plan for cat parents to a keyless life: Two Singaporean founders share tips from their US start-up journeys

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Jasmin Young and Anthony Chow about how they established successful businesses in the US.

Jasmin Young has launched and led several Silicon Valley-based startups including Gather, which aims to build the world's first AI-based telco. She also steered Netreo, an enterprise software business, which was recognised by Inc 5000 as a fastest growing private company for eight consecutive years until 2024. She teaches at University of California, Berkeley and the National University of Singapore.

Anthony Chow, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Igloo, has unlocked a key part of the sharing economy. His firm creates smart locks, devices and enterprise software for homes, commercial properties and infrastructure worldwide. It has logged one billion unlocks annually and was named ‘International Startup of the Year’ at the Austin A List Awards 2025. A Stanford graduate, he also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the National University of Singapore.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:26 What’s Meow Mobile?

2:38 What’s Igloo?

9:14 Using AI to help connect people & products at scale

12:37 How can start-ups stand out in a crowd?

16:28 Why Anthony sent his smart locks into space

20:21 It’s a marathon, not a sprint

23:19 Jasmin’s biggest breakthrough during Covid

26:37 Does the Singapore brand help?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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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S2E61: Strategic calculations behind India's trade deals flurry

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

India's new trade pacts with the EU and US, and the big question: Will Delhi revisit its decision to abandon RCEP?

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

A flurry of trade agreements announced by India – first, a “mother of all trade deals” FTA with the European Union, and days later, a framework deal with the US that saw Washington slashing its punitive tariffs on Indian exports to levels just below that of Vietnam and Malaysia, involves wider strategic calculations on every side.

In this wide-ranging conversation, host Ravi Velloor speaks with Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, Chairman of India Trade Promotion Organisation and former foreign policy aide to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Having served as envoy to Singapore and France, he weighs in on the thinking behind the deals, India’s newfound confidence to sign on to market-opening agreements, and the chances of India revisiting its decision to abandon the Asean-backed RCEP, or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

They both discuss India’s trade imperatives, the tighter embrace by India of the European Union which is itself adjusting to a multipolar world, and how quality trade agreements help set the stage for foreign direct investment flows and stronger strategic ties. They also chat about the calibrated opening that India is making with China, even as it is not yet ready to revisit entering RCEP.

Highlights (click/tap above)

1:08 India withdrawal from RCEP and focus on bilateral relations

5:15 A greater alignment of trade with geopolitics

8:46 Roots of India’s “self-confidence” to sign trade deals

11:07 What the trade deals mean for ordinary Indians

14:11 EU looks to India, Taiwan in the AI age

18:14 EU-India, and a message to the US

20:53 Did Trump negotiate with a “gun to India’s head”?

24:18 Why stress on defence in US-India trade deal

27:01 RCEP: A calibrated opening is ongoing with China

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E60: Hong Kong’s tolerance for shortcuts has turned deadly

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Hong Kong prides itself on being a first world city. So how did such a thing like the Tai Po fire happen?

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

On Nov 26, 2025, a fire swept through Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing 168 people.

What also perished in that inferno was a certain trust in the system to keep everyone safe.

The Straits Times’ Hong Kong Correspondent Magdalene Fung, a long-time resident of the city, talks to host and foreign editor Li Xueying about her experience covering the disaster.

She also wrestles with the question of how Hong Kong’s tolerance for cutting corners cuts both ways. There is ingenuity. But the acceptance of quick, convenient fixes has also resulted in a society that collectively allowed the fire to happen.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:04 On the ground, covering the fire

03:52 A system that failed

09:54 But a society that also helped

11:03 Low standards and quick, convenient fixes

16:12 The fire doors are still not closed

Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/JyX2y

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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Follow more ST podcast channels:

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S2E59: China's fossil fuel addiction exposes a strategic vulnerability

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus.

For January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian.

Dramatic developments in Venezuela and Iran, both important oil suppliers for China, have exposed Beijing’s vulnerability in terms of energy security.

Oil only accounts for around 18 per cent of China’s energy mix but most of this is imported.

While both regimes have enjoyed solid ties with Beijing, the reality is there is little China can do directly to preserve its interests there.

Domestically, China has achieved remarkable success in its clean energy transition. But the human cost of this effort, particularly when it comes to poorer communities, should not be underestimated.

Clean tech may have played a part in China’s soft power rise (BYD electric vehicles and solar panels are obvious examples), but there is no guarantee that this will translate into a stronger hand geopolitically.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:02 Are China’s interests in Venezuela dead in the water?

4:58 Impacts of developments in Venezuela, Iran on upcoming Trump-Xi meeting

7:37 Is China prepared to use force to defend its energy security interests?

09:44 The human cost of China’s clean energy transition

14:11 Challenges in clean energy storage, distribution

17:28 Clean tech fuels China’s soft power rise

20:14 Existential survival instinct: Running out of energy

S2E58: Trump’s Venezuela strike: The good, bad & the ugly

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

We dissect the abduction of a sitting president and predict what might come next.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

Was it all about oil? Transnational crime cartels? Or China? In this episode, US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar chats with Hoover Fellow Joseph Ledford and veteran oil analyst Carl Larry to understand Washington’s real game in Venezuela.

Dr Joseph Ledford is a Hoover Fellow and the Assistant Director of the Hoover History Lab at the Hoover Institution. His research focuses on the exercise of American power, especially in the Western Hemisphere.

Mr Carl Larry is a Sales Manager at Enverus MarketView with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, covering financial, commercial, and physical aspects of the market.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:31 The 3 goals of the US military operation in Venezuela

3:45 So, was it about oil?

6:31 Is the world going to get cheaper petrol now?

7:54 Why does the US not want China as a ‘neighbour’?

16:42 Why was Machado not made president?

21:26 Will the US’ shale miners be hurt?

23:58 Lessons from Iraq and clues for Asia

26:45 How will the US recover from the reputational hit?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E57: Asia's drone wars: Who's buying Predators and Reapers?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

As Asia’s militaries show an increasing appetite to deploy drones – most recently during the Thai-Cambodian skirmishes and the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May, 2025, we speak to the chief executive of the company that makes lethal Unmanned Aerial Systems such as the Predator, Reaper and Sea Guardian.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corp, on trends in modern warfare, the rise of data-driven hi-tech weapons, weapons that ‘loiter’ in the air awaiting command from the ground and space as the next frontier of contestation.

They also focus on UASs – in warfare and potentially for civil use – and discuss whether unmanned drones have raised the risk of warfare by not putting pilots directly in harm’s way.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:46 'The future is in unmanned systems'

5:45 ‘Hey, there’s an UAV flying right alongside me’

7:00 Asian militaries buying Predators and eyeing EMALS: India, Japan, Taiwan, Asean

14:05 Can US go it alone in defence research?

16:43 Does unmanned raise risk of war?

20:32 ‘There will always be pilots’

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E56: The one design feature that makes Taiwan ‘ugly’

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Metal window grilles were meant to keep households safe from burglars but they have been fingered as eyesores.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

One of Taiwan’s names is "Formosa" - given by Portuguese sailors who sighted the island in the 16th century and called it “Beautiful Island” given its natural wonders such as mountains, forests and hot springs.

In more recent times though, Taiwanese officials and designers have complained about a man-made blight across its cities: ubiquitous, often rusty, metal grilles criss-crossing windows.

Together, foreign editor Li Xueying and Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee, surface a larger discussion about the pace of urban renewal in Taiwan - a challenge that many Asian cities face, given the competing imperatives between urban renewal, heritage conservation and the rights of homeowners.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 The ugly truth about Taipei's buildings

2:06 Taiwan's window bars mystery

4:53 The beauty behind the rust

7:42 Challenges in urban redevelopment

12:12 Cycling and pedestrian safety in Taiwan

Read Yip Wai Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/7U6y

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E55: From Zara Qairina to Harimau Malaya: A gripping 2025 for Malaysia

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Malaysia’s 2025 was marked by a stormy PKR election, school violence, and a scandal rocking its football team.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For our December episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Nik Nazmi, a member of Parliament from PKR, and former minister of natural resources and environmental stability.

We look back at the Malaysian stories that shook 2025, from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet vacancy and the death of Zara Qairina amid rising school violence, to the scandal engulfing Harimau Malaya’s heritage players.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:18 Cabinet vacancy and unity government leadership

11:13 Who leads PKR next? Is it Nurul Izzah's turn?

16:07 Are authorities failing to protect Malaysian children?

19:51 Band-aid solutions to solve school violence

25:41 Criminal case for footballers' citizenship spoofing

28:08 Can Harimau Malaya recover its football credentials?

32:21 Rolling back the time zone to UTC+7 for an extra hour of sunrise

The curious case of four missing Cabinet ministers in Malaysia https://str.sg/A9fZ

Death of student in Sabah raises hurdle for Malaysian PM Anwar as he faces tough state polls soon https://str.sg/hpptQ

Malaysia fans fear Asian Cup blow as Fifa probe casts doubt on naturalised players https://str.sg/p62X

Malaysia faces renewed calls to rewind the clock, 40 years after shifting to UTC+8 https://str.sg/qnuM

Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Host: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E54: Why the US dollar is so sticky

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Find out why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as countries try to toggle away from the greenback.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

Harvard historian Mary Bridges, the author of Dollars and Dominion, explains why the world is likely to stay dollar-centric even as China, Russia, India and many countries try to toggle away from the greenback and into rival currencies like the yuan or the euro.

In this episode, Dr Bridges, the Ernest May Fellow in History & Policy at Harvard University’s International Security Programme, tells US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar that while the world is becoming multipolar and diversified, the thick layer of institutions, relationships and trust built around the US dollar mean that any transition will take a very long time.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:59 How the US dollar became the king of currencies

3:58 How the US banks went into Asia

11:17 Will the US dollar lose its dominance?

19:17 Are crypto-currencies encroaching on dollar dominion?

21:11 Are Trump’s tariffs spurring de-dollarisation?

23:49 Why China’s BRI is also a currency play

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E53: Inside the secret Albatross file on Singapore’s Separation from Malaysia

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Our guest reveals pioneer leaders’ differing views on Singapore’s Aug 9, 1965 split from Malaysia.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ chief columnist Sumiko Tan speaks to Janadas Devan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, on how the The Albatross File: Inside Separation sheds fresh light on the decisions that led to Singapore’s independence.

Edited by Susan Sim, the 488-page volume is co-published by Straits Times Press and the National Archives of Singapore, and was launched by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Dec 7 alongside an exhibition at the National Library.

Mr Janadas, who coordinated the book, explains that Singapore’s 1963 merger with Malaysia was fraught from the outset, with the 1964 race riots further straining ties. Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee kept a private file he code-named “Albatross”, a reference to the bird in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous 1798 poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, symbolising the burden of the troubled merger.

Documents inside the file range from an early Cabinet memo by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to the final Separation Agreement, and includes Dr Goh’s handwritten notes of his meetings with Malaysian leaders.

Mr Janadas highlights how merger with Malaysia was a fundamental aim of Mr Lee’s People’s Action Party. It is something young Singaporeans today might find hard to understand, he acknowledges.

But the merger was problematic, and proposals for a looser federation eventually collapsed, derailed by unclear terms and British anxieties as Indonesia’s Confrontation was then raging.

Dr Goh led the talks for Singapore, navigating sensitive issues and political tensions. Within the Singapore leadership, views differed on whether Singapore should — or could — make it alone. Dr Goh pushed for going separate ways as the best option, while ministers Toh Chin Chye and S. Rajaratnam opposed separation once they learnt of it. Mr Lee was deeply torn, but ultimately authorised the move. Within a few years, Singapore's leaders concluded that Separation was the best outcome for Singapore.

Mr Janadas also reflects on his father, Mr Devan Nair, who was the only PAP MP voted into the Malaysian Parliament at the time. When the two sides separated, his father decided to stay on in Malaysia, only returning to Singapore in 1969.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:11 The political climate of the 1960s

7:59 Why young Singaporeans may struggle to understand why the PAP pushed for merger with Malaysia

9:32 Early trouble after merger in 1963; Umno lost 3 seats it contested in Singapore GE to PAP’s Malay candidates

13:13 Was a looser federation ever an option?

17:23 The role of the British as Singapore and Malaysia leaders tried to work through their disagreements

18:35 What did Lee Kuan Yew mean by making life intolerable for the Malaysian leadership?

27:35 Diverging views: Lee always wanted a looser federation but Dr Goh felt separation was the answer

32:45 How Mrs Lee says that the closest her husband came to a nervous breakdown was August 9th, 1965

39:03 Janadas on how his father, Devan Nair, refused to accept Separation at first, before being convinced by Lee to eventually return

44:32 Do Singaporeans today underestimate how fragile the nation’s early years were?

Buy the book: The Albatross File: Inside Separation (Standard/Collector’s Editions) https://www.stbooks.sg/products/the-albatross-file-inside-separation-collectors-edition

Book tickets to the exhibition opening Dec 8 at the National Library Building: https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg

Host: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg)

Read Sumiko’s articles: https://str.sg/Jbhe

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E52: US in decline; Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' is worrying Asia

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Our guest expert explains the Americas-focused doctrine, inspired by the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine’s hemispheric stance.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, the eminent Filipino geopolitical expert and strategist, on declining US influence in Asia and the ‘Donroe’ Doctrine.

They discuss the doctrine’s precursor, the Monroe Doctrine, and how key American allies in Asia are reacting to talk of the Donroe Doctrine.

Ravi and Gill also discuss the potential of a ‘G-2', or Group of Two, which would include just the US and China. This, too, is a concept that many Asian nations with their own view of their place in the world, actively resist.

Highlights: (Click/Tap Above)

1:24 What is the Donroe Doctrine?

4:47 Implications for Philippines

7:30 Reactions of allies Japan, South Korea, Australia, and quasi-ally India

13:10 ‘G2’ & the Donroe Doctrine: Clear concerns

16:11 A misguided strategy? US-China gap narrowing

19:47 Quad, Squad and increasing mini-laterals minus US

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E51: Taiwan’s message to China: We are not alone

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The island’s diplomatic space may be shrinking but it wants to engage the world on its own terms.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus.

For November, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee.

They discuss Taiwan’s foreign policy preoccupations and the implications of the Beijing-Tokyo spat over remarks made by Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi on cross-strait tensions.

Up against an increasingly dominant China, Taiwan is adopting what it calls “integrated diplomacy” as it seeks to buttress relations with like-minded partners.

At the same time, the normalisation of so-called grey-zone tactics by the mainland against the island carries risks for Taiwan’s societal resilience and its ability to respond in the event of an actual attack.

All eyes are on the next round of talks between American President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the first half of 2026, as this could have far-reaching implications on Taiwan’s role on the global stage.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:49 Taipei’s “integrated diplomacy”

4:12 China-Japan spat over Taiwan

7:46 Shift in approach for cross-strait ties

10:35 What’s at stake when Trump and Xi meet in 2026

13:51 Leverage in tariff talks with the US

15:22 Grey-zone tactics

19:27 Breakthrough at European parliament

21:31 China Taipei or Chinese Taipei?

S2E50: How to read Trump right and why he and Xi get along

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Our expert guest explains why he predicts both men will seek good vibes in 2026.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar hosts her special guest - Harvard Professor Graham Allison - who tells her how he manages to read Trump right, by taking him seriously, looking at his patterns amid all his statements, and noticing the trend lines.

Prof Allison is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard University where he has taught for five decades. He is a leading analyst of national security with special interests in nuclear weapons, Russia, China, and decision-making.

He has also written books, including Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?, published in 2017. He also had another book out earlier in 2013 - Lee Kuan Yew: The Grand Master’s Insights on China, the United States and the World - which has been a bestseller in the US and abroad.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:31 How well do Trump & Xi vibe? Getting a sense of their agendas for 2026

7:34 What do Trump and Xi want from each other?

9:31 Will Trump get hawkish on China ahead of 2026 election?

13:52 Why is Trump muted on China-Japan spat over Taiwan?

18:50 Why Trump is different from any other US president

21:48 How today’s China looks at today’s America

24:43 Will China be the world’s sole superpower?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Follow Bhagyashree Garekar on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E49: Inside the mind of Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first woman PM

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 45 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ravi speaks with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, foreign policy adviser to the Cabinet of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and one of the most authoritative voices on Japan about the ascend and likely impact of Sanae Takaichi.

They discuss Ms Takaichi’s first diplomatic encounter with US President Donald Trump, her hardline approach to defence, and China, Japan’s shifting priorities in Asean as Philippines rises in salience and Indonesia declines, Tokyo’s dread of Trump’s ‘G-2’ talk, the future of the Quad security dialogue, and her approach to economic policy.

They also discuss Ms Takaichi’s softer, personal side – her early life, propensity to ride powerful motorbikes, marriage to the same man twice and finally, the question: Now that Japan has its first woman PM, is it time to consider an Empress for Japan?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 Shinzo Abe’s protege? Yes, and no.

5:00 Asean summit and first encounter with Donald J Trump

10:00 Japan’s dread of Trump’s “G-2” talk

12:00: Defence thrust, and the nuclear question

18:30 China, Japan’s key neighbour

22:30 For Tokyo, Indonesia dips while Philippines rises

26:00 Is Quad dead in the water?

31:00 Japan and foreigners

36:10 Sanae Takaichi: woman, wife, rocker, biker

41:20 After woman PM, an Empress for Japan?

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Chen Junyi

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E48: The two rules that Parisians broke in the hot summer of 2025

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Spoiler: Politics, and the private lives of politicians.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

For more than a century, it was quite accepted in France that Presidents and male politicians could have mistresses, and no one would pry into their private lives.

But public attitudes are changing, and this is manifested in persistent curiosity about President Emmanuel Macron and his wife - who have now taken the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit to battle scurrilous allegations.

In this episode, ST's foreign editor Li Xueying hosts global affairs correspondent Jonathan Eyal, who takes his skewer to double standards, culture wars and conspiracy theories that are fuelling the change.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:48 Paris in summer: A hotbed of scandals

4:11 Climate and political heat

7:01 Changing political privacy norms in France

9:29 The role of social media and disinformation

13:31 Macron’s political challenges and scandals

Read Jonathan Eyal’s article here: https://str.sg/cDua

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E47: Trump meets Xi: Who'll win the China-US tussle; impact on Asia

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

A grand bargain will be hard to strike at the upcoming US-China presidential summit, says a top trade expert.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, former US trade negotiator Wendy Cutler - who was recently a panellist at SPH Media’s Oct 9 Asia Future Summit - speaks with US Bureau Chief Bhagyashree Garekar to unpack what can be expected from President Donald Trump’s Asia trip.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:09 On the expected Trump-Xi meeting

6:11 What China wants out of the meeting

7:39 Wendy Cutler’s gut feel on the summit outcome

12:00 Did Singapore get the ‘best deal’ out of Trump?

14:10 Seoul may get a deal, not New Delhi

17:19 ‘We're gonna be living in a tariff world for the next 3.5 years’

23:34 Is the sun setting on Apec?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Bhagyashree Garekar’s LinkedIn: https://str.sg/gD6E

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E46: Anwar’s Asean chair year: From geopolitics to fiscal finance, how did he fare?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26.

For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just tabled his latest budget for 2026, and will now have to juggle domestic and international impressions over the visit of US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit starting Oct 26.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:57 Was the RM470b allocation in Budget 2026 a creative fiscal feat?

5:09 How successful has Anwar been in pushing for financial reforms?

8:39 Is the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak a political move ahead of the state election?

11:18 Can Malaysia afford to have Trump miss the Asean Summit?

13:31 Will Malaysia have to one day choose between the US and China?

15:37 Why Malaysians’ anger on the Palestinian cause is real

19:38 How to celebrate an F1 win without alcoholic champagne

Demystifying Budget 2026 tabled by PM Anwar https://str.sg/mpP6

Is Budget 2026 a political strategy for Sabah state polls? https://str.sg/wJ76g

Malaysians are unhappy with Trump’s visit to KL https://str.sg/DBc3

Petronas CEO under fire for champagne celebration at Singapore GP https://str.sg/7HoB

Read Zurairi A.R.’s articles: https://str.sg/DCfr

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Hosts: Zurairi A.R. (zurairi@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E45: Behind that 100-part bicycle: Asia’s shifting supply chains

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 03:30:00 +0000

How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people.

They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement.

They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity.

This episode is brought to you by Citi.

Highlights: (click/tap above)

1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples

7:30 The shift to South-east Asia

9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade

11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank"

12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia

14:10 Why Vietnam is booming

17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia

19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift

Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore

Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services

Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E44: Church and fortune-tellers: Why Filipinos find solace in both

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Asia’s only Christian nation, the Philippines, is devoutly Catholic. Yet, why do so many turn to peddlers of potions and talismans as well?

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises.

She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life.

In this episode, host and ST's foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices

6:55 Socio-economic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices

9:15 The Catholic church's role in social welfare

13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion

17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions

Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: https://str.sg/wN4UL

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E43: Tanks and missiles: The implications of China's grand military parade

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian.

They revisit the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, focusing on Beijing’s message to the world and what it reveals in terms of foreign policy preoccupations.

China’s WWII narrative was loud and clear: We have come a long way from being a victim to a great power. Additionally, the communist party is now strong enough to protect the nation.

For the domestic audience, the event was a great source of pride and served to galvanise the people during a time of great power rivalry with Washington.

Taken together with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum and the Xiangshan Forum on defence matters, September was a high-key month for China’s narrative building efforts as a responsible global player.

It sought to portray itself as a great power with friends, while leading the call for a new security order.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if China’s narrative shaping efforts would strengthen its hand when dealing with the United States.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:14 What is the big deal about the parade?

2:34 Futuristic weapons under the spotlight

5:21 Indonesian President Prabowo gets prime seat

6:57 Why WWII history matters to the Chinese government

8:49 Massive logistical preparations before the event

11:03 Do Chinese people still feel anger or resentment towards the war?

16:10 The West didn’t want to endorse China’s WWII narrative

17:30 China’s vision for a new security order

20:32 Looking ahead: APEC in South Korea and a Trump-Xi meeting

Read more: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-showcases-military-diplomatic-prowess-at-parade-attended-by-putin-kim

Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E42: Xi-Modi sends powerful message to US and the world: Henry Huiyao Wang

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Why it's significant that China and India declare they are not rivals but partners.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, co-founder and head of the Centre for China and Globalisation, a non-government think tank in Beijing, about the Chinese view on recent developments in Sino-Indian ties, and the summit in early August between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Wang says perceptions that India may be dragged by fellow Quad nations into diluting its non-aligned instincts, and the lack of exchanges during the prolonged Covid-19 shutdowns, contributed to a chill in ties.

The Xi-Modi summit in Tianjin revives hope of vastly improved ties, and China’s close ties with Pakistan, and improving ties with India, could contribute to peace on the sub-continent, he adds.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 What went so wrong when things seemed to be going right

4:00 The ‘Quad’ factor in ties

10:05 India is nobody’s quisling

13:15 China’s reasons to mend fences

14:45 The Russia factor

16:30 Belts and Roads

19:30 How China views recent US-India troubles

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E41: Rich men and pretty women: Glimpses at a matchmaking event in China

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Single Chinese want to find love, but remain straitjacketed by expectations of what their partners should look like.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Inequality is at play in China’s singles market in more ways than one.

In China, the number of men outstrip that of women, and yet, they find it far easier to find marriage partners.

At the same time, both genders are trapped by familial and their own expectations to marry within the same social bracket, in the face of a growing divide between the elites and the broader generation.

China correspondent Michelle Ng unpacks the dynamics with host and ST foreign editor Li Xueying.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:49 Attending a matchmaking event in Beijing

2:55 Screening for income

5:40 A paradox in the marriage market

9:04 Anxiety of the rich

12:29 Lack of social mixing

Read Michelle Ng’s article here: https://str.sg/jMu4

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E40: Malaysia parties gear up for the PAS congress and the Sabah elections

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The coming months will see several changes in the political landscape as parties make moves on various fronts.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

In this episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei are joined by Ibrahim Suffian, also known as Ben, the co-founder and programs director of Merdeka Center for Opinion Research.

With Malaysia’s opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) holding its annual conference in September, and the 17th Sabah election that is likely happening by year-end, what is on the horizon for Malaysia’s political scene?

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:32 PAS no longer just a supporting actor in Malaysia’s political scene

7:37 PAS as an alternative for Barisan National and Umno and its more moderated image

10:47 Possible leadership change in the coming PAS congress and ambitions of federal power

14:17 What’s next for PAS and its standing in Perikatan Nasional (PN)?

18:55 The coming Sabah elections and the state of play

27:16 Why the death of 13-year-old Sabah student Zara Qairina has become part of the political discussion

29:39 The rise of state nationalism in Sabah

35:52 News nugget: Malaysians generally feel optimistic about ageing

The state of play in Sabah as elections loom - https://str.sg/oKkNK

6 in 10 Malaysians upbeat about ageing - https://str.sg/DhRU

Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Hosts: Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E39: Donald Trump: Nobel Prize laureate?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Why does President Donald Trump seem so intent on winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, President Donald Trump’s ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize is the topic of discussion for ST's assistant foreign editor Clement Tan who hosts colleague and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar.

They discuss the motivations behind his desire for the award and the international political implications of his nomination at a time when a number of wars are raging and the ensuing loss of innumerable lives frame his presidency.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:23 Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize

3:07 Trump vs. Obama: A rivalry

4:07 Global reactions and nominations

7:05 Trump's diplomatic efforts

9:59 Current major conflicts and Trump's role

13:43 Nobel Peace Prize nomination process

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62

Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS

Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E38: Asia and the world think Trump’s US "has lost its mind": John Bolton

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Declaring war “against everybody” including China and hoping for the right result is very worrying.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, the American foreign policy hawk and former National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump, on US policy toward Asia.

Mr Bolton speaks on the chaos and confusion in the Trump White House, the lack of a coherent policy toward Asia including senseless tariffs slapped on key security partners, and Mr Trump’s proclivity to personalise foreign policy.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00 A tone-deaf presidency

4:45 Asia in Trump 2.0

6:30 Singapore’s shock over tariffs

10:20 Is Trump more than an aberration?

11:30 Trump’s China fascination

13:40 Desperation for a Nobel; Trump in Asian conflicts

16:40 Are Quad and Aukus dead in the water?

19:00 Taiwan has reason to be worried

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani & Natasha Liew

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E37: Are South Koreans lonely?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Social isolation is especially acute in the capital city of Seoul—and it’s not just among the elderly.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

In this episode, host and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo, who has lived in South Korea for six years, as she describes what life in Seoul can be like, and explains why loneliness is a looming epidemic not just for the aged but for young people there as well.

Steps are being taken to address the challenge, with local authorities rolling out measures ranging from cafes where anyone can drop by for a steaming hot bowl of ramyeon to 24-hour call centres.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:12 All alone in Seoul

4:59 Intense competition in exams and for jobs

6:41 A district in southern Seoul City

11:47 Tackling the problem before depression sets in

15:04 Are mindsets shifting?

Read Wendy Teo’s article here: https://str.sg/f4bN

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E36: China's leverage on the trade war with US

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Ultimately, the outcome might depend on both sides’ threshold for pain.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian.

They take stock of the twists and turns in the tariff negotiations between Washington and Beijing.

Both sides have weaponised access to rare earths and advanced chips as well as the potential sale of short video app TikTok, among other issues, in a bid to gain leverage.

Ultimately, how the negotiations pan out may depend on how much pain both sides are prepared to endure.

On the horizon is talk about a possible visit by President Donald Trump to China and how this might play a decisive role for some sort of deal.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:28 The twists and turns of US-China tariff negotiations

3:24 How Beijing has weaponised the access to rare earths

5:40 China can now buy Nvidia H20 AI chips again. What are the implications?

7:49 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes waves in China

9:54 Can Americans be happy without Chinese goods?

12:41 How the sale of TikTok might be a bargaining chip

13:56 Transhipment taxes add a layer of uncertainty

17:59 What a grand bargain might look like

19:37 Who will win the trade war?

S2E35: Dalai Lama at 90: A life of compassion and conflict

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with Chicago-based Mayank Chhaya, the Dalai Lama’s biographer, on the highs and lows of His Holiness’ remarkable journey through life.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Mayank Chhaya, writer, broadcaster and the Dalai Lama’s biographer.

Mr Chhaya, a writer and broadcaster, says that at 90, the Dalai Lama has become larger than the Tibetan cause he espouses and represents. He describes some remarkable moments in the Dalai Lama’s life, discusses his politics and geopolitics, and what lies ahead with China standing firm that it will choose the next Dalai Lama.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00 The flight to safety

6:10 Prayers, pigeons and lightning strikes

9:20 Dalai Lama has grown beyond Tibetan cause

12:00 The geopolitical Dalai Lama

16:50 China has lifted Tibetan living standards

19:50 At some point, there could be two Dalai Lamas

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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S2E34: Hong Kong’s wistful longing for its cityscape to remain unchanged

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

From the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction projects to a six-decade-old public housing estate, changes are afoot.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding is immortalised in many a Jackie Chan flick, with heroes and baddies fighting it out while teetering on poles. But the city has been gripped in what Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung says is an almost “visceral fear” over a recent government edict to reduce the use of bamboo in construction projects due to safety concerns.

ST foreign editor Li Xueying catches up with her over a similar debate arising over the would-be demolition of Choi Hung, Hong Kong’s first large-scale public housing project completed in the 1960s.

Having undergone the social turmoil and political changes of recent years since the 2019 protests, Hong Kongers are seeking comfort in the things that can remain the same - and quietly protesting the changes coming their way.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:53 Changes in government regulations over bamboo scaffolding

2:25 Safety concerns

9:24 A fear of change

11:42 Why Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate has to go

17:02 Has cultural nostalgia been weaponised?

Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/dbo9

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E33: Plain sailing for PM Anwar on a global stage, but rough ride at home

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

On international platforms, he earns praise but faces rising scepticism domestically.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For our June episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Tan Tam Mei return to be joined by Ariel Tan, a senior fellow at RSIS, as they unpack Malaysia’s showing at global forums.

From hosting a landmark Asean Summit and joining BRICS, his diplomatic engagements with leaders from China, Russia, and the Middle East, PM Anwar has advanced Malaysia on the world stage.

But domestically, challenges are mounting. With talk of nepotism and several movements within the unity government, what could come next?

How will this reshape the political field as the country inches closer to its 16th General Election that must be held by early 2028?

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:58 Malaysia as Asean chair and PM Anwar’s showing

9:44 How can PM Anwar and Asean effect change, especially in Myanmar?

14:20 Translating Malaysia’s international appearance for the domestic audience

18:20 Malaysia’s diplomatic balancing act between the US and China

23:09 Nurul Izzah’s rise to PKR No.2 post, Rafizi Ramli’s exit from Cabinet

31:08 Timing, motivations and implications: Why Tengku Zafrul Aziz is joining the PKR

41:50 Quelling Umno’s upset; what to expect at the next Cabinet reshuffle, moves ahead of next general election

47:08 News nugget from Malaysia: Penang’s new char kway teow champion

Malaysia’s showing at Asean - https://str.sg/Gp5Q

Fallout from Malaysia’s PKR election - https://str.sg/mbjY

Zafrul’s jump to the PKR - https://str.sg/kbSe

Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Hosts: Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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

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

---

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

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S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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

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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

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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

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S2E32: 'Second China shock? You ain’t seen nothing yet' says top economist

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with the eminent private sector economist and strategic affairs expert Manu Bhaskaran.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

South-east Asia is reeling from a flood of Chinese-manufactured goods that threaten the region’s industry, from cars to even batik shirts. Some call this phenomenon the ‘Second China Shock.’

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, the eminent Singapore economist and expert on regional politics and geopolitics. Mr Bhaskaran is a partner and board member of Centennial Group, a Washington DC-based policy advisory, and Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 What the 'Second China Shock' is about

5:30 ‘Fitness centre’ of global manufacturing

7:05 Countries, industries most affected

10:00 How can Asean respond?

12:30 A protectionist wave ahead

15:00 Why Asean has a lot going for it

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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S2E31: This Shandong city produces 80 per cent of China’s peony paintings

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

China’s unofficial national flower is getting Heze noticed, as its cities strive to develop unique calling cards

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

The Straits Times’ foreign editor Li Xueying and China correspondent Joyce Lim take us to Heze, a city in Shandong province, where peonies aren't just admired by tourists - they drive a multi-billion yuan industry.

Long revered for their cultural significance, peonies now powers a thriving local economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and carrying unexpected political symbolism, including ties to First Lady Peng Liyuan.

What can a single city alone reveal about the China’s deeper economic challenges - from changing consumer behaviour to rising youth unemployment and growing regional divides?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:28 The cultural significance of peonies in China

4:04 Peonies in modern Chinese culture

5:42 Toothpaste, cooking oil and TCM - how peony is made into 260 products

13:33 Challenges and strategies for cities in China

17:43 Conclusion and broader economic insights

Read Joyce Lim’s article here: https://str.sg/LcLs

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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S2E30: Chongqing's car market boom amid trade war challenges

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Industry players say they will hunker down and focus on Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For May, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Sarah Ng connect with Aw Cheng Wei who is based in Chongqing.

They discuss Chongqing’s evolution as an automotive hub and its aspirations to beef up the tech sector to better support the manufacturing of vehicles going forward.

Given its geographical location and logistical prowess, Chongqing has thus far focused on Central Asia and other parts of the developing world as key export markets for its vehicles.

Even as the US-China trade war rages, Chongqing’s prospects remain upbeat as those in the industry say they will hunker down and continue to focus on markets that are plugged into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The BRI is a central pillar to President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s political and economic influence worldwide.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:12 Past history: How Chongqing became an automotive hub

3:45 Chongqing’s automotive sector makes up half of its industry value-added services

5:20 Dummy question: What is the difference between smart cars and EVs?

10:04 Temporary truce in trade war could affect Chongqing? Is China dumping EVs into emerging markets?

13:20 Rail connection critical to Chongqing-Central Asia trade

14:50 Mala food scene in Chongqing: What you need to know

S1E1: Landslide win: PAP gets 65.57% of votes in Singapore general election

Sat, 03 May 2025 19:15:52 +0000

Singapore's 2025 general election was held on May 3, and the ruling People's Action Party won 65.57 per cent of the national vote, a commanding swing up from its 61.24 per cent share in 2020.

The ruling party won 87 seats out of the contested 97, securing a majority in Parliament.

The opposition Workers' Party retained two GRCs in Aljunied and Sengkang, and one SMC in Hougang.

This election gave Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the clear mandate that he had sought, in his first electoral contest as head of government and leader of the PAP.

Narrated by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)

Produced & edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Amirul Karim

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more podcast channels:

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

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

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

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S2E29: A view of the cemetery: Why house-hunting in Jakarta is a challenge

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Indonesia’s capital, one of South-east Asia’s most crowded cities, contains 12 million people in a land area of 660 sq km.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Host and foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlina Arshad, who has lived in Jakarta for 16 years - and moved five times. What are the lessons that she’s picked up in searching for the right apartment in Indonesia’s capital city?

In this city of contrasts, private-sector developers are on a tearing streak to build high-end condominiums for an expanding middle class. At the same time, graveyards and slums are just round the block from these homes.

And for decades now, the government has strove to resolve the housing and urban development challenge in Jakarta. What plans does the Prabowo administration now have?

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:58 Every move an exciting and chaotic journey

4:03 Drawing the curtains on a graveyard

5:57 Indonesians’ attitudes towards the dead

8:31 Why Jakarta is so crowded

10:48 Fixing the housing challenge

Read Arlina Arshad’s article here: https://str.sg/b9qb

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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S2E28: “I called Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger supremo Prabhakaran a megalomaniac": Author

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with M R Narayan Swamy, veteran South Asian journalist and biographer of slain Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

As Sri Lanka approaches the 16th anniversary of the end of its civil war, Ravi speaks with M R Narayan Swamy in this episode.

Swamy is the author of several books on Sri Lanka’s now-vanquished militant group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and he talks about his most recent book – The Rout of Prabhakaran.

Swamy’s book details the last days of Tamil Tigers supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran who was killed, along with hundreds of fighters and Tamil civilians, by the Sri Lankan army in May, 2009.

In this podcast, he discusses why Prabhakaran, who once controlled a third of Sri Lanka’s landmass, and two-thirds of its coastline, met his bloody end; the mistakes he made along the way, and the magical hold he seemed to hold on his cadres.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:30 A post-mortem on Prabhakaran, and Tigers

5:40 ‘Political harakiri’ – the big lessons from the defeat

13:10 Tigers compared with Hamas

16:25 “Unforgivable Western complicity”

19:35 Tamil insurgency effectively ending

23:10 Can Sri Lanka now be another Singapore

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

ST Podcasts 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

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S2E27: Xi'an: China's city known for its terracotta warriors and pollution

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Xi’an is famous for its terracotta warriors but still faces significant challenges in air pollution.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

In six of the 10 years between 2014 and 2023, Xi’an had the poorest air quality among China’s new top-tier cities, which are the most commercially attractive cities after Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

In 2023, the city ranked fifth from the bottom out of 168 key cities in China, having recorded harmful PM2.5 levels of 48 ug/m3 on average that year, much higher than the healthy limit of 5 ug/m3 recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While there are improvements in air quality over the years - thanks to measures taken by the government, there is still a long way to go. The local residents, while they do not disregard the pollution, are more concerned with their financial situation.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with ST correspondent Ang Qing - who shares her experiences being in Xi'an for three months, a city known for its terracotta warriors and its air pollution challenges.

They also talk about the role of civic engagement and environmental activism in China, highlighting the efforts of young activists and their challenges advocating for change.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:03 Qing’s personal journey in Xi’an

5:54 The state of air quality in Xi’an

8:42 Government measures and community responses

11:34 Public perception and future challenges?

14:22 Qing's takeaways: Civic engagement and environmental activism in China

Read Ang Qing’s article here: https://str.sg/JUC7c

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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S2E25: Dr Anji Sinha: Trump's mystery pick for ambassador to Singapore

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:15:00 +0000

Who is Dr Anji Sinha? Our US bureau chief finds that the key to this story lies in relationships.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US Bureau Chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

As of the publication of this episode on March 21, nothing much is known about the person recently nominated by US President Donald Trump to become the top American diplomat in Singapore beyond his or her name.

The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar reveal the detective work involved in trying to uncover who US President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore is - from following the breadcrumbs laid out by contacts to dealing with dead ends and working the phones to reveal the Florida connection.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:00 The significance of the US Ambassador to Singapore

04:55 Uncovering who Dr Anji Sinha is

07:34 A tip-off and a subtle hint

09:53 Dealing with hesitant sources, sensitive diplomatic matters

14:17 Broadening contacts

17:28 The Trump administration’s cautious approach

19:46 The Florida Connection

25:02 Looking ahead: The confirmation process

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ

Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX

Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62

Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS

Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

ST Podcasts 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

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S2E26: Why are so many mainland Chinese making Malaysia their second home?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Thousands of mainland Chinese are choosing Malaysia’s laid-back vibes over their stressful lives back home.

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times analyses the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For March, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, and special guest Dr Ong Kian Ming, both based in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s easy to settle down in multicultural Malaysia, as thousands of mainland Chinese on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa scheme have discovered. Affordable property, international schools, local food and a relaxed lifestyle are all draws, but are there drawbacks? As it is, signage in the Chinese language has already sparked off a war of words between politicians.

Speaking of politics, the recent Democratic Action Party (DAP) election saw the Lim family influence diminished. Former deputy minister and party insider Dr Ong gives us the lowdown on what happened on March 16, and his predictions for the DAP’s future.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:21 MM2H: Why is it so popular with mainland Chinese?

06:43 Cultural shift, retail landscape change from influx of Chinese

11:19 How Chinese brands are adapting to local market

14:57 Furore over Chinese signage

19:43 DAP election: How the party’s evolved in Malaysian politics

26:56 Will DAP turn into MCA 2.0

30:49 Mood at party polls

38:02 Lim Guan Eng's future role and influence

42:38 News nugget: What’s your desert island Malaysian snack?

MM2H scheme - https://str.sg/bsDx

Malaysia’s DAP election - https://str.sg/Kiqx

Heated exchange Malaysia’s MCA and DAP - https://str.sg/FS6T

Dr Ong Kian Ming’s Are We OK? podcast - https://str.sg/63jG

Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE

Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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S2E24: From pineapple farms to data centres: Johor’s changing landscape

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

But Malaysians’ love affair with the fruit persists.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Talk about what’s new with Johor nowadays and one usually ends up with a five-letter acronym - JSSEZ, or the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

But all the excitement about rising opportunities has also hastened the demise of what traditionally has juiced up Johor’s economy - pineapple farms. Land packed with the hardy, spiky fruits is making way for more profitable oil palm plantations, data centres as well as other commercial and industrial activities.

Malaysia is not giving up on pineapples though, as it's the No 2 export fruit after the mighty durian. Sarawak has earmarked 20,000 hectares just for growing the fruit.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Malaysia correspondent Lu Wei Hoong about his love affair with pineapples and why it means so much to Malaysians.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:56 A special fruit to Malaysians

5:00 The closure of Lee’s Pineapple Juice

7:03 The rise of data centres

12:42 From Johor to Singapore: The pineapple connection

Read Lu Wei Hoong’s article here: https://str.sg/zby2

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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S2E23: Trump is ‘doing a Mao Zedong’ on the US

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Why our expert guest speaker draws parallels with the chaotic Cultural Revolution in China in 1966.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode - recorded on March 4 - Ravi speaks with Wang Xiangwei, the eminent Hongkong-based China scholar and former editor-in-chief of South China Morning Post. Mr Wang, who currently teaches at Hongkong Baptist University, offers a Chinese perspective on the vast changes being brought to the United States by President Donald Trump.

He draws parallels with the chaotic Cultural Revolution ordered by foundational Chinese leader Mao Zedong in 1966, and discusses what strategic openings this could present China.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:30 Comparisons with Mao’s chaotic Cultural Revolution

5:30 ‘The enemies are within’

9:00 Trump popular despite chaos unleashed

14:40 China too needs to drain the bureaucratic swamp

17:50 China gains as Trump undoes Biden policies

20:30 Putin won’t burn China bridges to please Trump

22:40 US-China confrontation will continue until there’s a winner

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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S2E22: Why Shenzhen still needs 'big brother' Hong Kong in its quest for growth

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The relationship may not necessarily be purely competitive only.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For February, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai and assistant foreign editor Chang May Choon connect with colleagues - Magdalene Fung based in Hong Kong, and Joyce Lim in Shenzhen.

They wonder if Shenzhen has indeed eclipsed Hong Kong today, and look at how the two cities’ roles have evolved in recent years.

Once a rural backwater that looked up to its richer, savvier neighbour across the border, Shenzhen underwent rapid development in the past four decades and flipped the power dynamics.

But within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the reality is that both cities will need each other in order to have sustainable growth going forward.

The GBA refers to the region comprising the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 Past history: When Hong Kong was less developed and Shenzhen was just a village

3:40 Light show comparisons: The Shenzhen light show, launched in 2018, and Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights - a tourist staple since 2004

5:35 Does Shenzhen represent the future, in terms of the tech edge?

8:35 Hong Kong is still the big brother that is the largest source of investment for Shenzhen

11:35 Why would one cross the border, to visit either city?

13:42 Understanding the Greater Bay Area concept

S2E21: America’s new enemies under Donald Trump: Allies, the deep state and the media

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Making sense of the domestic and foreign policy agenda of Trump 2.0 – and the implications of a new world order for Asia.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling, US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar and assistant foreign editor Clement Tan discuss the first month of Donald Trump's second term, focusing on his foreign policy in Europe, in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference and the implications of the muscular reshaping of the US federal government, led by Elon Musk.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:36 Trump's foreign policy and European relations

6:37 Domestic policy and government efficiency

16:23 Media relations and the Trump administration

28:50 Looking ahead: coverage and insights from Texas

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ

Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX

Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62

Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS

Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S2E20: Does Philippines need a China rethink in Trump era?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Find out too, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, and lecturer at the international studies department at De LaSalle University. Dr McGill presents a primer on Filipino-China ties, the implacable nature of China’s approach to the South China Sea, why the Rodrigo Duterte outreach to China failed, and also responds to the question: Did Manila overplay its hand?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 State of play in Filipino-China ties

5:30 Marcos started out wanting to improve relations

11:20 ‘Appeasement emboldened China’

16:00 Did America prod Manila to be tough?

22:00 Trump will not undermine Philippine interests

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E19: In a home in India’s Trichy, a laminated photo of Lee Kuan Yew hangs

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The choice of decor by a Tamil Nadu resident whose father was a bus conductor in Singapore speaks of the ties between both cities.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

Trichy in southern India has no direct flights to the capital city New Delhi, but it has five daily flights to Singapore. The planes are packed, underscoring the rich flows of people both ways.

It is a relationship that stretched back to the early 19th century, when migrants from Tamil Nadu settled down in Singapore. Today, there are some 200,000 Singaporeans of Tamil origins.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to India Correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta about those from Trichy who continue to make their way to Singapore - and other destinations - in search of opportunities.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:55 Looking out from India

03:48 Bungalows, cars and lavish weddings

08:56 Reverse migration

13:50 The Singapore Dream

15:25 The global competition for Indian talent

17:00 New frontiers

Read Debarshi’s article here: https://str.sg/eoRm

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E18: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: What will make it a success?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Insights on Asean's beachside pow wow, the Johor-Spore economic zone and ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For January, hosts Lim Ai Leen and Tan Tam Mei kick off with ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, based in Kuala Lumpur.

There are high expectations for Malaysia as it assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025. But there are hard questions too. How will it navigate economic turbulence? And tackle Asean’s tricky issues from disputes in the South China Sea to unrest in Myanmar?

Meanwhile, excitement over the freshly-signed agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone continues to buzz among business folk on both sides of the Causeway. But what will make it work?

Teoh also lists the JSSEZ’s ingredients for success, and suggests a snappier acronym for it. He also tells us what’s in store if ex-PM Najib Razak wins his fight to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:21 Takeaways from the Asean foreign minister’s meeting, the first major gathering of 2025

7:00 A possible appearance by China’s Xi Jinping at this year’s Asean summit?

8:42 A catchier name for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

11:52 Solving the pain points of doing business between Johor and Singapore

22:00 Made in Singapore or made in Johor?

25:08 What happens if former PM Najib gets his request for house arrest?

30:38 Why Najib continues to fight for house arrest

32:45 Fit for duty: Malaysia’s policemen must get in shape to get promoted

https://str.sg/EQBu

https://str.sg/nkbG

https://str.sg/i7Se

Read Lim Ai Leen’s articles: https://str.sg/MKsE

Read Tan Tam Mei’s articles: https://str.sg/iJxJ

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) & Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S2E17: Trump's blistering start - why the rush and its impact on Asia

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Making sense of the blitz of executive orders, announcements and rhetoric from the new US President - and what Asia should take away.

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times gets its US bureau chief based in the United States to analyse the hottest political and trending talking points.

In this episode, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Lin Suling and US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar discuss the big announcements, power moves and ambiguous comments from the 47th US President - pulling the brake on the TikTok ban, the threat of tariffs and the outlook for trading partners among other pressing issues.

Which will be policy and which are simply rhetorical opening positions? How soon could Asian countries be caught in the cross-hairs?

And what’s behind Donald Trump's pronouncement of wanting to visit China in his first 100 days?

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:50 What the moves say about Mr Trump’s communication style and policymaking preferences

5:00 Is there disagreement within the Trump administration?

8:30 What does Trump want from Asia?

11:23 The Marco Rubio factor in US foreign policy

15:20 What’s behind Trump’s desire to visit China in the first 100 days?

16:30 On TikTok: Will Trump make a deal with China?

18:30 What the change in US policy on TikTok says about its view of China

23:28 What’s behind Trump’s blistering start - why the hurry?

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Lin Suling’s articles: https://str.sg/nnEQ

Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/t2RX

Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E16: Restoring the Great Wall of China - and keeping it authentic

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The Great Wall of China was built for protection, but now it's in need of guardians to preserve the 2,000-year-old structure.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they're based in.

When a part of the Great Wall section in Liaoning started to crumble in 2016, authorities paved it over with cement to keep it safe, sparking outrage. Other sections had been transformed into tourist attractions complete with cable cars.

But China’s approach towards restoration has since been marked by a saying - “to go along with the layers, the slopes, the curves, the old and the dilapidated” - one tended to carefully by local villagers-turned-craftsmen.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei about how China’s attitudes towards historical heritage restoration have shifted, and why.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:45 Three men, one mission

2:58 Thinking about heritage preservation

8:08 What the Great Wall means to younger Chinese

10:16 A China correspondent’s Great Wall climbs

Read Dawn’s article here: https://str.sg/FofV

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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S2E15: Why Myanmar’s military will not fall in 2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

We look at what is happening on the ground with a Myanmar watcher.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Pichai Chuensuksawadi, former group editor of Bangkok Post and observer of Myanmar affairs.

They discuss the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the role of outside players in the conflict, prospects of the junta holding elections and the fate of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 Myanmar military won’t fall in 2025

5:00 Chinese pressure on Rakhine

9:00 Elections on the junta’s mind

11:00 Thai diplomacy

15:00 Where’s Aung San Suu Kyi?

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E14: Previewing Trump 2.0

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

What are some of President Trump’s likely policy priorities after he takes office for a second time? Will he do exactly as he threatened?

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to talk about President Donald Trump’s possible policy priorities in his second term.

In this episode, they discuss the cabinet appointees President Trump has already announced, his China policy and the war of words that has already erupted between Trump’s “bro-in-chief” Elon Musk and Trump’s MAGA base supporters.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:38 Trump's inauguration and immediate priorities

6:09 Internal conflicts within the Republican Party

12:32 Trump's approach to China

24:26 The future of TikTok in US and Trump's influence

Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS

Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62

Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg) & Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

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S2E13: Thailand’s domestic politics needs revival to spark economy, regional influence

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Political stalemate is diminishing Thailand’s international stature and economy

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Thailand, once seen as a rising middle power, is now stuck in political and economic stagnation that are affecting its international standing. Its years of political turmoil had caused its economy to underperform, with GDP growing by 1.9 per cent in 2023.

While economists expect around GDP growth at 2.7 per cent in 2024 and 2.9 per cent in 2025 - the growth is inadequate to satisfy demands and expectations.

Thailand is currently under the relatively new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 38-year-old daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. But its “old guard” institutions have not allowed the country to progress politically, which are controlling political outcomes through agencies like the constitutional court, the election commission, the anti-corruption commission and the Senate, says Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science.

Meanwhile, Thailand's international standing has diminished - though the country’s size and geographic location mean it remains a key player in the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is also divided on contentious issues such as the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.

While former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has been appointed an informal advisor to next year’s Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expectations are low.

The former premier, as well as Prime Minister Anwar himself, are from an older generation - but Asean needs a younger generation to lead it forward, says Professor Thitinan, who is currently a visiting professor as well at the London School of Economics, in this episode with host Nirmal Ghosh.

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:02 How the military coup in May 2014 'sank' Thailand

10:29 Thailand lost out on tech revolutions like AI

15:07 Why Asean is currently at its weakest

19:22 How Thailand can play a regional role in the Myanmar crisis, and curb transnational crimes like scams

21:39 Msia PM Anwar picks Thaksin Shinawatra as informal Asean adviser

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

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S2E12: Mountains of debt deepening human and environmental crises

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Developing countries are in a vicious debt cycle with little relief in sight, undermining social progress.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Some 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments in their debt, than on either education or health. In 2023, a record 54 developing countries allocated 10 per cent or more of government revenue just to pay off interest on their debt - reducing funds available to provide basic services from schools to hospitals, for their populations.

Public debt thus becomes a human rights crisis, as well as an environmental crisis as most debt is denominated in foreign currencies. Countries then often have to export their way out of debt - which in many cases, such as in that of Laos, means exploiting their natural resources.

The crisis is worsened by the fact that for many developing countries, it is more costly to borrow than for rich countries - because their credit ratings are worse. For example, the average African country may be paying almost 10 per cent while the United States and Germany may be paying less than 3 per cent, because the latter have higher credit ratings.

In Laos' case, there is a geopolitical dimension as well; about 50 per cent of Laos's external debt is owed to China.

There is wide consensus that this is a full blown crisis, but the solutions to it are hard to implement. Part of the reason is many creditors are private lenders. Yet solutions are critical if developing countries are to be able to dig themselves out from under the mountain of debt they are burdened with.

In this episode of Asian Insider, Olivia De Schutter, professor of law and UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Keith Barney, Associate Professor at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy, share with host Nirmal Ghosh insights into the fundamentally unjust situation many developing countries are trapped in.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:52 Global debt: From $51 trillion in 2010 to $97 trillion in 2023

4:01 The Pact for the Future acknowledges the issue, but much public debt is owned by private creditors

5:53 Why Laos debt crisis is also an environmental crisis; China's role in this

10:04 Since the debt is in foreign currencies, countries must export to repay it

13:59 China offers debt deferrals, not relief, just delaying the issue

16:01 Debt burden is driving the international community to consider debt-for-nature or debt-for-climate swaps

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

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S2E11: The new AI stands for Asean and India

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Factors to watch are increasing population, workforce and productivity.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with James Cheo, chief investment officer for Asean and India with HSBC Group Private Banking, on the glowing economic prospects for Asean and India amid weakening growth in the ageing countries of North-east Asia.

Mr Cheo is a former macroeconomist with Singapore’s central bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore.

They discuss what’s driving growth in South-east Asia and India, growth being led by productivity and not just investments, and the potential pitfalls investors into these regions need to look out for.

They also discuss the likely impact of Donald Trump returning to the American presidency in January 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:10 The ‘Triple Rs’ powering South-east Asia

6:40 The new AI is all about Asean and India

9:50 The middle class is leading the way for both regions

11:00 India: 8 years of market gains in a row; Rupee stability great for investors

20:10 Asean’s tripwires

23:00 Deglobalisation challenge; Trump's return and South-east Asia

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E10: Dreams of Indonesia's informal workers

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Want a dress ironed? A facial? A shirt darned? Or perhaps a coffee freshly brewed, right on your doorstep?

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

More services are being offered by Indonesians on motorcycles and bicycles.

Mr Subban has a sewing machine affixed to the table in front of his bicycle. Madam Desri Muliati irons clothes on a motorcycle, using a steam iron heated with a portable gas canister.

They are among Indonesia’s formidable force of informal workers that drive the economy, accounting for nearly 61 per cent of the country’s total labour force.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with journalist Aqil Hamzah about the services that these workers provide, and why they eschew jobs in the formal sector.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:10 Making ends meet

3:32 Finding them on TikTok, Instagram and on WhatsApp

6:07 Getting started during the pandemic; how much do they roughly earn as part of this 'informal' economy?

8:46 Challenges for the new Prabowo government

15:30 A reporter intern’s observations about Indonesia; his first experience of Jakarta

Read Aqil Hamzah’s article here: https://str.sg/tQXq

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S2E9: Brace for turbulence: China, South-east Asia and Trump 2.0

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The US’ President-elect inherits a world different from that in his first term.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Tariffs - as a weapon to restore and rejuvenate American jobs and manufacturing - will be back with a vengeance in Donald Trump’s second term. So will competition with China, in the course of which performative support for Taiwan by hawks in Congress and Washington DC security circles may end up provoking Beijing and thus hurting Taiwan.

Yet the US’ 47th President will inherit a world different from that of his first term in 2017 - one with more limits to American power. While some hawks in Washington see China as weak and advocate that the US should do everything it can to push it over the edge, realists understand the US can no longer do everything.

From the perspective of South-east Asia, it is imperative to defuse the zero-sum mentality of US-China competition. Faced with the disruptive effects of tariffs, this region has to also find ways to go back to a kind of globalisation that works for everyone.

These are some of the challenges, and currents, that the next American President and the US' trade partners and allies must navigate and adapt to, as a new era looms in Washington DC.

In this episode of Asian Insider, Nirmal hosts Danny Quah, Professor of Economics and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, and Robert Manning, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, DC, who is working on the think tank’s Strategic Foresight and China programmes.

They share their perspectives from opposite sides of the world, on the foreign policy of the Donald Trump 2.0 Administration.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:51 Defusing the zero-sum game; what is Trump's idea of a bilateral trade deficit?

6:47 Trump inheriting a very different world now in his second term

13:17 Is there a kind of globalisation that can work for everyone?

16:34 Why Donald Trump is not shy to exercise hard power

18:02 China weak? Why the US can't do everything anymore

23:54 What makes Trump so tricky to work with?

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

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S2E8: How Asean is bracing for Donald Trump’s tariff tactics

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

While there is concern over trade policy, US investors remain bullish on business with Asean.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

With President-elect Donald Trump intent on using tariffs as a weapon - with the larger strategy of rejuvenating American manufacturing - there is concern that the US could retaliate against countries that have a big trade surplus with the United States.

Within the 10-nation Asean bloc, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand could become targets.

But Asean's growth and competitiveness remains attractive regardless. From 2022 to 2023, for example, foreign direct investment (FDI) declined in all regions of Asia except Asean. More broadly, intra-regional trade in Asia is expected to rise by 65% to US$400 billion (S$535 billion) a year by 2030, which is a good sign for US and Asean investors.

Growth opportunities include artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, digital commerce, medical devices, and mineral supply chains - and Asean countries are competing for investment.

In this episode, Ted Osius, a former US Ambassador to Vietnam and currently President and CEO of the US-Asean Business Council in Washington DC, shares with host Nirmal Ghosh, the business council’s concerns and wish list, and also why he thinks that, regardless of US government policy, investors are bullish on South-east Asia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:10 The wish for a forward-looking US trade agenda remains as this region moves forward

7:23 From 2022 to 2023, FDI declined in all regions of Asia, except Asean

10:05 Which Asean countries are making real efforts to attract FDI?

12:48 Growth opportunities for US and Asean investors

13:30 Singapore a leading force in Asean, driving the digital economy framework

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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S1E2: Tariffs, deportation, Musk: 3 words could define US' Trump 2.0 era

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

We examine the impact of the recent US presidential election result.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ associate foreign editor Lim Ai Leen and senior columnist Lin Suling meet up in the studio with Bhagyashree Garekar, The Straits Times’ United States bureau chief who covered the US presidential election all year long, and is back in Singapore for a short break.

In this episode, they discuss how Bhagya arrived at her early prediction of a Trump win before the Nov 5 election, how Trump played to the male and minority voters, global anti-incumbency election trends and how they think Asian countries will shape to deal with the impact.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:12 How Trump appealed to male voters in this 'woke' age, why Trump beat expectations to win the minority vote in the US

15:50 Political lessons for governments in Asia and how they relate to voters; expected impact from incoming Trump administration

17:54 Dissecting the dynamics of the phone call between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President-elect Donald Trump on Nov 11

24:00 Tariffs: Making sense of Trump's promises from the Asian perspective

27:50 3 words to define US politics in the incoming Trump era

Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) and Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg)

Follow Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

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S2E6: What lies beneath: Chongqing’s subterranean world

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Its warren of underground bunkers and tunnels, which sheltered the city’s residents during the heavy bombing of the Second Sino-Japanese war, are turned into lifestyle destinations today.

Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

Chongqing bears a grim wartime history. As China’s wartime capital which Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government decamped to in 1937, it was heavily bombed during the Second Sino-Japanese war. Bunkers - some 16,000 - were built into the city’s hills and mountains, sheltering terrified residents as the bombs rained down.

Some eight decades on, the Chongqing government has given these underground shelters a new lease of life.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about what it is like to be in those bunkers today, and why Chongqing is approaching its wartime past differently from other Chinese cities.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:39 Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions

2:51 A real coming to terms with its history?

8:24 Making the most of one’s past

14:04 The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/w2Esn

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

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S2E5: What next after Japan's political earthquake?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Political upheaval in Japan as its snap elections see the ruling party lose its majority, reshaping its ties with the US and Asia.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Tobias Harris, founder of political risk consultancy Japan Foresight on the fallout from the stunning electoral reverses suffered by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following his decision to hold snap polls.

They discuss what the results, which saw the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and allied party Komeito lose their parliamentary majority, mean for Japan, its alliance with the US, and its ties with wider Asia.

Tobias and Ravi also discuss how the results could impact on fiscal policy, and whether the government would now be forced to go in for further fiscal expansion.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:36 Japan’s political ‘earthquake’

4:33 Anger, frustration in Japan

7:50 Domestic priorities to be a focus

8:33 Japan’s foreign policy

17:55 Fiscal discipline will be difficult

21:17 A modernised LDP

Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg)

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S2E4: Concern over potential post-election instability in the US

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Unless one candidate wins swing states decisively, a quick settlement is unlikely in America’s cliffhanger election.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

The United States’ presidential election, which polls show is currently in a statistical tie, is unlikely to be settled quickly unless one candidate decisively wins enough swing states - which remains a possibility.

Short of that however, both parties have armies of lawyers ready to file challenges to the result - with resolution potentially taking a long time, and concerns over instability in the interim.

While a Kamala Harris presidency would bring a degree of continuity to foreign policy - and possibly some push back against Israel’s conduct - a Donald Trump presidency would have echoes of his first term, in which he bristled against the traditional post World War II international order, bringing up issues even with American allies such as NATO. A second term would bring more transactionalism and disruption even as some countries would like to see him back in power. He has also claimed that he will end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours.

From the eye of the gathering storm in an increasingly severely polarised America, senior journalist, author and veteran foreign correspondent Steven Herman, Chief National Correspondent of Voice of America, shares his views with Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:17 The implications from the elections on foreign policies

5:05 Global perceptions of America and how some are eager to see Donald Trump return

6:33 Potential for political instability and the possibility of a long unresolved election

11:16 The public sentiment and political polarization of the elections

15:03 How Trump and Harris are looking at reaching out to younger audience through podcasts

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

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S1E1: 10,000 miles in Trump country

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Navigating the US election scene - from Trump's rise to economic worries and the shifting tides of masculinity in politics.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to share her insights into the US presidential elections on Nov 5, 2024.

Clement Tan speaks with Bhagyashree Garekar, ST’s US bureau chief, about her experiences covering the US elections. They discuss the changes in American society, the rise of Trump, and the impact of inflation concerns on voter sentiment.

In this episode, Bhagya shares memorable encounters from her travels across the US, highlighting the political landscape and the growing diversity in the population. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of masculinity in politics and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election results.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:51 Memorable encounters on the campaign trail

8:23 Changes in infrastructure and American society

12:33 The rise of Trump and white nationalism

16:41 Masculinity and political identity

18:57 Economic concerns and election predictions

Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS

Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62

Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg) & Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

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S2E2: How will Singapore fare under a Harris or Trump 2.0 US administration?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

US trade policy and US-China competition concerns are high on the minds of South-east Asia observers.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Hardening strategic competition with China will remain front and centre of the foreign policy focus of the next US Administration in Washington DC. But while Asian countries have a mixed response to this superpower competition, most seek to stay on the right side of the United States and off the wrong side of China.

Ahead of the US presidential elections on Nov 5, South-east Asia would foresee more continuity under a Kamala Harris Administration, with the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, launched in 2022 by the Joe Biden Administration) continuing - while a second Donald Trump regime’s approach would be more bilateral, with Washington’s relations with individual countries shaped by factors such as trade deficits.

Within the broader context of US-China competition though, South-east Asian countries would be looking for more clarity from Washington on distinctions between trade and investment and economic issues, and national security concerns, as host Nirmal Ghosh finds out in this episode.

His guests are:

Dr Satu Limaye, director of the East West Centre in Washington DC, creator of the Asia Matters for America initiative, and founding editor of the Asia Pacific Bulletin.
Singapore-based APAC Advisors CEO Steven Okun served in the Clinton administration and is a veteran of numerous Democratic presidential campaigns.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:57 Directionally, the US-China relationship is going to be more tense… regardless of who wins on Nov 5

9:12 More fundamental understanding of the fragmented multi-polar and deconstructing international order

13:14 South-east Asia has been masterful at internationalising the search for autonomy; what could happen if there were to be a Trump 2.0 Administration?

16:02 How will Singapore fare? Why it will be very difficult for businesses and investors to do business or to invest if what's allowed today is not allowed tomorrow - for national security concerns

21:48 US-Asia relations: Why the threads of continuity are likely to overcome the threads of discontinuity

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S2E1: Is Cantonese dying out in Hong Kong?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Some are holding fast to their mother tongue, even with migration overseas, and are coming up with creative ways to spread the learning and use of Cantonese.

Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

Want to pick up Cantonese? Some Hong Kongers - from a software engineer to a playgroup teacher based in Britain - have created new ways of learning the Chinese dialect such as through apps, videos and social media accounts.

This surge in a grassroots effort is coming at a time when many Hong Kongers are feeling unmoored by the political turbulence of the past decade. As more migrate to non-Cantonese speaking societies, they are holding fast to their identity and language in a foreign environment.

There are also growing fears that Cantonese in Hong Kong and Guangdong is a dying language with people abandoning it for English or Mandarin.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks with Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung on how true such concerns are, and her assessment of these new Cantonese-language tools.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 Why Hong Kongers are championing the use of Cantonese

5:20 How these new tools are different from traditional methods

9:50 A living and constantly changing language

13:00 The situation in Guangdong

Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/AfVW

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S1E114: South-east Asian scam centres a growing regional security threat

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Why action is needed to avoid some countries being labelled as 'scam states'.

Synopsis: Every third and fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

With their heavy security, territorial control and global reach, we look at South-east Asia’s industrial-size scam compounds, where thousands are lured from low-employment countries to work as forced labour stealing billions of dollars from victims worldwide. They are a national security threat to the countries they are based in as well as to the countries they target.

The criminal organisations running these centres emanate mostly from China, and are physically located mainly in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar but across the region in other countries as well. Sporadic crackdowns of the type recently seen in Laos’ Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, are often choreographed ahead of time, enabling kingpins to evade them.

According to a report released in May by the US Institute of Peace (USIP), as at the end of 2023, scam centres operating out of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos had accounted for US$39 billion (S$50.1 billion) in stolen funds.

Jason Tower, Myanmar country director at USIP, joins host Nirmal Ghosh in this episode of Asian Insider to talk about the many aspects of this criminal industry, from human trafficking to forced labour and cybercrime.

He suggests that Malaysia - as the next chair of Asean - has an opportunity to exercise leadership as 2025 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:37 Victims from over 100 countries, with the average scam victim losing more or less all of their assets

5:17 Why Chinese police are becoming more proactive and responding to the situation

7:19 How scam compounds are extremely well-networked around the globe and can get advance information about an upcoming crackdown

11:22 The amounts brought in by these online scams can rival countries’ formal GDPs

15:50 Role of sanctions in combating scams - such as one on Ly Yong Phat, a notorious business figure involved in online scam compounds

19:32 A global crisis that demands action now

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

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S1E113: How a savvy Asean has helped prevent wars in region: Kishore Mahbubani

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The seasoned Singapore diplomat is bullish on India and Asean but says the US should not be underestimated.

Synopsis: Every third and fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Veteran Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, never shy about sharing his views, is bullish on India and Asean, believes China will not invade Taiwan unless the island declares independence - and warns that no one should underestimate America.

In this episode, Mr Mahbubani says Europe should also revise its notions of being a global economic powerhouse, and the United Kingdom needs to give up its seat on the UN Security Council so India can take it.

Asean has been successful as a regional organisation in preventing Brexit-style breakaways as well as wars in the region - and by 2030 its combined economy will be bigger than Japan’s, Mr Mahbubani contends.

Pressure on China will grow regardless of who occupies the White House after America’s presidential election. In terms of tactics, Kamala Harris would be predictable, but Donald Trump would not.

Mr Mahbubani, currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore, is among other things former Singapore Ambassador to the UN, former Permanent Secretary at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and founding Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He has just published a new book titled Living The Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir."

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:54 Three geopolitical geniuses - Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, and S. Rajaratnam

5:32 South-east Asia has an enormous agency; Asean will be bigger than Japan by 2030

8:46 "I am extremely bullish about the prospects of India," says Kishore Mahbubani

11:11 Chinese and Indian inventors are responsible for 20% of all US patents

15:04 Wars are draining

16:59 Near-universal consensus in Washington DC that the US has about 10 years to stop China from becoming No.1

18:44 You can’t predict what Donald Trump is going to do

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Studio+65 and Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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S1E34: What future for the famed Gurkhas?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Revered as soldiers, the Gurkhas are Nepalis who are recruited into the British Army, the Singapore Police, the Indian Army, and recently, even the Russian army.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with one of the most highly decorated officers of the Indian Army, retired Lt. Gen. Shokin Chauhan, on the future of Gurkhas, the famous warriors from the hill tribes of central Nepal. Gurkhas, who form the largest ethnic component of the Indian Army, have also lately been in the news after it was reported that some of them died fighting for Russia in the Ukraine War.

A celebrated scholar-soldier and a retired second generation Gurkha Rifles officer of the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. Chauhan and Ravi discuss recent changes to India’s military recruitment policies that led Nepal to ban Gurkha recruitment by New Delhi, whether Nepal’s Maoist government will permit Nepalese soldiers to continue participating in UN peacekeeping operations, and the relevance of foot-soldiers in the era of robotics in warfare.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 Why Gurkha troops are special

08:50 Special height provisions for Gurkhas in British, Indian armies

11:15 Why Gurkhas go abroad to fight; Gurkhas in Russia

14:40 How India’s new recruitment policy hits Gurkhas

18:00 Could India’s Gurkha Regiment be disbanded?

22:50 Nepal and UN peace-keeping operations

25:00 Future of Gurkhas and infantry in the age of robotics

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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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

---

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S1E36: Chinese sauces are popular in India; less so are their purveyors

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The bitter aftertaste though, is the story of how Chinese Indians are struggling to fit in.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe, about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

There is a popular sauce in India, which involves massive amounts of green chillies, salt and Indian spices such as turmeric. And it is sold as a Chinese sauce, in Kolkata’s Chinatown.

From paneer chilli to green chilli, Chinese sauces, adapted for Indian taste buds, are very popular in India.

It is also a representation of how ethnic Chinese - their origins in Kolkata can be traced to the 18th century in India - have assimilated.

But that is not the complete story, for the community whose history has been fraught, from the fall-out from the 1962 war between India and China, to the after-effects of today’s border conflict.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with India correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta on the Chinese-Indian community’s hopes and fears.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:48 What are Chinese-Indian sauces

1:59 Indian influences

3:13 A story of decline and atrophy

8:10 A painful history

Read Debarshi Dasgupta's article here: https://str.sg/feZA

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider here every month:

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S1E112: Understanding China-Philippines' dangerous South China Sea face-offs

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Aggression from China is driving Manila and Washington closer, spurring a loose coalition against Beijing.

Synopsis: Every third and fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Despite talks between China and the Philippines regarding resupply of the small contingent of Philippine marines aboard the World War II era ship Sierra Madre which Manila had grounded on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999, tensions remain high in the South China Sea.

In the latest incident, Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels collided near Sabina Shoal, a disputed feature in the Spratly Islands, in the early hours of Monday, Aug 19. The vessels were damaged and though there were no casualties, Washington responded by reminding Beijing of the US's 73-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila.

China claims most of the 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, where Philippine vessels must run the gauntlet of a de facto Chinese blockade to resupply the marines on the Sierra Madre.

The United States however, also needs to maintain a fine balance, being careful not to be too provocative and back China into a corner, says Indo-Pacific security expert Lisa Curtis, former top US official and now Senior Fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security in Washington, DC.

Ms Curtis has served as deputy assistant to the US President under three successive national security advisors. She has 20 years of service in the US government including at the National Security Council, the CIA, the State Department, and Capitol Hill, specialising in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.

Ms Curtis guests on this episode of Asian Insider alongside Filipina writer Marites Vitug, a longtime investigative journalist and author of several books including the 2018 Rock Solid: How the Philippines Won Its Maritime Case Against China, and most recently, the just-released, co-authored Unrequited Love : Duterte's China Embrace which explores the various aspects of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's appeasement of China.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:25 Why (former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte) hated the US and still dislikes it

5:07 How far the US-Philippines relationship has progressed under President Marcos

9:20 Why it would be helpful if there is more engagement between the Philippines and the Quad

12:49 Provocative air manoeuvres; Chinese shooting flares right in front of the Philippines’ aircraft - is this a test of the resolve of the Philippines and the US?

14:26 A lot of domestic support for Marcos' shift in foreign policy; how South China Sea could be a likely conflict zone besides Taiwan Strait

17:34 Why the Marcos government should make clear to the US, what kind of help they want

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every third and fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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S1E19: A look back at Paris Olympics 2024 with Max Maeder

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

ST sports reporters and the SG bronze medalist look back at memorable moments in the Paris Olympics.

Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.

History was made on Aug 9, 2024, when kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder became Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist after he clinched a bronze in the Formula Kite event.

In this episode, ST's sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is joined by assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath and sports correspondent Kimberly Kwek for a look back on that historic moment while also assessing the Paris Games as a whole and Team Singapore’s overall performance.

We also bring you the full audio from ST’s conversation with Maximilian a day after his final race.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:25 ST reporters talk about the mood on the ground at the Marseille Marina after Max won bronze

7:10 ST reporters discuss what is next for Max

15:25 Max surprised he has yet to receive negative messages

23:55 Max on why “connection” is the main takeaway from his debut Olympics

Read: https://str.sg/AsCE

Follow Deepanraj Ganesan on X: https://str.sg/wtra

Read his articles: https://str.sg/ip4G

Read Rohit Brijnath's articles: https://str.sg/wFu2

Read Kimberly Kwek's articles: https://str.sg/bWY9

Catch visual snippets of the podcast from ST's sports Instagram page: https://str.sg/vn2F

Produced by: Rohit Brijnath (rohitb@sph.com.sg), Kimberly Kwek (kimkwek@sph.com.sg) and Deepanraj Ganesan (gdeepan@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Amirul Karim

Follow Hard Tackle every month here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/JW6N

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S1E28: Kamala Harris and Indo-Americans’ stunning rise in US national life

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We chat with Mayank Chhaya, Chicago-based veteran chronicler of the Indian diaspora, on Kamala Harris’s appeal and chances in the upcoming Nov 5 US presidential election.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the veteran journalist, author and broadcaster Mayank Chhaya, a former staffer with India Post in California and India Abroad, New York, on the rise in US politics of Americans with Indian heritage, including presidential hopeful Kamala Harris and Nikki Haley, who challenged Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.

They discuss Ms Harris’s racial identity, her chances of victory, and whether America is heading toward being a post-race society.

Mr Chhaya also comments on prominent Indian-Americans in the business field, including the heads of Microsoft, Google, IBM and YouTube, and why Indians seem to be doing so well in many facets of American life.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:30 Black, or Indian? ‘Harris has blended well’

6:50 Trump’s ‘just a bit younger’ than Kamala’s father

8:40 Could America see a ‘whitelash’?

10:40 A lengthening list: Usha Vance, Nikki Haley, Ro Khanna…

13:00 Judiciary, tech to pharma, “Indian Americans are everywhere”

16:00 Secret sauce behind Indian-Americans’ success

17:50 The Modi effect

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

---

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

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

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E35: Micro-drama boom: In this town, Chinese youths chase their showbiz dreams

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hengdian, in Zhejiang province, is booming as the location set for two-thirds of China’s period dramas.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

They come with stars in their eyes, hoping to become the next Fan Bingbing or Jackson Yee. In Hengdian, they put their names down and hope to be picked - to deliver a line, to stand next to an actor, or even just to be a face in the crowd in one scene.

Hengdian is touted as China’s Hollywood, and with good reason - it was here that high-budget dramas and films such as Story of Yanxi Palace and Curse of the Golden Flower were shot.

But it has gained renewed attention in recent years, as Chinese audiences get hooked on micro-dramas - low-budget productions shot in vertical format to be viewed on smartphones.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with correspondent Goh Yan Han on the dreams that Hengdian represents to Chinese youths.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:17 Different dynasties, same dream

4:51 Crazy plots in two minutes

6:23 Lower barriers to entry

11:01 Youths’ determination and drive

S1E111: Why Myanmar’s crisis scuppers India’s Act East Policy

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hear why this policy is in jeopardy on several levels, including the risk of being outmanoeuvred and encircled by China in its near east.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

It may have been called a “forgotten” war - but the civil war in Myanmar triggered by the military’s February 2021 coup d’etat, has grave implications for India’s national security, and plans for connectivity to South-east Asia.

Also, as it remains to be seen where the cards eventually fall, it has also heightened New Delhi’s concerns over potential encirclement by China.

India’s immediate concern is spillover of the conflict into its own volatile north-east, where the state of Manipur - which borders Myanmar - has been witnessing ethnic violence. More broadly, the crisis also threatens India’s Act East policy, and raises concerns in New Delhi as China extends its influence in Myanmar and also in Bangladesh.

Though Bangladesh’s current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is pro-India, the country’s army is supplied mostly with Chinese weapons, and there is latent resentment against India.

But India’s options are limited, as guest experts Dr Aparna Pande and Dr Avinash Paliwal tell Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh.

Dr Paliwal lectures in diplomacy and public policy at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and has just published his book - India's Near East. Dr Pande is a research fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC and has written books on Indian foreign policy.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:50 India's big investment in building connectivity through Myanmar

4:51 China's interests in Myanmar's civil and military domains concern India deeply

13:00 All of India's neighbours are its first layer of security

20:18 An asymmetric connectivity benefitting India, but not for Bangladesh

21:49 Understanding India's regional geopolitics through domestic political lens

25:36 India's challenge is broadly with all of its neighbours

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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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S1E34: Japan fights to save its beloved bookshops

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry wants to take action to get people to return to brick-and-mortar stores.

The Japanese are sentimental about bookstores, viewing them as precious communal spaces that do more than just sell books.

And yet, fewer and fewer are going to these stores, in line with global trends.

What is more surprising is how the Japanese government has decided to seize the problem by its horns, with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry setting up a taskforce to look into the matter, even as the bookshops themselves are striving to find fresh ways to appeal to customers.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with Japan Correspondent Walter Sim on why the Japanese government has decided to be so interventionist.

Highlights (click/tap above):
1:59 One in two Japanese read “less than one book” every six months

3:26 Why the Japanese are sentimental about bookshops

6:15 A “psychic” bookseller in Osaka

10:06 Laments at shuttered shops but it’s too late

12:15 Taking action

17:12 Walter’s favourite bookshops in Japan

Read Walter Sim’s article here: https://str.sg/AWsW

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Read Walter Sim's articles: https://str.sg/wHY2

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

---

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

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

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E32: ‘Judo, botox and yoga’ – what’s Putin up to in Asia?

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Analysing this is our guest - Ambassador Peter Tesch, the veteran Australian diplomat and policy strategist.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the eminent Australian diplomat Peter Tesch, a former ambassador to Russia and Germany for his country as well as policy strategist for the Australian defence ministry.

They discuss the recent Putin visits to North Korea and Vietnam, the message he is sending to China and the region, as well as Russia’s overall approach to Asia, including India. Mr Tesch also comments on the Quad, the security dialogue that groups the US with Australia, Japan and India.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:20 Russia the disruptor

10:10 A subtle message to Xi

16:00 For China, a convenient diversion

21:20 Judo, botox, and yoga!

26:00 Latest on Quad

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E110: Looking back at 'pageantry' of Trump Presidency: A ringside view

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Our guest expert offers a striking insider look at what it was like to cover Donald Trump’s presidency, and lessons learnt from it.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Notwithstanding a conviction, and other cases against him, Donald Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination - and has a realistic chance of being elected President again in November 2024. A look back at his tumultuous four years in office (2017 through 2020) holds clues as to what to expect, if he returns to power.

Some world leaders - Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe for instance - quickly learnt that the then-President Trump enjoyed being feted, says Steven Herman, former Voice of America (VOA) White House Bureau Chief. He notes that Modi and Trump in particular, held unprecedented massive joint rallies, in the US and in India.

Herman, now chief national correspondent for the state-funded but non-partisan VOA, looks back at Trump’s summitry around the world including with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and Hanoi, and his combative relationship with the media, in his book - Behind The White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story Of Covering the President ― And Why It Matters.

Speaking with host Nirmal Ghosh, Herman says that for most US Presidents, the priority is substance over style, but in the case of Trump, leaders took pains to roll out the red carpet knowing that his mood greatly depended on how he was greeted, and whether his ego was massaged.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:33 On travelling the world with Donald Trump: How he very much enjoyed the pageantry

5:14 Why Trump was essentially franchising his name, but "when you're President of The United States, there tends to be a higher level of scrutiny..."

7:00 How the phrase “enemy of the people” that he used, really took a lot of journalists aback

9:45 How the media reacted to this phenomenon

13:07 Herman on the run-up now: "A lot of focus especially by the conservative media not on what Joe Biden is saying but how he’s saying it...they’ll chop up video to make it appear he is stumbling"

14:15 Herman has deep experience working in Asia too: How the Voice Of America has been received or perceived by governments of the countries here

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E31: Could China, India go to war again?

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Our expert guest on what to expect on the external front from Modi 3.0, India’s challenges, and options.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the eminent foreign policy thinker C Raja Mohan, the noted scholar and close friend of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

They discuss Indian foreign policy in the wake of the recent elections that returned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to power for a third time.

Mr Modi resumes office at a time of dire border tensions with China, ruffles in what was a swiftly developing relationship with the United States, and a growing compact between India’s traditional security partner Russia and China.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:50 A time for fresh choices

8:30 The Andhra factor in foreign policy

13:30 Could history repeat on the China border?

14:25 Soured ties with the West

17:30 Ties with Russia, now a junior partner of China’s

19:50 Soft-pedalling Quad

21:45 Where’s India’s ‘Act East’ policy?

S1E33: Hong Kong's vanity car plates a creative outlet as freedoms narrow

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The affordable luxury of personalised car licence plates are proving an enduring and endearing avenue for self-expression in a changing Hong Kong

HEY YU, DREAMER, ADD OIL. The messages on Hong Kong's vanity car plates can draw nods of appreciation or chuckles for the city’s motorists. They can tell you a thing or two about their owners' status, sense of humour and beliefs.

Since the authorities made these special plates possible 20 years ago, Hong Kong has seen a proliferation of such plates on its roads. And along with it, communities have sprung up online devoted to sightings of this phenomenon.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with Hong Kong correspondent Magdalene Fung on the motivations behind this trend and what it reveals about Hong Kongers' deepest desires and obsessions.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:50 Why vanity plates aren’t just for vanity’s sake alone

3:20 What Hong Kong’s vanity plates reveal about the city and its people

9:55 How a car with a special plate came to be impounded in Hong Kong on the anniversary of China’s Tiananmen incident

12:33 The biggest changes in Hong Kong society in recent years

Read Magdalene Fung’s article here: https://str.sg/KKxa

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Read Magdalene Fung's articles: https://str.sg/dbo9

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

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

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

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

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S1E5: Are young people breaking up with dating apps?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

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

---

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

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

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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

---

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S1E109: Why war 'by design' over Taiwan is unlikely: Bilahari Kausikan

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

South-east Asian countries appreciate there is no strategic balance in the region without the US, so they will find ways to deal with whoever is in the White House.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

How South-east Asia - situated at the crossroads of Asia and the Pacific - sees and navigates growing tensions between China and the United States, is little understood outside the region.

Views of China in the region are mixed, with recent surveys showing that China is seen as a valuable partner, and yet not trusted. There is an appreciation that dealing with the US - whoever occupies the White House - is critical as Washington is seen as a strategic balancer.

Meanwhile, as the US deepens and expands an architecture of alliances across the Asia-Pacific, China has fewer friends and allies and has done little to assuage countries’ concerns over what is, despite Beijing’s professions to the contrary, seen as its hegemonic tendencies.

The United States’ support of Israel’s actions in Gaza, has also not gone down well in the region, which is dotted with either Muslim-majority countries, or countries with significant Muslim minorities.

In this episode of Asian Insider, Nirmal hosts Bilahari Kausikan, famously forthright former Permanent Secretary and former Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Now the chairman of the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore, Bilahari lays out the regional perspective, and explains why - despite the real risk of an accident between the US and China over Taiwan - a war by design between the two big powers, is highly unlikely.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:47 China: Neighbour with great opportunities yet displays hegemonic tendencies

4:01 Anxieties about Chinese behaviour and the US' balancing acts

7:05 "War by design between the US and China is highly unlikely": Bilahari Kausikan

11:27 "The Global South represents a mood rather than any coherent convergence of interests"

13:43 "To deal with China, you have to deal with the US"

14:10 Why the US does not bear the burden or pay any price to uphold international order

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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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

---

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S1E4: Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent?

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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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

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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

---

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

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#tup #tuptr

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S1E30: Singapore’s stakes in India’s election: Will polls bring a surprise?

Thu, 09 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hear from our guest expert on Singapore’s stakes in seeing a stable government rule the world’s fifth biggest economy.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

The world’s most populous nation began voting on April 19 in a seven-phase election in which nearly one billion people are eligible to vote, with ballots set to be counted on June 4.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the political scientist Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea, director of the Institute of South Asian Studies, a think-tank under the National University of Singapore.

They discuss the ongoing Indian election marked by a dip in voter turnout, the competing narratives, the improving national profile of Mr Rahul Gandhi, chances of a decisive victory for Mr Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

They also look at the need to heal wounds the election has opened in the national fabric.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:10 Continuity vs high unemployment and inflation

8:09 Singapore’s stakes in the Indian election

15:01 Why it is not a ‘wave’ election this time

16:08 A new Rahul Gandhi?

20:38 Why women voters are key

24:01 Could polls spring a surprise?

27:25 Can India heal its wounds after the polls

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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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

---

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

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#STAsianInsider

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S1E32: Chinese' salve for loneliness: Pay to drink at strangers' homes

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The rise of home bars in cities across China shows how young Chinese are craving for companionship but without having to invest in relationships.

#family-style bars is now a search term for listings of home bars, not just for first-tier cities Beijing and Shanghai, but also Zhengzhou in central China, Chengdu in the south-west and Hangzhou on the eastern coast.

Instead of going to commercial nightspots, young Chinese are looking to spend their free time in the living rooms of strangers’ homes, where they pay for drinks, conversations and games.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei on why the trend is taking off, and what it says about the Chinese wanting to make connections in a safe and casual environment.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:48 How are home bars different from regular bars?

5:08 Home bars are not meant to make money for some owners

7:00 How home bars are part of China’s “da zi” or companion culture

11:50 Chinese youths need for a deeper connection

Read Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/iAyf

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Read Aw Cheng Wei's articles: https://str.sg/wzce

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

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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

---

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S1E3: Youths on their expectations of Singapore's next PM Lawrence Wong

Thu, 02 May 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong becomes Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15, 2024, when he succeeds current PM Lee Hsien Loong.

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

The upcoming leadership transition - when Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong becomes Singapore’s fourth prime minister on May 15 - has ignited discussions about where Singapore goes from here.

In particular, what issues are youths most concerned about before they go to the ballot box in the next General Election?

In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts three guests:

Joel Lim, 31, host of Political Prude: The Podcast
Gautham Vijayan Kumaran, 26, a final-year student at the National University of Singapore
Carissa Cheow, 28, the chief strategy officer for a tech firm and a career counsellor

From expectations of DPM Wong when he takes over as prime minister, to their thoughts of how the impending general election will play out, these three guests candidly share their views and shed some insight on what youths might want to see from their future political leaders.

Highlights (Click/tap above):

4:18 Qualities youth are looking for in Singapore's next PM

12:19 What youth are looking for when the next election comes around

19:31 Is there a dichotomy between traditional bread-and-butter concerns and wider, all-encompassing issues such as climate change and civil liberties?

21:58: Are younger voters harder to convince?

31:51: How will scandals of politicians in 2023 factor into the next election?

34:28: Will social media be the dominant platform among voters at the next GE?

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

Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

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

---

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

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

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E108: No magic bullet but vaccines may help long war against dengue virus

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Asia is on the cusp of a summer of life-threatening dengue fever.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Dengue fever case numbers have gone up across the global tropics. This includes Singapore, a model in many respects for health surveillance and epidemic control, and mosquito control. In the first quarter of 2024, Singapore recorded more than double the number of cases than in the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile across the world, Latin America and the Caribbean have been warned to prepare for their worst dengue season ever.

The long war against dengue must contend with many factors including climate, weather, and human behaviour. Even without an outbreak or epidemic, dengue may circulate silently among populations.

No single solution is perfect. Dengue vaccines have been developed, but there are four strains of the virus, and the vaccines have different degrees of efficacy.

The key to effective dengue control is health surveillance and a good laboratory system - and in Singapore’s case especially, collaboration with neighbouring countries. Vaccinating populations could help complement other dengue and mosquito control measures.

Globally, we discuss how countries must build urban infrastructure to be less mosquito-friendly.

Nirmal Ghosh hosts his guests who are also global dengue gurus:

Dr. Duane Gubler, Emeritus Professor and founding director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Signature Research Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School
Dr. Ooi Eng Eong is a Professor in the Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:31 Dengue vaccine - the solution for Singapore?

8:06 Important lessons from Sars and Covid-19

16:03 Why a single vaccination cannot prevent dengue entirely

17:52 Contrarian view: Global warming is not the main cause of dengue fever

20:00 Better living standards can help control mosquito-borne diseases

23:19 Should new cities consider mosquito-related issues in building plans?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E31: Thai music, Thaksin, a ‘tattoo’: Thailand feels its way forward

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Tan Tam Mei reflects on her time as Thailand correspondent, and looks ahead to how the country could navigate geopolitical and domestic politics.

A man sings. It is part of Thailand’s folk music tradition from its north-east region of Isan. But he is warbling in Laotian - a reminder of Thailand’s location in the heart of the Mekong region, and its shared culture, language and borders with its neighbours.

The pull and push dynamic that Thailand engages with its neighbours is one challenge. Another is how it is grappling with its turbulent domestic politics and shifting attitudes about traditional institutions and beliefs including the monarchy.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST’s former Thailand correspondent Tan Tam Mei about her two and a half years based in Bangkok, bookended by Covid-19 protests, and the return of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after 15 years in exile.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:43 The rise of Thailand’s “rural people” music

6:00 Selling soft power

10:28 The pull and push of Mekong countries

12:41 Thaksin returns, but to a different electorate

13:11 Thailand looks peaceful, but an uneasy dynamic is at play

16:34 A ‘tattoo’, a souvenir of Thailand

Read Tam Mei’s articles here: https://str.sg/oZRkj and https://str.sg/uNXj

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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S1E1: Having babies: Natural next step after marriage or thank you, next?

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0000

Our guests discuss if parenthood is an expectation or choice.

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

In Singapore, where preliminary estimates indicate its Total Fertility Rate hit a record low of 0.97 in 2023, some are opting to remain child-free.

In the first episode of our new podcast series, The Usual Place’s host Natasha Ann Zachariah brings together two guests who hold opposing views on being parents.

Joan Chong, 35, never wants kids. She never yearned for them before she got married, and flat out told her partner when they started dating, that she did not want to be a parent.

Meanwhile, Dainial Lim is a passionate voice in favour of embracing the joys of parenthood. To him, having children is a natural path in life after getting married, and it would have been a relationship dealbreaker for him if his wife was not for it.

They sit down with Natasha to dissect their personal choices in a candid and unfiltered conversation. What unfolds is a discussion about their choices and dissecting the misconceptions that come with it.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:56 Is it still taboo to say you want to be childfree

6:48 Do women still bear the burden of raising children?

9:44 Joan’s realities of being childfree

14:31 The scary part about having children

17:16 How kids changed Dainial’s life

23:05 Does Joan feel left out for not receiving government incentives?

25:17 Are Singaporean parents entitled?

31:25 If anyone’s on the fence about having children, what would Joan and Dainial tell them?

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

Watch the video version of this episode: https://str.sg/nZDz

Produced by: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong and Studio+65

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh

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S1E107: Why Asean is watching the Philippines’ strategy in South China Sea

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines is raising its game to cope with an increasingly aggressive China in the South China Sea.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Increasingly dangerous encounters between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the South China Sea - claimed almost in its entirety by China but also in part by several other countries including the Philippines - have deepened worries over accidental escalation, not least because the Philippines and the United States have a mutual defence treaty.

The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has taken a more robust stand on China relative to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, and the Philippines has sharply upped its defence budget and is enhancing its defence cooperation and military interoperability with the United States.

However, neither the Philippines nor the United States have the appetite for conflict with Manila's giant neighbour - China.

To shine a light on the Philippines’ strategy, host Nirmal Ghosh has two guests in this episode:

1. Former rear admiral with the Philippine Navy Rommel Ong - now professor of praxis at the Ateneo School of Government in the Philippines

2. Dr. Colin Koh, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:43 Why did the Philippines allocate more budget for defence and maritime security in 2024?

3:48 Dr Koh on the Philippines facing uncertainties; Why Prof Ong does not expect a significant increase in US troops in the Philippines

7:58 Dr Koh and Prof Ong on China using "grey zone" tactics like water cannons and aggressive blocking manoeuvres in the South China Sea

8:27 Could tensions escalate to armed conflict in the South China Sea?

14:52 "War" of a different kind between the Philippines and China since April 2023

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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---

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S1E29: Saving the Shompen tribe – when survival collides with strategy

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with the noted anthropologist and Andamans expert Vishvajit Pandya on the need to balance heritage, developmental and strategic interests as the Andaman and Nicobar islands become a geopolitical hotspot.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Prof Visvajit Pandya, an anthropologist who has researched tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar islands for four decades.

They discuss the fate of the Shompen in Great Nicobar, a tribe of fewer than 600 people whose lives are likely to be upended by plans to build tourism resorts and a transhipment port as well as a naval base on the island. Dr Pandya, who has worked with the Shompen, makes a strong case for including their point of view in developmental plans for their island.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:12 India’s plans for the Great Nicobar

5:35 ‘Shy Shompens’ under threat

9:20 Strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar

13:15 Limited “carrying capacity” of the islands

16:30 Last of the ‘hostiles’ are Sentinelese

18:45 Port is like a ‘bad sewage system’

22:45 A right to make choices

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

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Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E30: The $1 chip that keeps Taiwan’s tech devices in working order

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Feeling peckish? Find out why Taiwan is mad about the “Kuai Kuai” brand of corn snacks.

Taiwan is the world’s top manufacturer of semiconductors and advanced chips. But here is the super-chip that rules them all: a corn chip snack that is a favourite among Taiwan kids.

Bags of it can be found atop laptops, ATM machines, printers all over the island, even in the offices of engineers in Hsinchu Science Park – home of the island’s semiconductor industry.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST’s Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee about how these chips became the go-to lucky charms for Taiwan appliances, and the folk traditions and pseudoscience that continue to thrive in the technologically advanced society.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00: Why Kuai Kuai corn chips are so popular in Taiwan

2:05: How they “bestow their magical powers” on appliances

4:28: TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor company, has its own edition of Kuai Kuai chips

5:47: The propensity for Taiwanese to turn to such folk beliefs

8:29 The wrong use of Kuai Kuai chips was believed to have crashed Taiwan’s tax filing system in May 2017

Read Wai Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/6vYn

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E106: Guns, drugs, politics ravaging Manipur in India’s north-east

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hear why most Manipuris - of different ethnic groups - just want an end to militarisation and violence.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Manipur, in north-east India, is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state of 3.1 million people. In May 2023, violence exploded between the ethnic Meitei and Kuki people, leaving many dead. Ongoing ethnic violence has claimed many more than 200 lives and left tens of thousands displaced.

Next door in Myanmar, the military regime has at best, tenuous control over its own borders given drug and other kinds of trafficking across the Myanmar-Manipur border.

Most Manipuris - of different ethnic groups - just want an end to militarisation and violence, says Manipur native Binalaskshmi Nepram. The writer, democracy activist, Sean McBride Peace Prize recipient and founder of several local organisations working for disarmament and peace in Manipur and across the north-east, speaks with host Nirmal Ghosh.

They shine an insider’s light, on the complexities and the traumas of the troubled border state in a volatile region.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:33 Eruption of violence in Manipur the result of decades of neglect and discrimination, a criminal political nexus and violent extremism

4:58 War-within-a-war phenomenon: Manipur had about three to four armed groups in the 70s but that has grown to 60 today

8:09 Why the struggle in the north-east of India is also about identities

14:18 What is the future for children growing up in Manipur?

16:45 India wants to build a fence along the border with Myanmar to curb trans-border crime and trafficking

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E28: Will U.S. interest in Asia hold if Trump returns?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Former South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha also ponders the challenges posed by Kim Jong Un’s moves on missiles and Moscow, and Seoul’s ties with Japan.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with Dr Kang Kyung-Wha, the incoming President and CEO of Asia Society. In 2017, she was the first woman to be appointed foreign minister of South Korea, holding the post until early 2021.

They discuss how she handled the Trump administration as foreign minister, the South’s position on nuclear deterrence vis a vis a provocative Pyongyang, and her plans for Asia Society.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:38: The US is “certainly overextended”; will US interest in Asia survive a Trump return?

10:11 US-China tensions “will probably increase”

15:30 On North Korea: “War preparation is not the right interpretation”

22:36 Analysing the Kim Jong Un-Putin relationship; does South Korea intend to go nuclear?

30:30 On her experience on multilateral diplomacy

34:54 Will Asia Society open a China office?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E29: In this Kashmiri hamlet, locals wave to ‘enemies’ across the river

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We transport you to Keran, which sits on the Line of Control - a ceasefire line dividing Kashmir into territories administered by India and Pakistan.

At a time when people-to-people links are practically non-existent between India and Pakistan, Keran is a rare place where greetings, waves and even smiles could be exchanged. A river, less than 100 metres wide, divides both sides.

Keran, a tiny village of around 1,500, is nestled in a valley within the part of Kashmir that is administered by India. It is here that tourism has boomed in recent years. Visitors come - to stay in houses pockmarked by mortar fragments and to peep into the Pakistan-administered side of the land.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST’s India correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta, who also shares his personal history - of family members being torn asunder after the 1947 partition of South Asia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:14 Why India is moving to promote border tourism

3:15 A beacon of hope but one single major terrorist attack in Kashmir can set this story back by many, many years

7:31 A deep and haunting sense of loss when families are torn apart after South Asia was carved up in 1947

13:25 Difficult questions remain: what are the steps that India and Pakistan are taking to heal this long festering bilateral wound?

16:30 Other frontier towns to visit in India

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E1: Do young people have a say in the conversations at WEF?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

They share their experiences trying to be a part of the discourse at Davos.

Synopsis: The Straits Times speaks with young delegates at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024 to find out about their experience.

The WEF, held in Davos, Switzerland, brings together some of the biggest names in politics, business and economics from all over the world every year.

But it has been criticised for being nothing more than a public relations exercise, with a lack of accountability and fading relevance.

Some of the world’s most passionate and engaged young changemakers were in Davos this year. ST’s political correspondent Goh Yan Han speaks with some of them to hear how they tried to make their mark.

They are:

Benjamin Von Wong, Canadian artist and activist

John Dongo, Zimbabwean youth mental health advocate

Luona Cai, partner at Xishi Magic Bag, from China

Marie-Claire Graf, Swiss environmental activist

Daniel Liu, Singaporean co-founder of Morrow Intelligence

Saravanan Sugumaran, Singaporean co-founder of Morrow Intelligence

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:59 Thoughts on Davos and being at the WEF for the first time

11:05 Marie-Claire describes the beauty and the ugly at the WEF

14:14 Trying to be a part of the bigger conversation

25:22 How the WEF can be more relevant to young people

25:45 John Dongo on the need to talk about youth mental health at the WEF

Produced by: Goh Yan Han (gyanhan@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Amirul Karim

Edited by: Amirul Karim

Follow ST Podcasts:

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Read Goh Yan Han's articles: https://str.sg/kgq4

---

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

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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

---

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S1E27: India is now a ‘Hindu nation’

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The sociological and political implications of the temple to the Hindu God Rama that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Jan 22, 2024.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the respected sociologist and head of Indian Century Roundtable Salvatore Babones, an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney.

They discuss the consecration of the temple, its likely effect on voters in the coming election, unease felt by minority groups and talk by some elements in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party about a ‘Hindu Vatican’.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:11 Indian state endorsing religion; ‘secularism’ was added to the Constitution later

8:15 Why temple inauguration is unlikely to affect voters

14:00 Birth of a second Republic?

19:13 How minorities feel

21:47 Some Muslims do vote BJP, says Prof Babones

22:45 The Hindu ‘Vatican’?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

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Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

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Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E105: Myanmar’s parlous economy rooted in ruinous policies

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Find out why Myanmar is in a state of economic collapse with only one per cent growth in fiscal year 2023/24.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Military-driven policies and conflict have shrunk Myanmar’s formal economy, but its illicit economy - long a feature of its borderlands in particular - has been thriving.

Myanmar's military regime is not entirely to be blamed for this tradition of transnational crime syndicates as many of the areas concerned have been controlled for decades by ethnic armies, which essentially make a living from the informal or illicit economy.

To unravel the complexities of Myanmar’s crisis, Nirmal Ghosh hosts two guests in this episode.

First is Professor Sean Turnell, former economic advisor to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the former State Councillor, now in jail, who held office from 2016 until the military coup of February 2021.

Second is Dr Michael Vatikiotis, a veteran journalist, author and broadcaster who has been based in Asia for 35 years.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:33 Why is Myanmar's economy performing poorly?

3:38 Recently, there has been an unprecedented coalescing of ethnic armed organisations into effective alliances, different from historic fragmented resistance to the military in the past

7:00 Recent crackdowns by China’s proxies indicate the level of concern about Myanmar's transnational crime syndicates, as these prey especially on the Chinese

8:47 Can the military regime be completely blamed for this too? Many of the areas controlled by ethnic armies have essentially made a living from the informal or illicit economy

14:40 Tremendously deep, long lasting levels of mistrust between constituent elements; is the younger generation leading the revolution impressive?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

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Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E28: Social trends that will take off in Japan in 2024

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

One of them is the sauna boom. Find out why it is taking off in a country of hot springs.

Japan is in transition - where younger Japanese are questioning the rules and strictures that traditionally govern their society.

One manifestation of that is the increasing number of schools in both cities and rural parts that allow genderless uniforms, including for boys who want to wear skirts to schools.

Even the country’s exquisite cuisine is undergoing a revolution of sorts, with insects being introduced into the repertoire as Japan grapples with limited arable land.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with Japan correspondent Walter Sim - who has been based in the country for eight years - about what other social changes and trends he sees will take place in 2024.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:05 What is behind the trend of genderless uniforms and what kind of reactions do schoolboys get when they wear skirts?

6:35 Japan is in a period of social change, but these are not yet translated into policy change

9:48 Subverting ideas about Japanese food: Cricket yakitori and ramen now on the menu

12:51 Three trends that will take off in 2024

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Read Walter Sim's articles: https://str.sg/wHY2

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

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---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E26: Understanding Bangladesh's poll in a wider Asian context

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with a veteran economist, editor and geopolitical expert on the recently concluded election in Bangladesh.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the respected journalist and geopolitics expert Dr Sanjaya Baru.

They discuss the recent election in Bangladesh, the country’s perceived democratic backsliding, and its economic performance under Prime Minister Hasina Wajed. They also talk about what it means for the wider Asian neighbourhood.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:25: ‘Exit clause’ needed for long-serving leaders

4:12: A question of legitimacy

7:00: The Bangladesh paradox

9:35: Balancing India and China

12:40 The Eastern India factor

14:10 What’s the military up to?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E104: Eliminating cervical cancer in Indonesia a movement, not a programme

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Indonesia’s bold plan to catch cervical cancer early will see 50-60 million women screened and vaccinated

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Indonesia’s bold plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern - the country’s cervical cancer rate is higher than the global average - is being approached not as a programme but as a movement, says its Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin

The plan aims at using thousands of primary health clinics and also private sector partners across the sprawling and diverse country, to screen 50-60 million women early for cervical cancer - because catching it early is the key to bringing down the numbers.

Currently roughly 70 per cent of cases are diagnosed when they are already in an advanced stage - and the fatality rate is high.

The Minister, a nuclear physicist and among other things former CEO of Indonesia’s micro lending bank giant Mandiri Bank, spoke to Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh on this episode, stressing that early intervention and a massive vaccination drive, enabled by wide buy-in across the government and private sector - the result of a wide consultation process - will reduce the fatality rate.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:48 Indonesia's cervical cancer rate is higher than the global average

04:28 Reducing mortality rate to below 30 per cent, possible but with early detection

06:37 The key strategy is to fix this problem earlier, not later

07:45 First: Massive immunizations for about 50 to 60 million Indonesian women

11:16 Approach as a movement, not a programme

12:55 Providing healthcare facilities to private sectors - free screening, free vaccine

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E25: Why Myanmar is in a dark place

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with a veteran Myanmar watcher and geopolitical analyst about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he speaks with the respected Myanmar watcher, Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group.

They discuss the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the military’s loss of morale, the ongoing geopolitical power play over the country, Asean’s role in trying to mediate the conflict, and whether the military regime would consider holding elections as a balm for the crisis.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:30 ‘Historic’ military weakness

9:30 Half of Myanmar’s economy is illicit

12:30 A certain Myanmarese resilience

15:30 Asean’s priorities

19:00 Indonesia “pressing against a closed military door”

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E27: Thailand looks to the stars in bid to woo tourists

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

First, the sea, the sand, the shopping. Now add stars to the Southeast Asian country’s list of attractions as it strives to get creative post-pandemic.

Thailand’s location near the equator means that one can catch a glimpse of both northern and southern constellations, along with planets, nebulae and galaxies.

Across Thailand, interest in stargazing has soared, with people extending their trips with jaunts into the countryside where dark skies offer a backdrop for their stars.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand says more than 10,000 people have participated in its stargazing events since January 2022. It expects half a million visitors, locals and foreigners alike, to its six observatories across Thailand in 2023.

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST’s Thailand correspondent Tan Tam Mei about “dark sky” tourism.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:55 Stargazing trend: Tan Tam Mei recounts her trip and experience in the town of Pak Chong, a 2.5-hour car ride from Bangkok

4:55 What kind of tourists is Thailand hoping to attract with these new “astro tourism” activities? Stimulating domestic tourism for now first

7:30 Post-pandemic tourism strategies besides the “sand, sun, shopping” model: Thailand’s attempts to pursue new markets

12:57 Tam Mei on the local community’s passion for astronomy and astrophotography in Pak Chong

Read Tan Tam Mei’s article here: https://str.sg/ifSZ

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here:

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Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Read Tan Tam Mei's articles: https://str.sg/ifku

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

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S1E103: Why the Middle East war offers a lesson in India’s priorities

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Hear the parallels to the crisis and why India has more immediate strategic interests in the Indian Ocean than in the Pacific.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

While partnerships to its east - and with the United States - are deepening, India’s strategic interests remain more naturally weighted towards its west, and to the Indian Ocean.

Indian officials have growing concerns about when China will have a carrier strike group or other large capabilities in the Indian Ocean, which is India's neighbourhood from the Gulf of Aden to the Straits of Malacca. For India, the Indian Ocean matters not just for security, but for economic, energy, and diaspora reasons.

India also has to navigate a fundamental contradiction with the United States. The US believes that it should be the pre-eminent power in the world, while India sees a world evolving towards multi-polarity in which it can punch above its weight and play a proper role.

In this episode, unpacking India’s strategic priorities are Dr Satu Limaye, vice-president and director of the East West Center in Washington DC, and Dr Aparna Pande, director of the Initiative On The Future of India and South Asia at the Hudson Institute, also in Washington, DC.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 India's relationship with Israel: Why many in the "Indian right" see Israel as a model and believe India is in a similar position in a "similarly hostile neighbourhood"

2:56 India's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East remains; its foreign policy is consistent but there are nuances to be observed

3:45 "Nuance and navigate": Keywords key to understanding India, which is managing a land and border dispute with China, and being worried about China's growing People's Liberation Army Navy capability and incursions into the Indian Ocean

8:50 Parallels to Middle East crisis: 9 million Indian citizens in the Gulf and India has in the past had to evacuate them when there are conflicts in the region

10:30 The world order India is facing now, and why it's tougher than it was during the Cold War era; deconstructing India's interests

18:10 Has India been successful in cultivating partnerships in its "maritime neighbourhood"? Why China's money can help it compete in a tricky region

26:00 Can India do more in other critical areas instead of trying to outspend China?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E24: Albanese visits Xi: ‘A laying down of arms, not a reset’

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with a veteran Australian diplomat, commentator and politician on his prime minister’s recent visit to China.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, which follows Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Shanghai and Beijing, Ravi hosts the veteran Australian diplomat and Conservative Party politician Dave Sharma.

They discuss the state of Australia’s relations with China that have come under intense strain these past three years, the lessons Canberra drew from its spat with China and the future of the Western alliance in the Indo-Pacific.

They also look at whether Australian consensus over the nuclear submarine deal that is at the core of the Aukus military arrangement with Britain and the United States, has collapsed.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:52 Why this trip was important for stabilising Australia-China ties

6:37 Did the previous Scott Morrison government push too hard against China?

10:52 What the visit means for the future of the Indo-Pacific strategy

12:40 Has consensus on Aukus collapsed in Australia?

16:22 "Quad has pushed China to be more cooperative": Dave Sharma

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E26: China’s latest most liveable city: No it’s not Beijing or Shanghai

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Hear why the Chinese are plumbing for Changsha, the capital capital of central Hunan, instead.

In this 26th episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying chats with ST’s China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about the allure of Changsha.

Located in the heart of middle China, Changsha is usually under the radar for those outside of the country. But for the Chinese, it is instantly recognisable as the scenic backdrop for many popular shows produced by Hunan Television’s Mango TV.

Its reputation as the “Chinese Hollywood” aside, Changsha has become the go-to destination for those who seek a laidback lifestyle with decent living standards and affordable property prices. What does its appeal say about the aspirations of many Chinese today?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:09 The charms of Changsha

5:05 Why Changsha’s property prices baulk the nationwide trend of housing prices in free fall

7:00 What accounts for Changsha’s fairly robust economic growth in Changsha, and how representative it is about the trajectory in middle China

9:30 A favoured destination for remote workers, post-Covid

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/iGjn

Produced by: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Read Aw Cheng Wei's articles: https://str.sg/wzce

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

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S1E102: Canada-India relations on the rocks over separatist delusion

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000

US-Canada relations have plunged, but Canada should learn to accommodate India’s security concerns.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

Relations between India and Canada have plunged since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were “credible allegations” that Indian agents killed Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.

Nirmal hosts two guests to get a better insight on the Canada-India relations:

1. Christine Fair is a renowned expert on South Asia, author of numerous books on aspects of South Asia, and professor in the Security Studies Program at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

2. Terry Milewski is a former journalist who wrote the 2021 book “Blood for Blood – fifty years of the Global Khalistan Project.”

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:45 The late Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale is a Che Guevara-style icon for Sikh youth

6:15 Canada has normalised the display of terrorist iconography

7:30 Worship of a martyr cult

14:13 Khalistanis have appropriated black musical culture reflecting structural racism

19:50 Khalistanis are rewriting history

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E1: Hear our podcasts on The Straits Times' app, besides Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Each follow on the audio apps below and a rating really helps us! Happy listening!

Synopsis: A brand new feature is within The Straits Times app, which you can download from the Apple app store or the Google Play store. For those of you who already have it, the latest version update now has a dedicated Podcast Section, where you can listen to our latest incoming show episodes and check out back episodes too.

You can also choose to follow our podcast RSS feeds, or the shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

If you have a smart home speaker like the Google Home or Nest device, or your Android phone, just say: “Hey Google, play me (name of any of the shows below) or The Straits Times Podcasts.”

Get The Straits Times app from

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

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

Produced & edited by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) & Teo Tong Kai

Follow ST Podcasts:

Channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/wukH

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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

#stpodcasttr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E25: Poor, elderly drag queens in conservative Philippines get a lifeline

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Many are ostracised by families and live in slums, but a younger generation is coming to their aid.

In this 25th episode, ST’s new foreign editor Li Xueying takes over the hosting duties from our previous show presenter Bhagyashree Garekar, who will be the incoming US bureau chief for ST in Washington.

Xueying chats with ST’s Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda about the country’s ‘Golden Gays’.

They are a community of elderly people of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexualities (LGBTQ+) in their 60s to 80s, who have been living together and doing pageant shows to help make ends meet. They also belong to the non-profit organisation, The Home for the Golden Gays, established in 2002 by the late Aids activist and politician Justo Justo to provide permanent shelter for ageing LGBTQ+ members.

But when Mr Justo died in 2012, his family evicted the Golden Gays, who affectionately call themselves ‘lolas’ or grandmothers. Nine of them ended up living in a cramped, two-bedroom apartment in the slums of Pasay City, also near Manila, while the rest rented rooms with the same squalid living conditions.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:55 What it was like to visit the Golden Gays’ rented house in the slums of Pasay City, Philippines

4:55 The unique challenges that they face (as opposed to other needy elderly Filipinos?); social safety net for such demographics

7:45 Shifts in attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community; how pop culture is driving the change

12:13 Concerns that this new heightened profile of the drag queens could lead to a backlash from more conservative elements in society?

S1E23: Behind the murder in Canada of an anti-India Sikh

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

A conversation with a veteran Canadian commentator and author on Sikh separatism.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this podcast, which comes after the bombshell accusation thrown by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian agents were likely involved in the June murder of a Canadian advocating Sikh separatism in India, he discusses the issues involved with Terry Milewski, a veteran Canadian journalist who has covered Sikh militancy and the separatist issue for four decades.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:40 Who killed Hardeep Nijjar?

7:00 Looking for the ‘smoking gun’; How the Sikh community has reacted

17:20 Where’s the ‘Khalistan’ movement today

22:00 Canada’s ‘deadliest terrorist attack"

30:54 Trudeau’s high-stakes; 'Canada’s Indo Pacific policy is sunk'

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i4Y3

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

---

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S1E6: Japan: Killer prowled Twitter for the suicidal

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Journey into the darkest corners of the internet, where a deadly connection was forged in 140 characters or less.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. This is the sixth and final episode of True Crimes Of Asia, a special edition podcast series that started on April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. This episode specifically covers themes of suicide and details of death and traumatic sexual acts. Listener discretion is advised, and helplines for mental well-being are provided further below.

Nine heads and 240 bones were found in a tiny apartment just outside Tokyo on Halloween in 2017, in one of Japan's most shocking crimes in history.

Takahiro Shiraishi baited suicidal victims on Twitter who wanted to die but lacked the courage to end their own lives.

He posed as an expert in hanging but his real motives were sex and money.

Shiraishi has been sentenced to death – by hanging – and is now in a maximum-security prison. The case had sparked conversations about social media scrutiny and suicide in Japan.

ST's Japan correspondent Walter Sim narrates this podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:16 Shiraishi's motives and modus operandi

5:47 What led Shiraishi down this path

9:28 Shiraishi meets his first victim

16:43 Justice catches up with Shiraishi

22:19 Social implications of Shiraishi's crimes, and how not much has changed since then

Interviews & narration by: Walter Sim

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Podcast Producers: Eden Soh and Fa’izah Sani

Voiceovers: Paxton Pang, Li Yi, Aqil Hamzah, Hadyu Rahim, David Sun, Edeh Soh, Mubin Saadat

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

Reference for research: “Report: Nine Murders in Zama - Why were victims drawn to it?” by Tetsuya Shibui (『ルポ　座間９人殺害事件～被害者はなぜ引き寄せられたのか～』)

MENTAL WELL-BEING

Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1

COUNSELLING

TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES

mindline.sg
eC2.sg
tinklefriend.sg
chat.mentalhealth.sg
carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
Aware’s Sexual Assault Care Centre: 6779-0282 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

Follow ST’s True Crimes Of Asia Podcast:

Channel: https://str.sg/i44T

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/i44q

Spotify: https://str.sg/i44c

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

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Walter Sim's articles: https://str.sg/ws6J

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

ST Podcasts website: 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

---

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E101: US cements ties with India, Vietnam and why that matters

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Asia hosted recent multilateral meetings but it is the US' bilaterals with India and Vietnam that really matter.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

The East Asia Summit in Jakarta, and the G20 in New Delhi, broadly solidified US relations in the region, but it is the bilaterals with India and Vietnam that really mattered.

The US was represented in Jakarta by Vice-President Kamala Harris. But the G20 saw President Joe Biden attending and supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s moment as global statesman in his role as chair of the grouping. In contrast, China’s President Xi Jinping was absent.

New Delhi also saw a reiteration of the increasingly close US-India relationship.

Of equal significance perhaps in terms of competition with China, was President Biden’s trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, where the two countries formally elevated their relationship.

To unpack the significance of these meetings, ST’s US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh hosts two guests in this episode:

1. Ambassador Scot Marciel, the former US diplomat to Myanmar, Indonesia and Asean, who is now a senior advisor at Bower Group Asia

2. Dr Lynn Kuok, Shangri-La Dialogue senior fellow for Asia-Pacific security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:40 Why the G20 cemented India’s image as a global diplomatic and strategic player

5:26 Why the so-called "double upgrade" of the US-Vietnam relationship is significant

6:18 Why Asean’s and the world’s approach to Myanmar has been flawed

11:08 Why the US focus should be a lot less on talking to South-east Asia about China, as the region already knows China well

14:35 Do US administrations really understand South-east Asia well enough and how to engage the region? Why Asean meetings are "not often satisfying" in terms of substance

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

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

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E2: Laos-China Railway, one year on: Asian Insider Special

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Join us along the Laos-China Railway, as we unveil the changes it has brought to people and places.

Synopsis: In a special series called Tales from the Belt and Road, The Straits Times' Indochina bureau chief Tan Hui Yee takes you to places in the region where China’s infrastructure drive is creating the most impact.

For this episode, she travels to Luang Prabang town in Laos, where the new Laos-China Railway is bringing cross-border passengers and Chinese investors.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

1:36 Luang Prabang’s rainy seasons are not so quiet anymore.

4:10 Chinese tourists arrive in Luang Prabang from Kunming.

5:52 Chinese tourists take part in the daily alms-giving ritual with great gusto.

8:06 Sales are good at the morning market.

9:28 Chinese investor opens hotel in Luang Prabang

11:18 Hearing Mandarin in places you least expect it

Produced by: Tan Hui Yee (tanhy@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Voiceovers: Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai, Jean Iau, Joyce Teo, Lee Su Shyan, Nurulnadiah Mohamed Noh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Hui Yee's stories: https://str.sg/wDqT

Follow Hui Yee on Twitter: https://str.sg/wDqq

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

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

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E31: Why 'youth vote' in Presidential Election could be quite diverse

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Our guests on how youth in Singapore, aged 18 to 35, can be quite diverse in opinions.

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

In this episode, we look at how social media and podcasts have helped presidential candidates win hearts and minds before Singaporeans go to the polls on Sept 1, 2023, this coming Friday.

ST's Jean Iau and Natasha Ann Zachariah - who cover Singapore politics - host two youths in the studio to discuss how well each candidate has used social media and why it matters to young people.

Their first guest is Mr Joel Lim, 30, managing director of Zyrup Media and host of Political Prude: The Podcast, a show catered towards young adults. He has hosted all three presidential candidates on his show recently.

Their second guest is Mr Maximilian Oh, a 23-year-old third-year undergraduate from the National University of Singapore pursuing a degree in political science and philosophy. He is a keen follower of politics and current affairs.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:50 Joel Lim recounts personal highlights of each candidate after he hosted them on his podcast

8:55 What is an assumption about the 'youth vote' that may not be true? Maximilian Oh on why it's not a "cohesive" voting block

11:20 Some of their peers tell them they're even considering who would make a "good presidential couple" visually in portraits

12:30 Do the personal lives of the candidates matter to young voters?

18:20 Why the WhatsApp strategy of Mr Ng Kok Song and Mr Tan Kin Lian "speaks" to older generations, in the same way youths engage with the candidates on Instagram or TikTok

26:00 On how youth view non-partisanship, discerning what each candidate means by their own independence

Discover Joel Lim's Political Prude: The Podcast: https://str.sg/iSBT

Produced by: Jean Iau (jeaniau@sph.com.sg), Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Paxton Pang

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here twice a month and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wztc

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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

Read Jean Iau's articles: https://str.sg/iSXW

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

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): 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

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#inyouropinion #asianinsider

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S1E100: Rohingya refugees have very little hope for a better future, say experts

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Rohingya remain the world’s largest number of stateless people, with over one million driven out of Myanmar living in camps in Bangladesh.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Life for the over one million Rohingya in refugee camps in Bangladesh continues to become increasingly intolerable, with food rations down to 27 US cents a day, and little or no hope for a return to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

This is where they have, over the years, been driven out from, in successive waves of pogroms, which refer to an organised massacre of a particular ethnic group. In Rakhine state, life gets no better either. Earlier in August, at least 27 Rohingya drowned when their boat sank offshore earlier this month as they tried to make the perilous journey to Malaysia across treacherous open seas.

In his 100th episode, host Nirmal Ghosh chats with his guests - Mr Johannes van der Klaauw - the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' representative in Bangladesh, and Mr Richard Horsey, senior advisor on Myanmar at the International Crisis Group.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 Mr Van der Klaauw describes the ground situation in the Rohingya camps and what the international community needs to understand

8:35 Mr Horsey on hope and an extremely difficult policy challenge for the Rohingya, if Myanmar's Rakhine state is not even fixed in the first place itself

15:25 Status of moves to repatriate refugees back to Rakhine, or resettlement in a "third" country

20:40 Dangerous gambles by the Rohingya to reach other countries

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

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

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E6: Dissecting Saudi Arabia's splurge in world football

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Should fans welcome it or be concerned? And why?

Synopsis: Every fourth Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times dives into a sports topic and tackles the hard questions with its guests on Hard Tackle.

A new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom kicked off in August 2023, as the league took its first bold steps towards becoming a force to be reckoned with in world football.

Football is currently in the limelight with the Saudi Pro League having invested over €600 million (S$886.7 million) to lure a host of top players and coaches from European clubs.

What is the end goal?

Sport business group leader for Deloitte Asia-Pacific - James Walton - and ST Sports columnist John Brewin, join ST sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan to discuss the pursuit of sports dominance by Saudi Arabia and if the rest of the sporting world should be concerned.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:20 The differences between what China did with its Chinese Super League and the Saudi attempt

9:00 Why are Saudi Arabia so invested in sport? What is their goal?

15:10 Should fans be concerned by Saudi Arabia’s investment in football and sport?

22:20 John Brewin on why the influx of money into the English Premier League was more accepted compared to the latest trend in the Middle East

28:40 The future of Saudi Arabia’s plans in sports

S1E5: Taiwan: Deadly stabbing spree on metro shocks island of 23 million

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Even the perpetrator's own parents asked for their son to be put to death.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

A random stabbing spree in a Taipei metro in 2014 resulted in four dead and 24 injured. There was no apparent motive for the shocking killing, and the assailant Cheng Chieh displayed no remorse.

Cheng’s childhood, which was fraught with isolation, his public threats against classmates and plans to kill detailed on his blog, also ignited debate about troubled youth and gaps in mental health care. This case also restarted conversations about capital punishment in Taiwan.

ST’s Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee interviews and narrates this podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:49 Cheng's mental state the subject of intense legal dispute

6:28 How Cheng planned his stabbing spree

11:23 He would not have spared anyone, even if his parents had been on board the metro train

14:40 Cheng executed on May 10, 2016; political motivations behind the extraordinary speediness of his execution?

21:51 Why Taiwanese often choose to ignore social problems; health ministry establishes new department dedicated to mental health programmes in May 2022

Interviews & narration by: Yip Wai Yee

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Podcast Producers: Eden Soh & Fa'izah Sani

Voiceovers: Fa'izah Sani, Eden Soh, Ang Qing, Samuel Devaraj, Jeremy Au Yong, Jean Iau, Teo Tong Kai, Lee Hup Kheng, Clara Chong, Lee Su Shyan

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

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S1E105: Is a plastic bag fee the right 'green' solution for Singapore?

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Will this kickstart a change in Singaporean habits towards embracing a greener and less wasteful society?

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

Plastic bags. Let’s face it, most of us use them. They are a key feature of our consumer lifestyles, a symbol of convenience. But they are a huge source of waste, with the vast majority burned, sent to landfills or clogging rivers and the sea.

On July 3, 2023, Singapore introduced a minimum 5 cents charge for disposable plastic bags provided at hundreds of supermarkets.

The aim is to nudge shoppers to think about how many bags they use and to switch to reusable bags instead. It’s all part of changing behaviour to reduce the huge amount of plastic waste and curb environmental impacts.

So what’s the reaction been to the bag charge? Is it changing behaviour?

ST climate editor David Fogarty invites science content creator Ms Kong Man Jing to the studio. She is better known as BioGirl MJ in her YouTube and Instagram channels Just Keep Thinking.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:18 What sort of plastic Ms Kong sees during her regular group visits to the seashore

7:03 How are people responding to the plastic bag charge?

9:34 The idea of a fee per bag at supermarkets faced strong resistance. Why is that?

15:10 Should Singapore move towards a higher charge and a total ban on all single-use plastics?

Produced by: David Fogarty (dfogarty@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Paxton Pang

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E28: Should the extramarital affairs of Singapore's politicians end their careers?

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

NTU don says votes should determine whether Singaporeans can stomach politicians involved in such affairs.

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

July 17 marked the death knell of not one, but four political careers. Just hours before the shock resignations of former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and ex-Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui, a leaked video circulated online, showing former Workers’ Party MP Leon Perera stroking the hand of fellow party member Nicole Seah. This would spark an investigation by the largest opposition party, and result in the pair stepping down.

But is it necessary for MPs to resign because of their private indiscretions? Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in Parliament on Aug 2 that there was no direct reporting line between the Speaker and an MP, and so a legitimate relationship would not be objectionable. Moreover, politicians worldwide have been embroiled in extramarital affairs, to no detriment to their careers. So are Singaporeans just over-invested in the private lives of public figures? Or must politicians be held to higher standards?

In this episode, ST journalists Ang Qing and Aqil Hamzah host Nanyang Technological University's School of Social Sciences don Walid Jumblatt, 38, and National University of Singapore political science and philosophy student Maximilian Oh, 23, to learn about how different generations view the issue.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 Are Singaporeans able to trust disgraced politicians?

4:05 Should affairs be a punishable offence in Singapore politics?

10:45 Dr Walid on how Singapore looks at its politicians as "superhumans"; what do people look for when voting for a politician?

13:05 Should disgraced politicians be cancelled, even if they did good work before?

17:00 Are different generations reacting differently to politicians having affairs? How critical is the element of deceit?

20:35 Will Singapore ever be "ready" for a politician to have a chequered personal life? Should this be tested at the ballot box?

Produced by: Ang Qing (aqing@sph.com.sg), Aqil Hamzah (haqil@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Lee Yulin, Hadyu Rahim & Paxton Pang

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here twice a month and rate us:

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

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S1E22: Asia without Shinzo Abe

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A conversation with the foreign policy speech-writer of Japan’s longest serving post-War Prime Minister.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor & Senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this podcast, which comes a year after the assassination of Mr Shinzo Abe, he discusses the impact that Mr Abe left on his country and the wider region, with Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi of Keio University, who was special adviser to Prime Minister Abe’s Cabinet.

Prof Taniguchi was also Mr Abe’s foreign policy speechwriter for a full 90 months.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:10 “I feel Abe is still alive”; On the father of ‘Indo Pacific’, Quad

7:16 How Abe wooed South-east Asia

9:15 "Xi Jinping would not have joined the Communist Party of USA"

13:24 Childless Abe gave hope to young Japanese

16:40 His most significant speeches: India, Australia, US

18:00 Soft corner for India; "Abe and Modi were soul-mates"; could Japan backtrack on Abe’s initiatives?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

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

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S1E4: Indonesia: Masked ‘ninjas’ and mass murders of suspected sorcerers

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

How the gruesome 1998 incidents paved the way for black magic to be criminalised last year in 2022, in the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Sorcery is against Islamic teachings, but today, many in Indonesia still consult black magic practitioners for advice. In 1998, a series of killings by unknown masked 'ninjas', targeting suspected sorcerers in East Java, launched the community into a period of mass hysteria, violence and retaliation-attacks.

The killings triggered discussions on the need and ways to regulate sorcery, to prevent similar instances and to stop people from taking the law into their own hands. The legal gap was finally plugged last year in 2022, when laws on sorcery were included in the revised Criminal Code passed by the Parliament.

The government is also seeking to settle the case, along with 11 other human rights abuses, by non-judicial means.

ST’s Indonesia Bureau Chief Arlina Arshad narrates this podcast. The reporting and scripting for this episode was done by ST’s Indonesia Correspondent Linda Yulisman.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:20 Why sorcery has long been part of Indonesia’s life and culture, even among the nation's notable figures

10:05 From 1998 till 1999, a ferocious wave of hysteria spreads against purported black magic practitioners

20:15 Larger motives behind attacks? Understanding Banyuwangi region's history and Indonesia’s period of political transition

28:40 Were attacks likely carried out by trained assassins with links to the military?

33:35 Why it took decades to criminalise witchcraft and sorcery in Indonesia

Interviews by: Linda Yulisman (ylinda@sph.com.sg)

Narrated by: Arlina Arshad (aarlina@sph.com.sg)

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Podcast Producers: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Voiceovers: Hairianto Diman, Deepanraj Ganesan, Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, Dominic Nathan, Lee Nian Tjoe, Colin Tan, Eddino Abdul Hadi, Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

Read Arlina Arshad's articles: https://str.sg/iifS

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S1E3: Singapore: Employers abuse Myanmar domestic worker to her death

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Since Ms Piang Ngaih Don’s death in 2016, a slew of measures have been introduced to stem domestic worker abuse.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In 2016, the abuse and eventual death of a young Myanmar domestic worker led to shock and an outpouring of grief in Singapore.

Ms Piang Ngaih Don left her hometown in Chin State, Myanmar, to work for Gaiyathiri Murugayan and her then-husband and suspended police officer Kevin Chelvam in 2015.

The details and extent of her torture, at the hands of Gaiyathiri and her mother Prema S. Naraynasamy, brought about heightened checks and health screenings for domestic workers in Singapore. Yet activists say more can be done.

ST's Singapore journalist Jean Iau interviews and narrates this podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:23 "Their attitude is like animal attitude", says Mr Tin Maung Win who runs an NGO for migrant workers

6:35 Verbal abuse turns physical: CCTV footage captures the assaults on Ms Piang Ngaih Don over the last 35 days of her life

9:05 Chilling events the night before she died; Gaiyathiri and Prema now serving sentences

15:25 Reactions from Ms Piang Ngaih Don’s family; hundreds take to the streets in Yangon to mourn her

21:06 Revisiting the scene: A young neighbour recalls hearing shouting from Gaiyathiri's flat and avoiding her

22:48 In February 2021, then-Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said Singapore "must do better"; Manpower Ministry spells out some measures introduced since 2021

28:10 Should foreign domestic workers be given option to "live out", regardless of higher costs to employers? Ms Jaya Anil Kumar, senior research and advocacy manager at Human Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) believes so

Interviews & narration by: Jean Iau (jeaniau@sph.com.sg)

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Podcast Producers: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Voiceovers: Leonie Teo, Vimalaraj Rajaratnam

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

Audio clip of Ms Piang Ngaih Don's sister reproduced with permission from Al Jazeera (see full documentary - https://str.sg/iUQz)

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S1E99: "More of the same” not good enough for Asean to remain relevant, says former Indonesian Foreign Minister: Asian Insider

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Asean needs strong leadership in a fast moving world, or risks losing relevance, warns former top diplomat Marty Natalegawa, citing drifting policy on Myanmar.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Former Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, currently a Distinguished Fellow with the Asia Society Policy Institute, sees a fraying of Asean's common response to developments in Myanmar.

Asean has been skilled in employing adept and calibrated formal and informal diplomacy, and both open and quiet diplomacy, to obtain certain outcomes, but currently Asean's approach has become predictable. Indonesia, Asean’s current chair, must exercise leadership and vision while maintaining ASEAN unity, the former top regional diplomat says. Yet, Asean is not doing much more than exercising its convening power.

The United States must understand that Asean countries cherish and value their own autonomy. Meanwhile the international geopolitical environment is seeing the diminution of diplomacy, and weaponisation of issues in the public goods domain - like semiconductors, technology, public health and climate. Asean cannot afford to be complacent.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:20 Asean’s gains must be constantly earned, we can’t be complacent

04:30 There really hasn’t been any demonstration of Asean’s leadership or centrality beyond convening power

06:50 There is clearly a recognition that South East Asia is important, but that does not automatically translate into recognition of Asean’s importance.

07:30 It is important for a country like the United States to recognize that the diversity within Asean is not a design fault but a feature – and not to try to force uniformity of foreign policy on the region

08:45 Asean cherishes and values its autonomy

10:12 Diplomacy as statecraft is fraying. Those who speak on behalf of dialogue and negotiation and engagement tend to be accused of pursuing appeasement

11:35 There is a weaponisation of some of the public goods domain that ought to be the very definition of the need for cooperative partnership – technology, cyber, semiconductors, health.

15:45 Things have not been made easier by the lack of unity among Asean member states on Myanmar

19:00 There is chairmanship (of Asean) and there is leadership.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

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

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S1E21: ‘Closet Nehru’ Modi has played Indian foreign policy well: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Assessing the outcomes from the Modi-Biden summit in Washington

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor & Senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, which focuses on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent summit with US President Joe Biden, he chats with Dr Sanjaya Baru, the eminent Indian geo-economist, and commentator who was Media Adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Modi-Biden summit produced many startling results, including the likely sale and transfer of frontline jet engine technology to India, the stationing of officers from each nation in each other’s military commands, and close cooperation in science and technology.

During the visit, Mr Modi also became a rare global leader to be given the honour of delivering an address to the combined houses of US Congress for a second time. The first was in June 2016.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 Highlights of the Modi-Biden summit

7:00 Concern about India’s handling of minorities

12:00 Are US and India in a quasi-alliance?

14:20 Russia-India ties will endure

17:00 Modi has played foreign policy well

20:30 Outlook for Sino Indian ties

23:30 How Asean should view US-India ties

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

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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

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S1E24: A waft of roses, jasmines and samosas keeps perfume-making tradition in Kannauj alive: Letter from the Bureau

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Kannauj is a sleepy Indian town that has managed to nurture a prized skill for generations.

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. In this episode, she chats with ST's India correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta.

Perfume-making is an ancient tradition in Kannauj, a city by the Ganges river in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Kannauj’s perfume industry flourished for centuries under royal patronage, especially that of the Mughals, who ruled South Asia from the 16th to 19th century.

Cheap foreign perfumes and deodorants, with their heady mix of new fragrances, swamped India from the 1990s, edging out Kannauj’s attars. Now, a new Perfume Tourism initiative launched in March 2023, seeks to revive Kannauj’s lost glory and popularise its products among individual users, allowing tourists to take a deep personalised whiff of Kannauj’s ancient perfume-making tradition, from flower to bottle.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:04 What’s so special about Kannauj?

2:40 Narrow lanes and expansive imagination

4:44 Can you make perfumes in your kitchen; what marks a good perfume

9:05 What might a Singapore-inspired perfume smell like, if Mr Pranav Kapoor, an eighth-generation perfumer, were commissioned to make it?

12:22 What is ‘mitti attar’?

14:11 Does traditional perfume making have a future?

Read Debarshi Dasgupta’s article here: https://str.sg/iw5d

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Debarshi Dasgupta's articles: https://str.sg/wtmh

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

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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

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S1E98: Pakistan at loggerheads within: Asian Insider

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits, its political and security situation volatile - and it is in a spot as India becomes more important to Washington.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan’s arrest in May triggered riots as his supporters attacked installations and the headquarters of the Pakistan army which had once supported him. This came as the economy, hit last year by a massive flood disaster, is in the doldrums and awaiting a bailout.

The Pakistani Taliban has also stepped up its attacks, and on the foreign front, India and the United States are deepening their relationship. Pakistan remains resilient, but not successful.

Find out why, as Nirmal Ghosh hosts Mr Husain Haqqani, Pakistan‘s former ambassador to the US and currently diplomat-in-residence at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:07 Why we must first understand the political layout and the military's role in Pakistan, a country of 230 million people and a nuclear power

4:30 Imran Khan's cult-like following; military wanted good relations with the US but Imran Khan had anti-American sentiments

9:15 How vulnerable is Pakistan? Why the military is a political reality, so they need to be part of any national reconciliation

15:25 After US has chosen India as its big Asian partner, find out why Pakistan should resolve issues with India

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim, Paxton Pang and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

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

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Special edition series:

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

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S1E23: Wanna be a wang hong? Why China’s influencer economy is booming: Letter from the Bureau

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

More young people dream of becoming influencers and that’s ok with Beijing.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:03 How does the influencer economy work?

2:14 Why has the Chinese influencer economy become so huge?

4:37 How much do the influencers earn?

6:00 Where is Viya now?

7:32 What does it take to be a successful wang hong?

11:34 What is a day in the life of a wang hong like?

13:25 How does the Chinese government view the wang hong?

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/i3Hw

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Read Aw Cheng Wei's articles: https://str.sg/wzce

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

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

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Special edition series:

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

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S1E2: Thailand: Thousands of foetuses hidden in a Bangkok temple

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0000

This is the 2010 case that became a turning point in Thailand's debate over abortion.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Be transported back to the events of 2010, when the discovery of thousands of rotting foetuses, hidden in a Bangkok temple - led to more awareness and debate over illegal abortions in Buddhist-majority Thailand.

The grisly remains at Wat Phai Ngern were traced to a network of clinics. The case uncovered the scale of the illegal abortion industry at a time when the procedure was still largely illegal and heavily stigmatised.

ST's Thailand correspondent Tan Tam Mei interviews and narrates this podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:03 A dog chews on something in the middle of a Bangkok temple; long-time temple worker Supote Leangbamrong recalls the stench and discovery by authorities in 2010

5:52 Shockwaves throughout Thailand; abortion hardly discussed and was largely illegal and taboo back then

08:57 Nursing assistant Lanchakorn Janthamanas's underground operation; roping in two temple undertakers to dispose of the bodies

11:40 Abortion activist Supeecha Baotip on how voices of women were missing in the discussion on abortion, her own story and how much has changed since the crime case

17:44 Restrictions against abortion relaxed in 2021, sweeping legal changes in Thailand

20:00 Cultural beliefs: Why some doctors don't perform abortions because they are afraid of karma

23:09 Expanding availability of legal abortions and to change mindsets; abortion offered as a tele-health service in Thailand

25:05 Rumours about the souls of the aborted foetuses haunting the temple still linger, even more than a decade later

Interviews & narration by: Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei

Podcast Producers: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Voiceovers: Raul Dancel, Shahrena Hassan, Lee Nian Tjoe, Joel Chng

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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S1E97: Why Asean has opportunities in middle of global power rivalry: Asian Insider

Thu, 25 May 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Asean also needs long-term low carbon vision to reinforce supply chain security and competitiveness.

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Asean recently held a summit in Indonesia, which in 2023, holds the rotating chair of the 10-member grouping. Indonesia has a key role to play at a critical juncture in global geopolitics.

Former Indonesian Cabinet minister and outgoing managing director of Development Policy and Partnerships at the World Bank in Washington DC - Dr Mari Elka Pangestu - is an avowed “Aseanist”.

In this episode, she tells host Nirmal Ghosh why she urges Asean leaders to take charge and strengthen open regionalism, as a collective "middle power" which can use its agency and benefit from opportunities in the midst of uncertainty.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 Why the need for a counter-narrative from "middle powers" such as Asean, to navigate great global power competition

3:43 Reinforcing Asean principles such as non-interference, non-alignment; more "open regionalism" meaning not being exclusive to major global powers

4:40 New economy in electric vehicles, climate goals, Asean Digital Economy Framework: Is Asean in the right direction and the critical reforms needed

10:40 Is Asean in a "sweet spot" with US-China rivalry? Data shows relocation of trade and investment

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Eden Soh and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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Special edition series:

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

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S1E20: Nato's future role in Asia and June Shangri-La Dialogue expectations: Speaking of Asia

Wed, 10 May 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Find out what our guest expert says about Nato planning to open a liaison office in Japan, its first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor & Senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he chats with Mr James Crabtree, the Singapore-based executive director for Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Mr Crabtree is a former journalist and policy analyst whose previous job was an Associate Professor of Practice at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

The podcast was conducted against the backdrop of Asia’s worsening security situation, and weeks ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue that brings together security leaders of Asia and counterparts from major global powers.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 Asia’s deteriorating security situation; a confident Chinese President Xi Jinping

9:40 What Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Albanese might say in Singapore

14:40 Overlaying of Euro Atlantic issues with Indo Pacific

19:15 Nato in Asia; it will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from June 2-4, 2023

23:00 On the China-India spat, and the Quad

26:35 Artificial Intelligence as a national security issue

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

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

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S1E1: South Korea: Cybersex criminals trapping girls in a digital prison

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Find out about the insidious 'Nth room' crimes in one of Asia's most highly-wired countries.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): A special edition 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

Warning: This podcast is an audio documentary of a real crime case which may be troubling and upsetting to certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Digital sex crimes have become so common in highly-wired South Korea, leading to several copycat versions of what have become known as the 'Nth room' crimes.

Why does this keep happening, and what are the underlying causes of these cases? Despite government efforts to crack down on these cases, they return again and again.

This is the side of South Korean society that the world may not know as well, away from the global appeal of its K-drama series and glamour of its K-pop music.

ST's South Korea correspondent Chang May Choon interviews and narrates this podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 The year was 2019; blackmail and even making victims engrave their names or IDs on their bodies, using knives

5:15 Student journalist Park Ji-hyun and college friend aiming to "pull out the roots of evil", expose published in September 2019; hear the actual voice of the ringleader Cho Ju-bin

10:00 Activist Summer Cha (her voice in Korean is digitally altered to protect her identity) on why digital sex crimes are trending upwards

13:38 Lewd and disgusting reactions in male-only sites towards victims in the recent Itaewon crush incident

14:38 Big cities such as Seoul, Busan and Incheon have now set up their own digital sex crime centres to provide support for victims; Seoul centre director Lee Eun-jeong explains SOPs

17:22 New 'anti-Nth Room Bill' was passed in Korean parliament and went into effect in December 2021; why encrypted messaging app Telegram has slipped through the net

22:17 Park Ji-hyun now a young politician; more Nth room copycats still emerging

25:18 ST correspondent Chang May Choon wraps up, having lived and worked as a Singaporean woman in South Korea for the past eight years

Interviews & narration by: Chang May Choon (changmc@sph.com.sg)

Executive Producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Podcast Producers: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Voiceovers: Fa’izah Sani, Friday Farzanah, Joyce Teo, Jean Iau, Kim Jin-ha, Samuel Devaraj and Paxton Pang

Copy editor: Choo Li Meng

Follow ST's True Crimes Of Asia Podcast:

Channel: https://str.sg/i44T

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/i44q

Spotify: https://str.sg/i44c

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Chang May Choon's articles: https://str.sg/ioon

---

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S1E96: India has remarkably saved the tiger but deeper issues remain: Asian Insider

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000

India's experience offers lessons for other countries in wildlife conservation, and one of the keys is having local communities on board.

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

India very recently marked the fifth anniversary of Project Tiger. India has saved the tiger. Bringing a predator like the tiger, back from the brink of extinction, in a country of now over a billion people, is a remarkable feat.

India now has something like 70-75 per cent of all tigers in the wild. The tiger is functionally extinct in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. There has been a small comeback in Thailand, but its status in Myanmar is unknown and most likely very tenuous.

But species conservation is a complex issue with many moving parts, with both people and wildlife having agency - so it never really ends and old challenges remain and new challenges emerge.

In this episode, to discuss what worked and what did not - and the consequential challenges that remain - Nirmal Ghosh hosts renowned wildlife conservationist Belinda Wright, founder of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI); and the publisher and editor of Sanctuary Asia Magazine and Kids for Tigers, Bittu Sahgal.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:55 Best practices: What worked for the tiger, what did not work

11:15 On managing wildlife-human conflicts, statistics, and why it's "not rocket science"

14:40 Is there a strategy for the next 50 years, after 50 years of Project Tiger? Why economists need to be educated on the biosphere

17:10 It was found that among villagers who were attacked by a tiger, almost all had been out in the forest collecting fuelwood

18:32 Do grasslands and wetlands get adequate protection?

28:51 Why India has a convincing asset now that few other countries have; why Asia can show the world how to survive the climate crisis, and the tiger is metaphor

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): 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

---

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Follow our new audio documentary series True Crimes Of Asia

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Headphones are recommended for this series.

Synopsis: A 6-part series by The Straits Times in Singapore, exploring recent real crimes that gripped, horrified and laid bare the issues that afflicted societies in Asia. Episodes drop every fourth Tuesday of the month from April 25, 2023.

From April till September 2023, listen to the events surrounding a spine-chilling find in a Bangkok temple. Or the gruesome death of a domestic helper in Singapore.

But for the first episode dropping on April 25, you will discover a 21st-century crime that could well happen in more countries in an increasingly interconnected world.

This was the insidious cybersex underbelly in South Korean society that trapped girls in a digital prison in 2019.

We at The Straits Times, investigate how these tragedies left their mark on victims and communities, and also exposed the dark side of societies.

Get notifications of new episodes on your favourite audio apps - Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts - when you follow ST’s True Crimes Of Asia.

Executive producers: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) and Tan Tam Mei (tammei@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani

Follow ST's True Crimes Of Asia every month here:

Channel: https://str.sg/i44T

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/i44q

Spotify: https://str.sg/i44c

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/i4Y5

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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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

---

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S1E19: Australia’s Bob Carr says cool the ‘China panic’: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A cautionary word on China.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor & Senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he chats with the Australian statesman Bob Carr, a long-serving Premier of New South Wales, Australia’s most prosperous state, and foreign minister to then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The podcast was conducted against the backdrop of Australia’s soured ties with China, the surprise decision to form Aukus (which groups Australia with the United Kingdom and the United States) and the deteriorating situation in East Asia centred over Taiwan.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:24 Resolving the US for security, China for prosperity dilemma

9:00 Need to be restrained on Taiwan

12:00 The worries about Aukus

20:00 Is conflict with China looming?

23:15 Why Kevin Rudd is being sent to the US

25:10 Message to China: Correct your diplomacy

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): 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

---

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S1E22: How a haircut stirred up a clash of values at Thai schools: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000

An incident at a school assembly has ignited a curious debate over what some regard as an outdated and top-down education system

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST’s Indochina Bureau Chief Tan Hui Yee.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:34 Why did over 100 students get ugly haircuts?

2:55 Do Thai schools have haircut rules for students?

4:10 Authoritarianism or a matter of discipline?

5:40 Is student unrest welling up in the election season?

7:55 Are gender identity issues at play?

9:20 What do ugly haircuts tell us about a changing Thailand?

9:55 Is Thailand a relaxed, tolerant society?

Read Tan Hui Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/i4ia

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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---

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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

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S1E95: Politics of hate fuelling religious majoritarianism across South Asia: Asian Insider

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Is there liberal opposition to what is going on, even in a more diverse India with a raucous democratic tradition?

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, we discuss how and why, across the complex region of South Asia, majorities are convinced that minorities are a threat.

South Asia is a region of some two billion, but right-wing politics and religious majoritarianism, the arms of the state and the media, are coming together to threaten democracy and the health and longevity of states. The politics of hate in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is fuelling, and feeds off, religious majoritarianism.

Nirmal Ghosh hosts Farahnaz Ispahani, a former journalist, former member of Pakistan’s parliament, and currently a senior fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington DC, and Salil Tripathi, author, journalist and member of the Board of PEN International.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 Why Pakistan is the worst among "religious majoritarian states" in South Asia; add to that a "nuclear-armed Pakistan with an economy in free fall"

3:40 On the history and similar trajectory in Bangladesh and also, how "the liberal Pakistani used to look up to India for its democratic roots and tradition, when now… if you're Muslim, you can't be safe in India."

9:05 How the religious right and the political right have come together to make the majority feel they're under threat from the minority

12:16 How this trend is happening, as our guest expert offers daily life examples in India

17:15 On how the media in these South Asia countries could amplify divisions

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

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---

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True Crimes Of Asia (new): 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

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S1E21: Poetry in the pubs? Sports-mad Aussies want to win medals in arts and culture too: Letter from the Bureau

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Why Australia's Prime Minister is rooting for song and dance to be accepted as essential to the Australian way of life.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST’s correspondent in Australia, Jonathan Pearlman.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 Why the rugby-loving Australian PM Anthony Albanese cares about the arts

3:15 How big is the arts scene Down Under?

5:55 'DJ' Albo’s plans to raise the arts quotient

8:08 Is there a profit motive?

10:00 No more 'starving' artists?

Read article: https://str.sg/ikT2

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Jonathan Pearlman's articles: https://str.sg/whNJ

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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---

Special edition series:

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

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S1E94: Why future is dim for US-China crisis management: Asian Insider

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Why perceptions of being “soft” on China will increasingly be a political liability in the US.

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Relations between China and the US are in for more rough weather with bipartisan consensus on China in the United States, a new House Committee hawkish on China, and visits to Taiwan by US lawmakers imminent which are bound to upset Beijing.

Find out why intensifying political contestation in the United States in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election will have an impact on relations with China.

In this episode, to assess the path ahead for the contentious and fragile relationship, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for South-east Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Dr Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:31 After the Xi-Biden summit in Bali in November 2022, both sides were searching for a base in the relationship

2:41 No dedicated hotline unlike during the Cold War; Biden’s China policy is tougher than Donald Trump’s

5:10 New House Select Committee on China will put more pressure on the Administration to be tougher on China

06:13 House Committee on China Chair visiting Taiwan in late spring will further strain the relationship

7:08 China is the last bipartisan issue in which there is consensus in the United States; no daylight between the parties

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

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

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

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

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---

Special edition series:

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

---

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S1E22: How the US and China reacted to the 'Balloon': Power Play

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Why the US wanted to send a strong signal to China and how this was also about domestic politics.

Synopsis: The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they take a look at America’s response to the alleged Chinese spy balloon, and the global fallout.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:10 Why China was dismayed

2:28 Why Biden responded the way he did

4:27 China’s unusually conciliatory stance

7:25 The US-China spiral of suspicion

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

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

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

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---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): 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

---

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S1E18: Vietnam War eyewitness on Asia’s new Cold War: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Why the Taiwan issue today is different from the Vietnam War's political dynamics.

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode of 2023, he chats with Nayan Chanda, the celebrated editor, journalist and Indo-China specialist on his eyewitness account of the end of the Vietnam War, the new Cold War in Asia, the Sino-Russian concord, and chances of an open conflict in the region.

This podcast was conducted against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement that led to the end of the conflict in Vietnam.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:35 Fall of Saigon ends Vietnam War

6:00 Why he stayed, when other fled

10:45 Vietnam 1975, Afghanistan 2021

15:50 The new Cold War in Asia?

21:00 Sino-Russian ‘shotgun wedding’

25:20 Possibility of war in our current times

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

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

---

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S1E20: Sari, she’s gotta run! Indian women flex their cores and smash stereotypes: Letter from the Bureau

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Find out what a '1-minute' sari is, and the best ways to drape a sari for running.

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's India correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta.

Some Indian women are choosing saris over shorts as they go jogging along busy streets. But as they transform the traditional wear into activewear of choice, they encounter taboos. Are saris and sneakers not a fit combo?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:19 So, what is a sari run?

5:06 Is it truly comfortable to run in a sari? The best ways to drape the sari for running?

7:40 The fastest marathoner in a sari

9:31 Are saris more popular today? Heard of a '1-minute' sari, sari over jeans?

12:23 As India becomes the world’s most populous nation, are women becoming healthier?

Read Debarshi Dasgupta’s article here: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/nine-yards-of-freedom-indian-women-take-to-running-in-saris-to-break-taboos

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Debarshi Dasgupta’s articles: https://str.sg/wtmh

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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

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

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

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

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

---

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S1E93: Pakistan, Taliban playing dangerous game: Asian Insider

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A deep dive into the sensitive geopolitics at the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

After 20 years of war, in August 2021, the United States became the most recent superpower to be seen off by Afghanistan. After the US withdrew, the Taliban, whom the United States had kicked out in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, swiftly seized power again.

But since then, the Taliban has challenged the status of the Afghan-Pakistan border and given haven to the anti-Pakistan insurgent group, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, TTP, which has killed thousands of Pakistanis and wants to establish a Taliban-style Sharia state in Pakistan.

In this episode, to explain the complicated knot in that volatile region, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Javid Ahmad, a non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council South Asia Center, and former ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Arab Emirates; and Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracy and editor of the foundation's Long War Journal.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:35 The Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a classic case of reverse insurgency

4:50 Many believe the Pakistani military is in a pre-war stage with the TTP

5:30 Pakistani state, elites seek “strategic depth” within Afghanistan, against India – and continue to support the Afghan Taliban

7:20 The risk from Al Qaeda to the region and the US is very great; the Taliban is not abandoning Al Qaeda

13:10 The Taliban, or Afghans in general, have nothing in common with China

16:10 The wheel of jihad keeps on turning – and could turn into a major problem for the Pakistani state

21:17 Washington should diversify its approach toward the Taliban

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Asian Insider with Nirmal Ghosh every fourth Friday of the month:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E21: China’s dicey reopening: Power Play

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they take a look at China’s messy reopening and its global implications.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:38 The world reacts to China’s reopening

4:10 China’s lack of transparency

6:42 How China has responded

7:33 What the Americans say about China’s abrupt reopening

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E17: Ukraine, Asia theatres have fused: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this first episode of 2023, he chats with Serge Besanger, a director of Paris-based Centre for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies, on how the war in Europe is shaping and the potential for it to spread to Asia, thanks to the strategic compact between Russia and China.

Besanger, who divides his time between Paris and Singapore, says Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to widen the war and that risks bringing Asia into the conflict.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:30 How Besanger's organisation sends life-saving blood 'pouches' into Ukraine

8:50 French to supply ‘hot pursuit’ tanks to Ukraine

12:05 Fusing of Asian, European theatres

15:03 Which Asian nations are aiding Russia?

17:25 Europe’s view of China slides; how Russian-Ukraine war could last another three years

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E19: What’s your star sign? In Taiwan, that could be a conversation kickstarter: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

Many Taiwanese of all ages have a fascination with Western astrology, and the signs (pun intended) are everywhere.

Every morning, on television news channels, it is not uncommon to see horoscope forecasts running along the bottom of the screen, next to major headlines and the day’s weather forecast. On dating apps, people often list their horoscope signs alongside basic information such as name, age, occupation and hobbies.

How seriously do the Taiwanese take advice from astrologers? In this episode, she chats with ST's new Taiwan correspondent Yip Wai Yee.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:15 How Taiwanese bring up horoscopes in daily conversations; how seriously do they take advice from astrologers?

5:45 In a society that has to deal with China's aggressive geopolitics, how is astrology a way for people to “deal with uncertainty”?

8:00 Why Western astrology is so popular with Taiwanese?

9:24 More about Ms Jesse Tang, the modern-day YouTube star of Western horoscopes in the Chinese language, was named one of Asia’s Most Influential (Taiwan) personalities by Tatler Asia magazine in 2021 and 2022

Read Yip Wai Yee’s article: https://str.sg/wFkv

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Yip Wai Yee's articles: https://str.sg/wFZk

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E20: Choppy waters ahead for 2023: Power Play

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they look back on the year and chat about how the US-China relationship will continue to develop in 2023.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 The seismic ramifications of Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit in 2022

2:43 American tech sanctions on China

6:04 China’s return to the world stage

7:35 Biden’s foreign policy in 2023

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Power Play Podcast every third Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E92: With both sides beefing up, latest India-China border clash a bad sign: Asian Insider

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

On Dec 9 Indian and Chinese troops got into a skirmish on the border of India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state with China - the eastern sector of the long and in many places disputed Himalayan border. As previously in 2020, this skirmish did not involve firearms, but no less brutal hand-to-hand combat with weapons like wooden clubs embedded with nails. In this new clash there were reported injuries, but no deaths.

In this episode on the volatile Himalayan border, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Dr Manoj Joshi, a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi and author of a new book Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in High Himalaya; and Dr Aparna Pande, a scholar of Indian and South Asian foreign policy, and Director of the Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia, at the Hudson Institute in Washington DC.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:08 This time, very clearly, the Chinese came up with a plan. They had an extraordinarily large number in their patrol. This was not just a patrol. But given their 2020 experience, the Indians were ready.

4:10 The significance of Tawang is not just strategic, but that the Tawang Monastery is there – one of the most sacred places for Tibetan Buddhists.

5:44 The obsession with Tawang actually begins only in the mid-1980s. The Chinese said if you want to settle the (disputes border), you must give us Tawang – and India has bluntly said that means you don’t want a settlement.

6:45 The Indian Army is on Yangtse, and the Chinese are trying to push them out.

7:45 The Chinese have fobbed off Indian attempts to negotiate a settlement on the border. Overlapping claims are convenient, keeping India off balance.

10:00 A 1996 agreement between India and China prohibits using weapons in the 2-kilometre zone along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). But how long will that last? It’s a matter of time before a breakdown.

12:35 Chinese actions on the border have driven India and the United States to become more closely aligned.

13:00 Broad consensus in India on China, and strong defences in the Himalayas. India dropped the ball in 2020 but learned its lesson.

14:05 The Chinese have been rapidly beefing up infrastructure in Yangtse; there is a buildup – on both sides.

15:30 At the end of the day the border issue has to be decided at the highest levels in both countries, otherwise, it will escalate.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E18: As the festive season nears, is Seoul gearing up for crowds again? : Letter from the Bureau

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

Weeks after 159 people died in a crowd crush in Seoul’s clubbing district on Halloween, South Korea is preparing for year-end festivities.

In this episode, she chats with ST's South Korea correspondent Chang May Choon.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:13 Seoul will be different this time, after the Itaewon tragedy

4:35 Ppali, ppali (fast) & skinship: understanding Korean crowd culture

9:55 Is behaviour changing in the ‘subway from hell’?

17:05 Has the Itaewon tragedy yielded some lessons?

Read Chang May Choon’s article here: https://str.sg/wC5Q

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani and Eden Soh

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Chang May Choon’s articles: https://str.sg/wCJU

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E11: Analysing Anwar becoming Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister to lead unity government

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:52:55 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Cheow Sue-Ann on Nov 24.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim has ended a 24-year wait to lead Malaysia at 5pm (Nov 24), after he was sworn in as Prime Minister.

Read more: https://str.sg/wjwb

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E10: Malaysia GE2022: Who will govern Malaysia post-election? - Across The Causeway

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

What will Malaysia's political landscape look like, after the dust settles from its 15th General Election? What do the election results say about Malaysia's voters and how they pick their leaders?

Is race-based voting entrenched? And what is the future for Pakatan Harapan's Anwar Ibrahim?

ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow and coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, share their thoughts with host Lynlee Foo.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:15 The 4 scenarios for forming a possible a government

5:15 The possible return of Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister? Will Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) demand senior portfolios after it bagged most seats?

10:40 Explaining the 'green tsunami' of vote results, how Perikatan Nasional (PN) scored by wooing Malay voters away from Barisan Nasional (BN)

20:15 What the future holds for Umno president Zahid Hamidi

31:35 Breaking down demographics and the Anwar Ibrahim factor from Pakatan Harapan's vote results

Malaysia GE15 Full Results: https://str.sg/GE2022results

Follow ST's Malaysia GE microsite: https://www.straitstimes.com/malaysia-elections

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast regularly here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E91: No breakthroughs, but Xi-Biden meeting in itself is progress: Asian Insider

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents Asian views of the United States.

It has been a busy month in Asia for diplomacy, with the highlight a much-anticipated, over three-hour meeting in Bali, Indonesia on the occasion of the G20 between President Xi Jinping of China and President Joe Biden of the United States.

In this episode on regional summitry, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Curtis Chin, chair of the Milken Institute’s operations in Asia and a former US Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank; and Murray Hiebert, senior associate at the Centre for Security and International Studies (CSIS) and also head of research at Bower Group Asia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 Not about breakthroughs or new agreements, but about these two leaders getting together and talking

2:53 Fundamental positions did not change in Bali, and that was not a surprise

3:29 Why some in China are saying self-reliance is good for them, if they are not able to depend on the US

5:24 Little space between Republicans and Democrats in attitude and tone, on China

7:00 US Congress could pass the Taiwan Policy Act, which will again irritate Beijing

12:00 One legacy of the G20, coupled with its chairmanship of Asean in 2023, will be to spotlight Indonesia - an important country that does not get due recognition globally

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E19: Xi and Biden have met - now what?: Power Play

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about how the recent 20th Party Congress in China and midterm elections in the US might affect relations between the two superpowers.

To what extent has this week’s Bali meeting between US president Joe Biden and Chinese president Xi Jinping arrested the slide in US-China relations?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:03 Analysing the Biden-Xi face-to-face meeting in Bali

2:50 The US midterm elections and what a Republican House might mean for US-China relations

6:47 China’s 20th Party Congress and what Xi’s consolidation of power might mean

8:30 Xi’s efforts to push the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) modernisation drive, given its top mission is to be able to win a war over Taiwan if need be

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Eden Soh and Fa’izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E9: Malaysia GE2022: The man who wants to be Malaysia’s future PM - Khairy Jamaluddin - Across The Causeway

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

Barisan Nasional candidate Khairy Jamaluddin made headlines when he declared he is gunning to be Malaysia’s future prime minister. But to become the country’s future leader, he first needs to win the parliamentary seat in Sungai Buloh come election day on Nov 19.

S1E8: Malaysia GE2022: Meet 3 colourful independents rising against the odds to be heard - Across The Causeway

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

A record 108 independent candidates are contesting in Malaysia’s 15th General Election, stealing some thunder from mainstream politicians.

The Straits Times’ Hairianto Diman meets three colourful independent candidates to find out why they choose to fight the odds in the Malaysian GE.

They are:

Mr Lee Wai Hong, a 42-year-old website designer (contesting the Seputeh seat)

Mr Kuan Chee Heng, a 59-year-old social activist (contesting the Puchong seat)

Ms Siti Kasim, a 59-year-old lawyer and social activist (contesting the Batu seat)

Read more: https://str.sg/wjwb

Follow ST's Malaysia GE microsite: https://www.straitstimes.com/malaysia-elections

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast regularly here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E7: Malaysia GE2022: Unpredictable election enters final stretch - Across The Causeway

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Cheow Sue-Ann on Nov 14.

First-time voters, multiple political coalitions, and flash floods are just a few factors that make Malaysia's general election unpredictable. Hairianto Diman reports on what's at stake in the national polls.

Read more: https://str.sg/wjwb

Follow ST's Malaysia GE microsite: https://www.straitstimes.com/malaysia-elections

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast regularly here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E1: China and the US have to 'co-exist or co-destruct': Asian Insider Special

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: This is a special episode of Asian Insider, featuring China correspondent Danson Cheong and US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh.

China correspondent Danson Cheong in Beijing and US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh in Washington DC discuss with ST's Cheow Sue-Ann, the key takeaways from the meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.

The two men met in person for the first time during Mr Biden's presidency on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia.

Relations between the two superpowers have deteriorated in recent years as they clashed over a range of issues including Taiwan and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Penelope Lee

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Danson Cheong on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E16: ‘War is fun’? - Speaking of Asia

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he chats with Dr. Edward Luttwak, the famed American expert on war strategy

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:23 Putin provided Nato with an enemy

12:37 Wars fought by single boy families

18:11 Is war in Asia inevitable?

21:52 Standoff wars, cyber and space

26:36 Nato expands eastward

32:36 Great State Autism

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Eden Soh and Fa'izah Sani

Follow the Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E6: Battles to watch - Nomination Day for Malaysia GE2022: Across The Causeway

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 11:41:42 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

With the candidates for all 222 parliamentary seats confirmed, Malaysia’s 15th general election is underway. ST's Hairianto Diman hosts Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh, who weighs in on the key battles to watch after nomination closed on Saturday, Nov 5.

This hotly-contested election will see several multi-cornered fights, especially in key battleground states where the three biggest coalitions - Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, and Perikatan Nasional - are vying to capture the most number of seats to form the next government.

Read more: https://str.sg/wjwb

Follow ST's Malaysia GE microsite: https://www.straitstimes.com/malaysia-elections

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast regularly here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Shannon Teoh's articles: https://str.sg/wzyK

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E17: In a Beijing park, the elderly take a second shot at love: Letter From The Bureau

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei.

The idea of senior citizens looking for romance is no longer a stigma as older Chinese people become more affluent and seek out the better things in life. And Changpuhe Park is where they often find it.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:59 Covid-19 put a stop to a twice-weekly ritual in a public park next to the famous Tiananmen Square

3:07 The quiet but picturesque setting for the seniors romance

4:57 The idea of a complete family unit shapes expectations

6:59 Are the children ok with parents looking for romance?

9:30 Some entrepreneurial mainlanders are making money off loneliness

11:10 Is this a story where they live happily after?

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/lonely-elderly-park-their-reservations-and-look-for-love

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Website:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Aw Cheng Wei's articles: https://str.sg/wzce

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E90: In Asia’s ‘summit month’, Biden will attend G-20 and Asean meets: Asian Insider

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents Asian views of the United States.

In this episode on regional summitry, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Professor Simon Tay, chair of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and non-resident Singapore Ambassador to Greece; and Thitinan Pongsuthirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. (Headline amended to reflect Oct 28 White House statement that President Biden will attend Asean summits in Cambodia).

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:24 Asean had a good run in the 1990s, even 2000s, but now we see China and the US locked in conflict and picking Asean apart.

8:25 Avoiding the Cold War mentality of a great schism is the key

11:14 There is a sense of foreboding on the direction of the US-China relationship, but the commentariat in the west is not always helpful

17:13 The Americans have also been active, choosing partners to bandwagon against China

18:50 Over the past decade divisive issues within Asean have grown - including over Myanmar and the Mekong

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa’izah Sani

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E18: China, the US, and national security: Power Play

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the national security messaging that Washington and Beijing have been putting out recently in the US National Security Strategy and China’s 20th Party Congress. How might that affect what US-China competition looks like, going forward?

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:47 The Biden administration’s National Security Strategy

3:50 Xi Jinping’s speech at the 20th Party Congress

6:12 China's drive for self-sufficiency

7:18 Prospects for US-China cooperation

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel Mondays to Fridays and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E15: Avoiding war over Taiwan: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts Mr Drew Thompson, a former top official in the Pentagon who helped handle military to military relations with China and Taiwan. Mr Thompson, now Senior Visiting Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, discusses the state of cross-Straits relations, American posture on Taiwan and his assessment of Chinese President Xi Jinping's likely approach on Taiwan after the 20th Party Congress.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:40 Cross-Straits tensions not new, but use of force is not off the table

9:10 Why the US has not changed policy, but has changed its approach

15:18 On Nancy Pelosi's visit: 'China chose to over-react'

21:15 Why Taiwan could succeed in a conflict

28:05 Could tensions ease after Xi Jinping gets his third term?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E5: Malaysia triggers snap polls, Malaysian King ‘disappointed’ at current political developments: Across The Causeway

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Cheow Sue-Ann on Oct 10.

In a statement just issued by the Palace, the King expresses his "disappointment at current political developments", leaving him with no choice but to assent to the Parliament's dissolution. This, so that the mandate can be returned to the people to "elect a stable government".

ST's Malaysia correspondent Ram Anand shares more about this development.

S1E4: Malaysian PM says he may propose early election during meeting with King: Across The Causeway

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Hairianto Diman on Oct 6.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Oct 6, that he may discuss the dissolution of Parliament in his audience with Malaysia's King in the evening, but refused to be drawn into whether this would leave the scheduled presentation of next year's budget on Friday moot.

ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh shares more about this development.

S1E16: Tree huggers' outcry as Japan plans to chop thousands of trees to pursue development: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe. They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Japan correspondent Walter Sim.

Ahead of, ironically, the World Horticultural Exposition in 2027, a row of 280 sakura trees in Yokohama are due to be chopped down for roads to be widened Across Japan, trees - some of which are more than a century old - will be felled in urban areas and public parks to make way for gleaming sports complexes, glamping sites, shopping malls and office buildings - not to mention the large plots of forests that have been levelled to place solar panels.

Tree huggers nationwide claim that the authorities are paying lip service to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:05 Growing pushback against plans across Japan to chop trees down

5:35 How Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Gaien area is in itself, a tourist attraction with its 1,000 century-old trees

7:10 How tree lovers are arguing their case

9:25 Are Japanese politicians reacting at the national level?

Read Walter Sim’s article here: https://str.sg/wHYB

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Eden Soh

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Walter Sim's articles: https://str.sg/wHY2

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E89: Why US views on resilience and not engaging China may not help South-east Asia: Asian Insider

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents Asian views of the United States.

The United States' Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) has been welcomed in much of the region - though with some wariness over the geopolitical agenda given that China is by far, every South-east Asian country's largest trading partner.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Dr. Pavida Pananond, Professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University, in Bangkok, alongside Tan Dawn Wei, The Straits Times' Beijing-based China bureau chief.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:30 South-east Asian concerns over trade and supply chain pillars; how countries view resilience

5:54 Not all countries look at “friend shoring” the same way the US does

6:49 China firmly entrenched in region but taking anything for granted and why it's not too concerned the US' IPEF will dislodge that

9:42 Chinese concern about US "friend shoring", decoupling and accelerating self-sufficiency

13:47 Why South-east Asia still depends on external markets; IPEF is a late entrant in the theatre

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E17: Chips, the ‘new oil’: Power Play

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing. They discuss semiconductor chips and why - and how - America and China are fighting over them. What are their strategic vulnerabilities? And what is the state of play?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:01 The importance of securing chip supply chains

3:24 How the US is trying to maintain its lead and how China has adapted

7:51 Decoupling of the chip supply chain?

9:36 The rest of the world

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel Mondays to Fridays and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#STAsianInsider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E14: Could India lose its democracy? - Speaking of Asia

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distills his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts Prof Ashutosh Varshney, Director of the Center for Contemporary South Asia and Sol Goldman Professor of International Studies and the Social Sciences at Brown University in the US.

They talk about India’s democratic experience through 75 years of existence as an independent nation. They also discuss past, and recent challenges to democracy, and ask the question: Can India turn authoritarian, or worse?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:45 How appropriate is it to call India "the world’s biggest democracy"?

6:53 Caste and politics, and elite circulation

13:59 A Sri Lankan path for India?

15:45 Could India lose democracy?

21:25 Indian secularism is an indigenous concept

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow Speaking Of Asia Podcast every second Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E3: Wife of Malaysian ex-PM sentenced to 10 years' jail, fined RM970M for corruption: Across The Causeway

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Lynlee Foo on Sept 1.

Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, was sentenced to 10 years' jail and fined RM970 million for corruption.

ST's Malaysia correspondent Ram Anand discusses the development of the case.

S1E15: Why China is lavishing love on villages: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, she chats with ST's China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei.

China is on a rural revitalisation drive, helping villages pull themselves out of poverty and closing the income gap with cities. Will the efforts make an impact?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:12 How important are villages to the Chinese economy?

3:20 Is President Xi Jinping especially committed to the rural economy?

4:58 An eye opening trip to Hunan; top-driven changes only? Are villagers sceptical?

9:32 From a geopolitical angle, what roles do villages play?

11:56 Is village life being romanticised?

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/wzcs

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Eden Soh

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Aw Cheng Wei's articles: https://str.sg/wzce

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E88: After Duterte’s dissonance, Marcos Jr will pivot back to old ally United States: Asian Insider Ep 89

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents Asian views of the United States.

Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will soon visit Singapore and Indonesia, and probably the United States, before the end of 2022 – providing clues as to how he will navigate the increasingly dangerous space of the US-China rivalry in which his country, as a US ally, is a potential frontline state.

The signs are a departure from the truculent style of former President Rodrigo Duterte, notorious for sniping at the US and seemingly veering closer to China. What does the Philippines expect of the United States from now on?

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts two guest experts. One is Marites Vitug, long-time investigative journalist, editor at large of the media organization Rappler, and author of among others, the book “Rock Solid” on the case on the South China Sea, that the Philippines won against China in 2016.

The other is Richard Heydarian, political commentator, columnist and incoming senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:15 Why President Marcos Jr wants to keep relations with all major powers on an even keel?

6:25 Can Marcos Jr walk the talk? How will he react to Chinese incursions, Chinese coast guard presence in the west Philippine sea?

8:00 The US has a high trust rating or favourability among Filipinos, but there are surveys where American alliance reliabilities have been questioned

9:55 Why a results-oriented constructive relationship is what Marcos wants with the US

12:00 The US gave the Philippines 33 million doses of Covid vaccine, versus China's 6 million doses: A big plus for the US and allies in the region?

13:40 A key development to watch: The Enhanced Defense Corporation Agreement, where the US is supposed to forward deployment presence in an event of contingency with Taiwan

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week and rate us:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E1: A ride on the new Laos-China Railway: Asian Insider Special

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

For this episode, she travels along the Laos-China Railway, newly-opened in December 2021.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

1:30 No shops open at train station, but street food saves the day

2:26 Checks, checks and more checks

3:31 The railway song

4:38 Departure from Vientiane, on the dot

5:18 Jagged peaks and banana chips

6:58 Ticket brokers infuriate passengers

9:15 Arrival at Boten, a special economic zone under construction by the Laos-China border

View the sights in this video version: https://str.sg/wDxq

Produced by: Tan Hui Yee (tanhy@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week and rate us:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Hui Yee's stories: https://str.sg/wDqT

Follow Hui Yee on Twitter: https://str.sg/wDqq

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E16: Impact of Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan: Power Play

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the impact of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

How will it affect tensions across the Taiwan Strait? And what mark will it leave on relations between the US and China?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:03 Breaking down China’s reaction to the visit in two main ways

6:13 The US’ hardening resolve to support Taiwan

8:16 China unconvinced by US’ separation of powers

10:00 US-China ties seriously damaged; what else affected besides military talks?

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel Mondays to Fridays and rate us:

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E6: Living with Covid-19 in Singapore and moving beyond

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/

In this sixth and final instalment, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks at how thousands of Singaporeans celebrated the country’s 57th birthday on Aug 9, 2022 at the Marina Bay floating platform. The day before, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said in his National Day message that Singapore was in a much better place in its fight against the coronavirus.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

1:43 Spectators at the parade say life has returned to normal, as they relish being among more than 25,000 attendees

2:45 PM Lee on why Singapore is in a "much better position". This follows a key turning point on April 26, 2022

5:15 Permanent secretary Pang Kin Keong, who heads the Homefront Crisis Executive Group, on how it had been more than two long years of high alert for public servants

6:46 Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on why Singapore will not declare a "Freedom Day" from Covid yet; Omicron subvariants fail to shake confidence

11:00 When will Covid-19 end? Mr Ong on booster shots becoming part of regular life and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on "feeling the stones" as Singapore "crosses the river"

13:32 PM Lee on why unity as a nation is crucial to move beyond this "test of a generation"

Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg ), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Audio snippets: Courtesy of MCI SINGAPORE, PSD Singapore & GOVSG YouTube

Closing music courtesy of NDPeeps' Spotify - Lo-fi cover of Home: https://str.sg/wRhu

Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuJa

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3n

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJy

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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---

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S1E14: Drink scenes in Korean dramas raise a ruckus: Letter From The Bureau

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, she chats with ST's South Korea correspondent Chang May Choon.

Drinks after work are part of daily Korean life but their growing presence in drama serials and variety shows, especially the less regulated streaming platforms, has been raising concern.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:45 Why does soju make star appearances in Korean dramas?

04:13 Alcohol-related crimes are rising

7:05 Do drinking scenes romanticise alcohol, prompt the viewer to drink?

08:37 Tolerance is dropping for use of drunkenness as defence in crime

12:53 South Korea’s new President Yoon has plans to curb drink-related crime

Read Chang May Choon's article here: https://str.sg/waED

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai & Penelope Lee

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Chang May Choon's articles: https://str.sg/waEz

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E60: Controversy over Malaysia's Budget 2023 and Navy scandal: Regional Round-up

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:33:22 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the speculation over Malaysia's Budget 2023 and the scandal-tainted Navy Shipyard project that raises questions in Malaysia's Parliament.

They also cover Indonesia's legislation on domestic coal sales, South Korea's torrential rain, an increased conversation over climate change and what further actions Asean will need to take at the G20 summit in Bali.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E58: US calls China 'irresponsible' amid claims of attack rehearsals around Taiwan: Washington Report

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 03:19:59 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates, chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss China’s aggressive response to Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit, raising fears among US allies and partners in the region such as the Philippines.

In addition, they talk about Senate's passing of the Democrats' $750 billion health care, tax and climate bill which is a significant victory for President Joe Biden and his party.

Produced by: Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E1: China calls current and future action "necessary counter-measures" - Asian Insider Special

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: This ST video livestream was hosted by Cheow Sue-Ann on Aug 4.

The fallout continues from US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's short but controversial trip to Taiwan. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called her visit a 'manic, irresponsible and highly irrational' act by the US.

Beijing has said that "measures taken by China at present and in the future are necessary and timely defensive countermeasures".

Produced by: ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E1: Pelosi in Taiwan: The view from Washington and Beijing - Asian Insider Special

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:19:45 +0000

Synopsis: This ST video livestream was hosted by Hairianto Diman on Aug 3.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh and China correspondent Elizabeth Law discuss the reactions from Washington and Beijing towards US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Produced by: ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Read Elizabeth Law’s articles: https://str.sg/wL8c

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E59: Pelosi's Taiwan visit: Possible repercussions for South-east Asia - Regional Round-up

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 03:24:40 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the potential repercussions for South-east Asia after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Malaysia facing an oversupply of chickens after their export ban and Indonesia temporarily opening access to PayPal for its users after recently blocking it.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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S1E57: Xi to face major economic challenges in potential third term: China Perspective

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 03:27:28 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

In this week's China Perspective the team discusses how China's reaction to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan differ from back in 1997 when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich of the US House of Representatives there.

They also chat about China signaling that it could miss its 5.5 per cent economic growth target and the major economic challenges would China President Xi Jingping could face in his potential third term.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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S1E57: New York City epicentre of US monkeypox public health emergency: Washington Report

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:18:11 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss US President Joe Biden's two-hour phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

They also chat about the rise of monkeypox cases in the US plus the US House of Representatives passing of a sweeping legislation to subsidise the country's semiconductor industry.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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---

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S1E2: Malaysia's ban on party-hopping will affect how candidates choose parties: Across The Causeway

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Hairianto Diman on July 29.

Collectively known as the Anti-Hopping Law, the new constitutional rules are now expected to be passed by the Senate. They could be gazetted as early as September, putting them in force before Malaysia faces its next general election, which must be held by September 2022.

ST's Malaysia correspondent Ram Anand discusses the significance of the new Bill.

Produced by: ST Video

Edited by: ST Video and Eden Soh

Follow Across The Causeway Podcast regularly here:

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---

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S1E58: Indonesia, China vow stronger ties: Regional Round-up

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 03:47:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss highlights from Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to China, former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak changing the defence team representing him in court and regional reactions with regards to Myanmar junta's execution of four activists.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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---

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S1E56: Evergrande appoints new CEO, will things change up for the troubled company? - China Perspective

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 03:43:22 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

In this week's China Perspective the team discusses China's reaction to Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan to a new CEO for China Evergrande Group and the expectant change in dynamics within the company. Plus China fining ride-hailing giant Didi 8.026 billion yuan, is the tech crackdown in the country not over just yet?

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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---

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S1E56: China heightens warning to US over possible Pelosi visit to Taiwan: Washington Report

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 03:36:27 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the key takeaways from the final Congressional hearing into the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

They also chat about China issuing stark private warnings to the Biden administration about a possible trip to Taiwan in August by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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---

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S1E1: Malaysia’s Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz spearheading Umno’s charge to regain Selangor: Across The Causeway

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Hairianto Diman on July 22.

Malaysia's Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz will be appointed treasurer of Selangor Barisan Nasional at a ceremony graced by the Umno-led coalition’s top state leaders on Sunday (July 31), confirming months of rumours that he is being groomed to be among the next generation of leaders for Malaysia’s grand old party.

ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh shares more about this development.

S1E57: Malaysia rejects Jho Low's settlement deal for 1MDB scandal: Regional Round-up

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 03:58:46 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss ex-Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's possible next move after being asked to leave Singapore.

They also cover the latest from Malaysia's Lower House meetings and the rejected attempts by financier Jho Low to reach a settlement in the 1MDB scandal.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E55: Is China back to square one in fight against Covid? - China Perspective

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:47:18 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the Covid-19 situation in China, with case numbers increasing once again. Also, highlights from Chinese Premier Xi Jinping visit to Xinjiang last week and the possibility of China stumbling into its own mortgage crisis.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E5: The screaming schoolgirls of Kelantan

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special series, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed.

In this episode, we revisit the spate of mass hysteria in Malaysia's north-eastern state of Kelantan to find out why the disorder is more prevalent among schoolgirls.

ST regional correspondent Jia Ning Tan speaks to Ustaz Abd Rashid Ahmad, faith healer and spokesman of an Islamic medical facility called Darussyifa, and Mr Robert Bartholomew, a medical sociologist and co-author of Mass Hysteria in Schools: A Worldwide History Since 1566.

She also interviews a woman who had a brush with mass hysteria as a schoolgirl and wants to be identified only as Nur.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

1:53 The Ketereh Secondary School in Kelantan gripped by a fast-spreading screaming plague in July 2018

3:31 Students say they saw a tall, dark figure in the school compound

4:57 Ustaz Abdul Rashid Ahmad says the tall, dark figure is an evil spirit that possesses the weak-minded

9:29 Scientists conduct an experiment to prove that people could be tricked into perceiving ghosts

11:52 Mr Bartholomew describes Kelantan’s screaming schoolgirl occurrences as a collective stress reaction

15:08 Girls and women are more likely to experience mass hysteria than men

19:17 Nur says the mass hysteria episode that happened to her has left a permanent mark

Produced by: Tan Jia Ning (jianing@sph.com.sg), Magdalene Fung (magfung@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Penelope Lee and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow The Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia podcast series here every third Tuesday of the month till July:

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---

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Special edition series:

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

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

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---

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S1E55: Analysing US President Joe Biden's trip to the Middle East: Washington Report

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:30:04 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss US President Joe Biden's first presidential trip to the Middle East where he confronted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

They also chat about former US President Donald Trump's potential return to Washington DC for the first time since he left office.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E87: "Quad-father" Shinzo Abe's legacy to Japan, India and a free and open Indo-Pacific: Asian Insider

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Dr Aparna Pande, Research Fellow & director of Hudson Institute's Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia, and ST's Japan correspondent Walter Sim.

When news of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination on July 8 broke upon a disbelieving world, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was possibly the first leader to declare national mourning with the Indian flag at half-staff throughout the land – and then blogged about his "dear friend".

The Japan-India relationship is a long one, and it suits both to see the other rise because, among other commonalities, neither considers the other a threat. And under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan is set to continue on the same track.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:15 Why Japan will pursue a more muscular foreign policy following Abe's legacy

4:55 Public sentiment on revision of Japan's pacifist constitution that was drafted by the United States, which came into force in 1947

7:50 Abe popularly known as the "Quad-father": How important is his legacy to a free and open Indo-Pacific?

11:25 Why Japan could become more of a consensus leader if sustained US presence in Asia does not pan out in coming years

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E15: An “Asian Nato"? - Power Play

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the prospect or possibility of an "Asian Nato".

Nato is the well-known US-led military alliance in Europe. But how likely is a similar scenario in Asia? And what will this mean for China, which has been vocal about its concerns?

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:40 What recently triggered this talk of an "Asian Nato"? What was China's response?

2:31 Are we seeing the makings of an "Asian Nato”? How did we get to this point?

4:45 A solidifying shift against China in the region?

8:17 Will we see Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea join Nato?

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

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S1E56: Future of Sri Lanka in question: Regional Roundup

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 03:10:25 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss Malaysia and Philippines' respective ongoing struggles with Covid-19, the battle between Malaysia and Indonesia in palm oil exports, and the future of leadership in Sri Lanka following the current president's recent removal from power.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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S1E1: How Chinese money transformed Cambodian coastal town Sihanoukville: Asian Insider

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 01:21:05 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar hosts ST’s Indochina bureau chief Tan Hui Yee.

They talk about China’s presence especially in this region in light of Hui Yee's recent reporting trip to Cambodia. She visited Sihanoukville, a quiet coastal town which has been transformed by Chinese investment.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, a flood of Chinese casino and hotel investments brought a construction boom to the Cambodian coastal city.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:00 The transformation of Sihanoukville

3:55 How do residents in Sihanoukville feel? Did Cambodian businesses feel sidelined?

6:52 Surveys of regional policymakers, academicians and businessmen show China is the least trusted country in the region; but is this feeling as intense on the ground in countries like Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia?

10:25 Chinese loans, Laos and fears that it could become the next Sri Lanka, with a high debt burden

16:10 Other big China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region: Are they proceeding as planned?

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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S1E54: Public scepticism grows over China's response to increasing Covid-19 cases: China Perspective

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:05:42 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They review the results of a survey that illustrated the public's willingness to stay in China, and the discussion US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the topic of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Vikraman Venketasubramanian

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---

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S1E13: A feminist foreign policy for Asia? - Speaking Of Asia

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts Ms Eirliani Abdul Rahman, former Singapore diplomat and co-founder of the Berlin-backed Global Diplomacy Lab, to discuss if a feminine foreign policy (FFP) could prove a balm for global conflicts and tension points such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and the South China Sea. They also discuss the role of women diplomats and ask the question: What would it take for Asian nations to have more feminist-oriented external policies?

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:54 What is feminine foreign policy (FFP)? Could FFP be applied in the context of Ukraine and Afghanistan?

8:50 Where is Singapore in the FFP space?

10:08 How FFP principles would help in solving the South China Sea dispute

12:20 Women in diplomacy vs masculinity in foreign policy; do women diplomats feel a need to act like men?

15:30 What can Asian foreign ministries do to promote FFP?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

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---

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S1E1: Is Japan's coalition heading for an Upper House election win? - Asian Insider

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 03:23:12 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses East Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' Japan correspondent Walter Sim chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss Japan's upcoming Upper House election, the importance of a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) win and the battle for the Okinawa prefectural constituency.

Produced by: Walter Sim (waltsim@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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S1E55: Can Malaysia tame inflation with back-to-back rate hikes? - Regional Roundup

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 03:35:27 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss Malaysia’s central bank Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) increasing the overnight policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25 per cent, to tame inflation.

They also cover how Malaysian authorities are not indicating when they will lift their chicken export ban, and highlights of Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to Ukraine and Russia, and the Chinese foreign minister’s ‘advice’ to Myanmar.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E53: Eastern China cities tighten Covid curbs: China Perspective

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:20:26 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

The team discusses China tightening Covid-19 curbs for cities in the eastern part of the country. Also, China has hit back at New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s comments on them.

They also chat about Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, coming out to defend China’s style of ruling Hong Kong.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E54: Most Americans do not want Biden to run for presidential re-election: Washington Report

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 03:13:48 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

The team discusses US President Joe Biden’s plans to protect women travelling for abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Also, according to a poll, 71 per cent of Americans do not want Biden to run for re-election.

They also chat about whether it is fair for Boeing to take out their frustrations on the US after losing a business deal to rivals.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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---

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S1E13: China relaxes pandemic travel curbs but this does not feel like a new phase: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's China correspondent Elizabeth Law.

China, which has maintained some of the world's strictest entry requirements, eased its quarantine policy for international arrivals in late June, 2022.

It was the most significant relaxation of curbs since the Covid-19 pandemic began, but does it mean Beijing is ready to be more tolerant of the virus?

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:15 Elizabeth Law on recovering from Covid in a Shanghai hospital

4:13 Motivation behind China's decision to cut quarantine for international travellers; a big change from China’s Covid-zero approach?

9:17 Does living with the virus mean “lying flat”, the translation of the Chinese phrase "tang ping"?

12:59 What is “strategic disobedience”?

16:23 In a politically important year, will the Shanghai and Beijing leaders be impacted by the way they handled the Covid outbreak?

Read Elizabeth Law’s article here: https://str.sg/wL8G

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

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---

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S1E54: Can Indonesia's Jokowi help open dialogue between Russia and Ukraine? - Regional Round-up

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:46:31 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They discuss Malaysia spending 77.3 billion ringgit (S$24.26 billion) in subsidies and cash aid this year to help temper the effects of rising prices.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is attempting to hold peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and lastly, Bank of Thailand's officials have come forward to say that the tightening of the country's monetary policy will not disrupt its recovery.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E52: Are Covid restrictions easing in Beijing as schools reopen? - China Perspective

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 03:50:29 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the G-7’s attempt to compete with China’s formidable Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and how the situation is potentially easing up in Beijing with schools reopening. Chinese President Xi Jinping takes a shot at the US and its allies' opposition to the war in Ukraine at the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) virtual meeting.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E53: Roe v Wade: Could abortion be made legal in the US once again? - Washington Report

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

Roe v Wade is in focus in this episode after The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision overturned abortion rights in the country. How did it come to this? Is there any way abortion rights can be made legal in the US once again?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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S1E5: Singapore's Covid-19 Crisis Communication plan

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this fifth of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks back at how the government communicated its Covid 19 strategy in the first two years of the pandemic. This included bringing back the 1990s sitcom character Phua Chu Kang to persuade people to get vaccinated, and setting up a hotline call centre during the hurried switch to home recovery in late 2021 when the Delta variant raged.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

01:13 Snippet from viral music video featuring actor Gurmit Singh playing Phua Chu Kang; Mr Daniel Lee, an officer from the Ministry of Communications and Information, explains how the video was meant to target those in their 40s and 50s

02:50 Mr Janadas Devan, Chief of Government Communications, on the importance of maintaining public trust

06:54 Learning and adapting: The biggest comms mistake?

08:21 In 2021, the challenge was to get the elderly vaccinated; more music video campaigns rolled out in Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil

11:25 Ms Lam Wy-Ning, deputy director of the Case Management Contact Centre, on setting up and manning the Covid-19 hotline during the difficult Delta variant period; dealing with widespread fear, anxiety, confusion

14:25 Minister for Communications and Information Mrs Josephine Teo in Parliament in March 2022

Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg ), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Audio snippets: Courtesy of MCI SINGAPORE, GOVSG YOUTUBE

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S1E53: Indonesia hopes to export chickens to Singapore soon: Regional Round-up

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

In this week's episode, the team discusses the possible effects of Malaysia’s decision to raise the ceiling price of sugar. Moreover, was stopping their chicken exports a good move?

Indonesian authorities now hope to reach an agreement with Singapore to start exporting chickens in the next few weeks while Cambodia has ignored an appeal to exclude the Myanmar regime’s defence minister from the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E51: China and US presidents to discuss global security issues: China Perspective

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden could be having a video discussion about global security issues in the next one to three months. Their dispute over Taiwan continues to get more heated.

Domestically, President Xi's economy is dangerously slowing, financing for his Belt and Road Initiative has tanked and his Zero Covid policy is flailing. However, we have not seen any objections within China's leadership to any of his policies.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E4: The Mekong River's 'serpent' fire

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special series, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed.

In this episode, we investigate the source of the red and orange fireballs that emerge from the Mekong River once every year.

ST Indochina bureau chief Tan Hui Yee speaks to Dr San Sunthornthanakul, mayor of Phon Phisai municipality, and biologist from Chulalongkorn University Dr Jessada Denduangboripant.

She also interviews Mr Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo, a Laotian filmmaker based in Bangkok, Mr Sompop Khamsawat, a civil servant who is convinced that Naga Fireballs are a hoax.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

01:53 The annual Naga Fireball festival draws large crowd

05:20 The Naga is seen as a celestial guardian, a symbol of abundance and a patron of water

06:30 Dr Jessada dismisses the theory of chemical reaction giving rise to the fireballs

09:00 Mr Thanavorakit traces the fireballs to Laotian soldiers firing bullets into the sky

13:36 Mr Sompop petitioned the authorities for an investigation into the phenomenon

15:45 Dr San says the term “Naga Fireball” is a modern creation

17:38 The health of the Mekong River is failing

Produced by: Tan Jia Ning (jianing@sph.com.sg), Tan Hui Yee (tanhy@sph.com.sg), Magdalene Fung (magfung@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow The Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia podcast series here every third Tuesday of the month till July:

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Read Tan Hui Yee's articles: https://str.sg/wuNL

---

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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

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

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S1E52: Will a potential recession derail US President Biden’s plans for a second term?: Washington Report

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates speaks with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker. They discuss various issues including US President Joe Biden’s administration's focus on tamping down economic pessimism. Biden also plans to speak to President Xi Jinping soon about lifting the tariffs the US had put on China.

Also, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended Covid-19 vaccines for children as young as six months, allowing a nationwide rollout to start.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E14: The prickly issue of Taiwan: Power Play

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every third Friday of the month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the issue of Taiwan, a thorn in relations between the US and China. Those differences were on full display at the recent Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:45 Understanding the US' 'One China' policy

03:05 China's Anti-Secession law; why the US has a "strategic ambiguity" policy

07:15 Why is Taiwan so important to the US?

10:04 Concern at the Shangri la Dialogue over a Ukraine type conflict in East Asia; why Chinese leaders are thinking more deeply about choices before them

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel Mondays to Fridays and rate us:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E52: Malaysia partially lifts its ban on chicken exports: Regional Round-up

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

In this week's Regional Round-up, we talk about Malaysia partially lifting its ban on chicken exports, how the government might introduce a moving ceiling price for consumer products, as well plans to abolish the death penalty. Elsewhere, in Thailand, the growing and consumption of marijuana has been legalized while the situation in Myanmar continues to worsen.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E50: China tightens restrictions with “flash lockdowns” as Covid-19 cases flare-up

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

An increase in cases makes China tighten up restrictions again, but how sustainable are these "flash lockdowns"? On the international front, despite the strong words directed toward the US during Minister Wei's speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue, his meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the summit could indicate that China does not want their relationship with the US to veer into conflict.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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S1E51: Heated discussion between US and China at Shangri-La Dialogue on maritime security

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss the the heated nature of the debate between US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe during the weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, such as US influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Could this affect the US possibly lifting its tariffs on China?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E1: Japan's ties with Asean are not waning, says PM Fumio Kishida's aide: Asian Insider

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: This special episode was recorded on the eve of the Shangri La Dialogue, held here in Singapore from June 10-12.

The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar hosts Mr Koichiro Matsumoto, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs and director of Global Communications for the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan. PM Fumio Kishida will make a keynote address at this year’s Shangri La Dialogue.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:13 Mr Matsumoto counters media claims in Japan that the country's influence in South-east Asia is fading

07:45 What is causing Japan’s stance on Taiwan to change?

11:10 After new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May, would Japan like to see South Korea become a member of the Quad (featuring the United States, India, Australia and Japan)?

12:37 China is a vital partner for Singapore and most nations across Asia; is it a good idea for China and Taiwan to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)?

15:40 How the Japanese government shapes policy-making as public opinion surveys show there is support for a stronger stance on Japan’s territorial disputes with China

22:25 Finally, as Japan reopens borders, what Mr Matsumoto recommends for tourists from Singapore and South-east Asia wanting to visit the country again

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Eden Soh

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E12: Is Asia’s security outlook poised to worsen? - Speaking of Asia

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every second Friday of the month, join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts James Crabtree, executive director for Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), ahead of this week's Shangri La Dialogue (June 10-12), which is organised by IISS and is resuming in-person after a two-year gap. They discuss the evolving Asian security environment, lessons from the Ukraine crisis and chances of a Nato-like formation taking shape in Asia.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:58 Russia's invasion of Ukraine: Lessons for Asia

05:27 What lessons from Ukraine will China learn, when it comes to South China Sea, or Taiwan?

07:44 Is the US now fully back in Asia?

12:40 What does Beijing's attempt to sign a mega security deal with the Pacific Island nations say about Chinese power?

15:14 Has the arrival of Anthony Albanese in power changed things for Australia?

19:11 Is an "Asian Nato" bloc inconceivable?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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---

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S1E51: Malaysia’s PM under pressure to call for early elections: Regional Round-up

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

In this week's episode, they talk about Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob being pressured to call for early elections. This is alongside Malaysia's King calling for all political issues to be resolved immediately.

Indonesia has introduced new measures to boost the country's tourism sector. The situation in Myanmar continues to take turns for the worse. Singapore and Brunei have also renewed their commitment to further partnerships in the agri-food sector.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E49: Why is China lobbying for more support from the Pacific Islands? - China Perspective

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They discuss why is China so focused on lobbying for more support from the Pacific Islands and how US President Joe Biden has asked his team to look at the option of lifting some tariffs on China.

In addition, Australia has accused a Chinese fighter jet of carrying out dangerous manoeuvres, threatening the safety of one of its maritime surveillance planes over the South China Sea. What are China's reactions to these issues?

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E49: President Biden’s urge for a ban on assault weapons: Washington Report

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

Today, we discuss US president Joe Biden's urge for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, the reason for Donald Trump's former White House officials Mark Meadows and Dan Scavino's charges of criminal contempt of Congress, not being pursued.

The team also discusses China's firm opposition to trade talks between the US and Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting with leaders from all 10 Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic relations with China, and international reaction to North Korea firing missiles toward the sea off its east coast yesterday.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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S1E12: With new airport, mountains, street food and art in Thailand’s deep south beckon tourists: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Indochina bureau chief Tan Hui Yee.

Much has changed in Betong during the pandemic. It is a district wedged on the southern tip of Thailand, after a 1hr 45min flight from Bangkok.

In the absence of visitors, street artists have transformed ageing shophouses with stunning murals. Dim sum dishes still rule there. But with tourism revenue evaporating following the pandemic, the district's businesses hope its new airport will bring back visitors.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:11 Are tourists returning to Thailand after easing of Covid restrictions?

04:28 Why Singaporean tourists can consider visiting peaceful Betong?

06:38 Dim sum, good street food - pre-and post-pandemic

11:40 How local street art emerged during the pandemic

14:26 Betong’s International Airport finally opens after delays

Read Hui Yee’s article here: https://str.sg/w2Hc

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s stories: https://str.sg/whNo

Read Tan Hui Yee's stories: https://str.sg/i4iR

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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---

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S1E50: Prospects for PKR in the next Malaysia election? - Regional Round-up

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Adrian Abraham, sitting in for Elliott Danker.

In this week's Regional Roundup, we talk about issues surrounding the chicken export ban in Malaysia, the prospects for PKR in the next Malaysia election, the discussion between Vietnam and Thailand about raising rice prices together, and a tragic incident where a ferry ran out of fuel and sank off the coast of Indonesia.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi

---

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

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S1E48: The road to recovery begins as Shanghai eases Covid restrictions: China Perspective

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham who is sitting in for Elliott Danker.

Shanghai is to ease Covid-19 restrictions and help businesses recover. Many are skeptical about UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet's report after her visit to China. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met up with his Pacific Island counterparts in Suva to establish a trade and security pact.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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---

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

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S1E48: Uvalde shooting once again puts gun laws at the top of US agenda: Washington Report

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates - standing in for ST's US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh - shares how the US is reacting to and coping with these local and international issues. He speaks with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham, sitting in for Elliott Danker.

They discuss how the school shooting in Texas has once again raised many questions surrounding the right to bear arms in the United States, and the US' involvement in Asia continuing with the US-led Asia-Pacific trade initiative.

They also debate President Joe Biden's comments on its support of Taiwan against China. The US has also expressed concern with regard to the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet's visit to the Xinjiang region.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi

---

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

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S1E86: How Covid restrictions are choking China's economy: Asian Insider

Thu, 26 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Dr. Lurong Chen, senior economist from the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia alongside Tan Dawn Wei, The Straits Times' China bureau chief.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:30 China’s economic impact due to Covid policies

04:08 Will China reassess its strict policies?

05:15 Concerns over China’s supply chain

09:20 Will China’s economic situation affect regional inflation?

11:20 Is China concerned about food security?

16:34 Endemic fatigue in China and its political implications

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Eden Soh

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E49: Economic repercussions of Malaysia curbing chicken exports: Regional Round-up

Wed, 25 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Adrian Abraham, sitting in for Elliott Danker.

In this week's episode, we discuss US President Joe Biden’s new trade initiative in the region, Malaysia’s decision to curb the export of chickens, and the firing of Vietnam’s general director of its main Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E47: Why China may now seem less attractive to foreign investments: China Perspective

Tue, 24 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham, who is sitting in for Elliott Danker.

How will the worsening political and regulatory issues in China affect its attractiveness to foreign investors? The team discusses this and other stories such as the major Asia economic deal announced by the US and how effective it might be in raising its economic profile to counter China.

And will the UN's human rights chief Michelle Bachelet's visit to China uncover some of its human rights violations?

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E47: Analysing Joe Biden's first trip to Asia as US president: Washington Report

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham, sitting in for Elliott Danker.

In this week's episode, they discuss several challenges that the US administration is facing. US president Joe Biden is continuing his meetings around Asia to address pressing matters such as North Korea's military testing and Japan-South Korea relations. The US administration will also host next month’s The Summit of the Americas.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E13: The US' and China’s courtship of Asean: Power Play

Thu, 19 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the US and China, and their ongoing courtship of South-east Asia and Asean.

May 12 and 13 saw US President Biden hosting Asean leaders to a special summit, and most of them descended on Washington. Eight out of 10 were there, except for the Myanmar junta leader and the Philippines, which had just had an election.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:45 Why the US wants to show it can be a reliable partner to South-east Asia and Asean

02:45 Reading the view in Beijing towards this summit; why Asean countries don't want to choose between both powers

04:30 The 3 key outcomes from the summit; why the US is still playing a catch-up game

07:53 Why the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework - America’s soon-to-be-released strategy for economic engagement in the region was the elephant in the room at the summit

08:55 Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong said US participation in the Asia-Pacific must also consist of economic cooperation, not just security and defence

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Eden Soh and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel Mondays to Fridays and rate us:

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---

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S1E48: Much anticipated debate between Anwar Ibrahim and Najib Razak lacked substance: Regional Round-up

Wed, 18 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Adrian Abraham, sitting in for Elliott Danker.

In this week's episode, we discuss the sentiments surrounding the live debate between Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Najib Razak are mixed. Vivian Balakrishnan visited the country as well to strengthen its ties with Singapore. The recently concluded US-ASEAN summit renews their ties as well. Lastly, the election for the Bangkok governor could be an indication of how the next national polls will go.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

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---

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S1E44: Shanghai residents sceptical of lifting of Covid restrictions: China Perspective

Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham who is sitting in for Elliott Danker.

The team discusses how China's zero-Covid policy is taking a toll on its economy and if Shanghai's Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted any time soon. Also, are China's recent PLA exercises an indication that it is one step closer to making a move on Taiwan?

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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S1E3: The ghost ship in the Strait of Malacca

Mon, 16 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special series, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed.

In this episode, we find out what might have happened to 'Ourang Medan' a distressed vessel sailing the Strait of Malacca in the 1930s - 1940s and the gruesome but mysterious death of its crew.

ST's Indonesia correspondent Linda Yulisman speaks with Mr Sayed Fauzan Riyadi, maritime researcher from the Raja Ali Haji Maritime University in Riau, Indonesia, and former commander of Indonesian Navy Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh.

She also interviewed Mr Siswanto Rusdi, executive director of Indonesia’s National Maritime Institute, and Dr Eric Frecon, adjunct fellow at the French Naval Academy who has written a book on piracy in Indonesian waters titled Chez les Pirates d’Indonésie.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

3:30 A bizarre SOS message being traced to S.S. Ourang Medan

9:43 Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh says the crew could have inhaled poisonous gases leaked from its cargo.

14:12 Mr Sayed Fauzan believes it was likely an attack by Indonesian freedom fighters against a Dutch-owned asset.

17:45 Mr Siswanto says the Strait of Malacca has been a perennially piracy hotspot for more than a millennium.

20:00 Dr Frecon describes the more ambitious sea robbers as town pirates who aren't afraid to steal a cargo ship to sell it again.

20:50 Even with improved safety measures, seafarers in the Strait of Malacca remain vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and other dangers.

Produced by: Tan Jia Ning (jianing@sph.com.sg), Linda Yulisman (ylinda@sph.com.sg), Magdalene Fung (magfung@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow The Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia podcast series here every third Tuesday of the month till July:

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---

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Special edition series:

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S1E47: Agenda behind Indonesia's president Joko Widodo's meeting with Elon Musk: Regional Round-up

Wed, 11 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, they discuss the outcome of the Philippine elections and how it might affect the country. Will Johor's new policies be effective to curb migration to Singapore?

And finally, what is the agenda behind Indonesia's president Joko Widodo's meeting with Elon Musk?

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

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Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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---

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---

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S1E43: Expected impact of Hong Kong's new chief executive John Lee's leadership: China Perspective

Tue, 10 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

Despite public disapproval, China believes its zero-Covid policy will help save lives and help the country continue to be productive. But with businesses in Shanghai and Beijing not operating, economists are keeping a close eye on its economy.

The team also discusses former security chief John Lee as Hong Kong's new chief executive, and what impact his leadership will have on international affairs and public freedom.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E46: Why US does not want to be seen as co-combatant in Russia-Ukraine war: Washington Report

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, they discusses several issues. Why are former US intelligence officers asking Ukraine to stop boasting about the support from US forces? How will the demise of the Roe v. Wade abortion rights affect tech companies?

Cambodian minister Kao Kim Hourn has said that US President Joe Biden should "treat Asean leaders with respect" and spend "useful time" with them to improve ties. Will this affect the upcoming US-Asean summit?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E4: Singapore's mask U-turn and other Covid-19 lessons

Sun, 08 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book, detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores now. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/

In this fourth of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks back at the lessons Singapore learnt from fighting the pandemic. Two, in particular, stood out: The need to quickly adapt its policies as more was known about the coronavirus in the first half of 2020, and how being prepared helped its fight.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

02:18 Two biggest lessons that Singapore's government learnt from the pandemic

04:25 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reflects on the U-turn on wearing masks

05:03 Then-Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on the importance of changing national direction when assumptions are no longer valid

06:20 Minister Lawrence Wong says the multi-ministry task force was guided by science but had to be flexible

09:00 The big bet on buying vaccines early during the coronavirus outbreak

14:53 Lessons on how to tweak future lockdowns

15:25 Using Covid-19 as a rehearsal for the Big One that is yet to come, the dreaded Disease X

Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg ), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:

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Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe

---

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S1E11: World’s first vegetarian train flags off hopes and doubts in India: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 05 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's India correspondent Debarshi Dasgupta.

In December 2021, passengers boarded the Shri Ramayana Express, a special train that covers pilgrimage destinations associated with Hindu god Lord Ram over 17 nights. They were on what was billed as the "world's first train" to get a vegetarian certification. Everything served to them during the journey was vegetarian, so the pilgrims had nothing to fret about when it came to food.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:20 World’s first vegetarian-certified food served on train in India; about the vegetarian food safety regulator Sattvik Council of India, a private initiative of entrepreneur Abhishek Biswas

04:21 Sattvik council - the meaning behind Sattvik and its diet

06:52 Demand for certified vegetarian food in India and also, around the world

14:26 Common misconception that majority of Indian population are vegetarians

16:11 When choice of being a vegetarian becomes a political issue

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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---

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The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E46: The race to be Bangkok's next governor: Regional Round-up

Wed, 04 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, they discuss the resumption between Singapore and Malaysia via public buses and cross-border taxis, the record number of 30 candidates in the race to be Bangkok's next governor, and foreign intervention possibly being the only hope to mitigate the fuel crisis in Sri Lanka.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

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S1E86: Ex-Google chairman Eric Schmidt says Singapore is perfect technology partner for the US: Asian Insider

Mon, 02 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special episode, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar speaks with Mr Eric Schmidt, the former Google chairman who started the philanthropic initiative Schmidt Futures.

Mr Schmidt, 67, was chief executive of Google (2001-11) and executive chairman of the firm and its successor Alphabet (2011-17). The billionaire now runs Schmidt Futures, a New York-based philanthropic organisation that he co-founded with his wife in 2017 with the ambitious idea of building "a network of the sharpest minds on earth to solve hard problems in science and society".

He was in Singapore last week for his foundation's Asia-focused initiative, which included the S. Rajaratnam Endowment Dialogue jointly presented by his foundation, Temasek Foundation, the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and The Straits Times.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:08 Why the US should win the technology rivalry with China

02:43 Schmidt on how the US needs to lead in semi conductors, artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and why Singapore is the perfect partner because of its knowledge economy

05:08 Ensuring artificial intelligence is not abused, or used for evil

06:50 Schmidt Futures funding programmes to resolve problems in AI now, and why China and the West are not ready to debate uncomfortable issues

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) & ST Video

Edited by: ST Video

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Bhagyashree Garekar’s stories: https://str.sg/whNo

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E45: Will Malaysia’s push forward with minimum wage hike on 1 May help ordinary Malaysians?: Regional Round-up

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, we discuss Malaysia’s worrying downward trend of the Malaysian ringgit and Indonesia’s surprise ban on palm oil exports. Also, could Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra be the next PM?

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E42: Beijing starts mass testing as Covid cases spike: China Perspective

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, we discuss how serious the impact of the potential lockdown will be on Beijing. How will China's security cooperation pact with The Solomon Islands affect international relations and how will China fare in its attempts to help Sri Lanka through its economic crisis?

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E45: Biden administration faces impasse over Covid-19 funding: Washington Report

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, the team discusses Biden’s administration looking to secure more Covid-19 funds for the country, and sending more aid to Ukraine.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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S1E12: Panda diplomacy amid US-China tensions: Power Play

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the US' National Zoo celebrating its 50th "pandaversary" and China's most significant mode of animal diplomacy.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:28 How Americans view the National Zoo's pandas

03:10 Animal diplomacy: Pandas serve as friendly ambassadors and bridges of friendship

04:51 US panda cub Xiao Qiji, conceived via artificial insemination

07:48 Haiguis: a term also used for pandas born in the US and returned to China

09:03 How tensions between US and China could affect panda conversation efforts

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E44: Troubled Sri Lanka asks IMF for financial support: Regional Round-up

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

Dr. Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, we discuss the latest news of troubled Sri Lanka making a request to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) support to mitigate supply chain issues.

Taiwan records a spike in Covid-19 cases recently and the Indonesian government's latest survey reveals that almost all Indonesians have developed antibodies against Covid-19.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E41: Statistics reveal China's economy has beaten expectations: China Perspective

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker.

In this week's episode, they discuss the latest data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics, how the country’s economy beat expectations, the growing defiance in Shanghai due to the lockdown, and China's space ambitions.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Follow ST Podcasts channel:

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Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP

Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

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Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E2: General Yamashita’s lost gold

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special series, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed.

In this episode, we follow the trail of fabled treasure stashed in tunnels and caves by retreating Japanese soldiers who found themselves with nowhere else to go as World War II drew to a close.

ST correspondent Raul Dancel speaks to Mr Arnel Cruz, spokesman of the Treasure Hunters Association of the Philippines, and archaeologist Jose Eleazar Bersales.

He also interviewed political analyst Lucio Pitlo III and retired US Navy officer Manny Paez, who was with a team of experts commissioned by the History Channel for a series on the mysterious buried treasure.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

02:21 General Tomoyuki Yamashita's capture and conviction

04:58 Mr Rogelio Roxas, a common locksmith, discovers a golden Buddha in a network of tunnels

06:19 Word of Mr Roxas’ find reaches the ears of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos

08:59 Mr Manny Paez believes the missing golden Buddha is sitting inside a luxury apartment in New York

13:19 Mr Lucio Pitlo says it might be difficult to recover the dictator's plundered wealth if his son becomes the president

15:25 Mr Arnel Cruz claims there are 17 more golden Buddhas still waiting to be found

16:14 Filipinos' indiscriminate treasure hunting is hurting the country, says Professor Jose Eleazar Bersales

Produced by: Tan Jia Ning (jianing@sph.com.sg), Raul Dancel (rdancel@sph.com.sg), Magdalene Fung (magfung@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow The Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia podcast series here every third Tuesday of the month till July:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3W

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Raul Dancel's articles: https://str.sg/w7CR

---

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

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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

---

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#unsolved

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S1E85: Upcoming Summit to bring Asean Leaders to the White House: Asian Insider

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Elina Noor, Director, Political-Security Affairs and Deputy Director, Washington, D.C. Office at the Asia Society Policy Institute, and Bich Tran, non-resident Adjunct Fellow at the Southeast Asia Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS in Washington D.C.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:39 US' and Asean's expectations on the strong support for Asean centrality

04:55 Vietnam's expectations from the US and the possibility of a shift in Philippines' policy after the election

08:01 Malaysia's and Indonesia's concern with Aukus

10:48 How the Biden administration is viewed in Southeast Asia

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E44: Mental illness and guns - Brooklyn subway shooting in US sparks debate: Washington Report

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they give an analysis of the latest development on the shooting incident aboard a subway car in Brooklyn, US President Joe Biden’s upcoming meeting with Asean leaders, and former president Donald Trump endorsing a celebrity doctor for a US Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Nadhirah Kamarudin

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E3: Inside Singapore's Covid-19 War Room

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this third episode of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan tells the exclusive story of how the decision-makers in Singapore's Covid-19 "war room" managed the pandemic and why it decided to be as transparent as they could with the public.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

01:25 Singapore's then-Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on how he realised back in January 2020, that the new coronavirus outbreak was beyond the efforts of one ministry

03:53 How a high-powered group of civil servants led by permanent secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry - Mr Pang Kin Keong - worked to support the ministers

05:06 Mr Gan on why the multi-ministry task force (MTF) decided to be as transparent as possible about how it dealt with Covid-19

06:44 Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean on his role in creating a structure in how the crisis was managed

08:22 PM Lee Hsien Loong on the aim to be transparent, a chain of command, making decisions guided by data, and differing views in Cabinet

14:37 PM Lee reflects on painful national decisions, such as the closure of Changi Airport and Singapore's "circuit-breaker" lockdown in April 2020

19:50 PM Lee addresses a weary nation to explain the decision to move from a strategy of zero-Covid to living with Covid

Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg ), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuJa

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3n

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJy

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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---

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S1E43: Malaysia’s anti-party hopping law suffers another setback: Regional Round-up

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we discuss the arrest of one of Malaysia's most wanted men who pleaded not guilty to 26 charges, another delay in the enactment of Malaysia's anti-party hopping law, the Philippines government, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s first step towards normalisation.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E40: Ripple effect of China's zero Covid-19 efforts on its economy: China Perspective

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we discuss the latest on Shanghai’s lockdown, to the fourth Chinese billionaire founder-CEO stepping down from his top role and the ripple effect of the country’s zero Covid-19 efforts on its economy.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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S1E43: Analysing Trump Jr's alleged texts on keeping dad in office after election loss: Washington Report

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse texts by Donald Trump Jr. revealing ideas for overturning the 2020 election before it was called, the US State Department discouraging Americans to travel to China, and escalating vulnerabilities from the semiconductor shortage.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E42: Budget airline’s April Fool’s prank that went wrong: Regional Round-up

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we give an analysis of Malaysia's 'strict action’ against the illegal sale of RON95 petrol to foreigners, Indonesia's deployment of a 24-hour police surveillance targeting cooking oil production and distribution, and an April Fool's prank by a budget airline gone wrong.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E39: What is the fate of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ‘common prosperity’ programme?: China Perspective

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we discuss Beijing's reaction to the US' latest ‘warning shot’ on Chinese businesses, the country’s efforts to mend fences with its neighbours and the fate of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ‘common prosperity’ programme.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E42: Donald Trump returns to Michigan to rally his base: Washington Report

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse the US' plan to help transfer Soviet-made tanks to Ukraine, Donald Trump's return to Michigan to rally his base, and a historic move by the Amazon workers in New York to become the first group to vote in favour of unionising at a US facility.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E10: In Sydney, a walk to remember: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Australian correspondent Jonathan Pearlman.

Highlights (click/tap above):

02:21 A new attraction in Sydney as Australia begins to allow visitors

05:36 Australia's former defence minister, John Faulkner, says the trek is a must-do for walkers

08:18 Australia's property prices and the impending elections

15:18 How Covid-19 is affecting Australia's tourism industry

17:51 Jonathan's personal recommendation on what not to miss in Sydney

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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---

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---

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S1E21: Will Hong Kong pivot away from its "zero-Covid" strategy? - Inside Hong Kong

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly.

While Hong Kong is officially clinging to a "zero-Covid" strategy, recent actions suggest it is pivoting away from that at a time when most other major global cities are learning to live with the virus.

Produced by: Claire Huang (huangjy@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Prime Time team

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Follow Inside Hong Kong twice a month on Thursdays on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Claire Huang's articles: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E41: Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines' expansion of their trilateral cooperation: Regional Round-up

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we give an analysis of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines' expansion of their trilateral cooperation in an effort to bolster national security, Myanmar's top general's plan to ‘annihilate’ opposition forces, and the commencement of the Philippines and the United States' largest-ever joint military drills.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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S1E38: Why under-pressure China will comply with sanctions on Russia: China Perspective

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they discuss how China is rejecting speculation that it might try to circumvent international sanctions against Russia, and Shanghai going back into Covid-19 lockdown, and the latest updates regarding the China Eastern Boeing 737-800 crash last week.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E84: World economy now more likely to split into blocs: Asian Insider

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh talks to Dr Adam Posen, the president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, about the world of humanity and nation states breaking into blocs.

00:22 Dr Posen's view on the end of globalisation

04:23 World economy will likely split into blocs

07:38 Economists that feel threatened may have an incentive to move their reserves out of the US

10:17 Europe wants to wean itself off dependence on Russia's oil and gas

14:07 Dr Posen's view on US's Indo-Pacific policy

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Eden Soh

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E41: Biden's first face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian ministers: Washington Report

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they discuss the intensifying personal rivalry between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Biden's first face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian ministers since the Russian invasion.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E2: The global hunt for masks

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this second episode of six instalments, ST's health correspondent Timothy Goh tells the story of how Singapore secretly and quickly despatched individuals and teams overseas from late January 2020, to procure masks and other essential items in the early days of the pandemic.

He reveals how Singapore managed to bring home full-scaled mask-production capabilities on the quiet.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

01:25 Mr Jayakumar Manickam: Managing logistics for ST Logistics in Singapore one day, flying to India secretly the next day to secure a large shipment of masks in India for the Singapore Government

06:20 Mr Chan Chun Sing, who was Minister for Trade and Industry till May 2021, on the calculations for managing Singapore's existing stockpile of masks

07:15 Panic-buying; modern-day mask piracy even on the tarmac in various countries

08:25 Mr Gabriel Lim, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, on the "Wild Wild West-styled" global mask-buying frenzy

08:55 How Singapore quietly made plans to manufacture its own surgical masks with ST Engineering bringing back its machines, stuck in Taiwan, after an export ban on masks there

10:00 ST Engineering’s Gareth Tang on overseeing the operation

15:15 Catching up with ST Logistics’ Lian Yong De in 2022, on the made-in-Singapore mask industry, and Mr Gabriel Lim, on Singapore's capabilities in the face of the possible next big virus variant

In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story retails for $28 (with GST) at major bookstores. It is also available on the Straits Times Press website: https://www.stbooks.sg/

Episode 3 will be out next on April 18, and you can find out the inner workings of Singapore’s Covid-19 War Room.

Listen to Ep 1 on how 24 people saved one life: https://str.sg/wuJa

Produced by: Timothy Goh (timgoh@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:

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---

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S1E83: Shaking up Asia - the Ukraine effect: Asian Insider

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts three guests to discuss the global ramifications of the war in Ukraine.

Yun Sun is a Senior Fellow and co-director of the East Asia Program and director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington DC.

Curtis Chin is a Milken Institute Asia Fellow, and former US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank.

Simon Tay is chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is also Singapore's ambassador to Greece on a non-residential basis.

Highlights (click/tap above):

02:02 Simon Tay on how there might be a misreading of China's more nuanced stance on Russia

05:03 Curtis Chin on Asean's mixed reactions to the Ukraine war, and why the US needs to engage South-east Asia beyond just military security

10:26 Yun Sun on why a quick change of China's position on Russia is unlikely, as President Xi Jinping considers many external and internal factors

13:05 Simon Tay on Asean votes on the Ukraine war at the United Nations' General Assembly; Curtis Chin on countries balancing between their dependencies on Russia and doing what's best for their own citizens

18:22 Yun Sun says China may seriously reconsider any intentions on Taiwan as the Ukraine invasion has shown the extreme global cost of such actions

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani & Teo Tong Kai

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E40: Malaysia’s plan to raise national minimum wage faces local industry protest: Regional Round-up

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse the protest by Malaysian industries against a government plan to raise the national minimum wage, a formal declaration by the Biden administration that Myanmar's army committed genocide against Rohingya, and Marcos Jr.'s boost of support from Rodrigo Duterte’s party ahead of the Philippines' elections.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh & Penelope Lee

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E37: China’s ongoing dilemma with Russia-Ukraine conflict: China Perspective

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, we discuss China’s ongoing dilemma with regards to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China’s spike in Covid-19 cases, and the latest on the Evergrande saga.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E40: Understanding impact of Biden-Xi call over the Ukraine crisis: Washington Report

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they discuss the US' informal push for Turkey to send its Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems to Ukraine, the call between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek a resolution to the war in Ukraine, and Texas wildfires which forced evacuations and wiped out 86 homes.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E20: Hong Kong’s battle with Covid-19: Inside Hong Kong

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Thursday that she was mulling easing some of the city's Covid-19 restrictions due to waning public tolerance.

Meanwhile, according to an estimate of the damage caused by the deadly Omicron wave, about half of Hong Kong’s 7.4 million people have already been infected with Covid-19.

Produced by: Claire Huang (huangjy@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Prime Time team

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Follow Inside Hong Kong twice a month on Thursdays on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E39: What to watch for after BN's Johor state polls electoral win: Regional Round-up

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they break down the latest of Barisan Nasional's major electoral win in Saturday’s Johor state polls, why the Philippines waited 6 weeks before confronting the Chinese ambassador over a navy ship’s ‘illegal intrusion’ and Vietnam’s unclear quarantine and testing rules that left international tourists confused.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Money FM's Dan Koh & ST's Penelope Lee

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's articles: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E36: China's strategy on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: China Perspective

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they discuss Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s announcement to step down from his post in March 2023, with eyes on his successor, China’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the country’s latest battle with Covid-19.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Money FM 89.3's Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's articles: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E39: Fresh sanctions on North Korea by the US, revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal: Washington Report

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, the team discusses the freshly imposed sanctions on North Korea by the US, the impact of Russia's 'most favoured nation' trade status being revoked, and the latest on the revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's The Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E11: China's long game in its Russia relationship over Ukraine crisis: Power Play

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about how the US and China are responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Highlights (click/tap above):

02:50 China realises importance of self-dependency after Russia removed from international finance system

03:41 Mass exodus of US and global companies from Russia not state-directed as well

04:42 How Russian President Vladimir Putin is admired in China

06:52 China's fear of being hit by secondary sanctions in support of Russia

09:40 Why China is unlikely to join the West to pressure Russia more?

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Fa'izah Sani and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Teo Tong Kai

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

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Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E11: EU takes on China's Belt and Road: Speaking of Asia

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, to discuss the Global Gateway strategy.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:26 Main objective of the Global Gateway strategy is to accelerate green and digital transitions globally

04:32 Doubts on raising 300 billion euros (S$450 billion) and funds distribution

07:56 Singapore signed a digital agreement with the European Union (EU)

11:07 The difference between EU's Global Gateway strategy and China's Belt & Road Initiative

14:29 EU's future cooperation with actors in the Indo-Pacific

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani & Paxton Pang

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E38: Much anticipated reopening of Malaysia's international borders: Regional Round-up Ep 38

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse how a heavy downpour that caused flash floods in several places in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week and the reopening of Malaysia's international checkpoints without quarantine for vaccinated travellers from 1st April 2022.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E35: China to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine: China Perspective

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse China's role in promoting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and its rationale behind the urgency and need to call out to Asean to resist external influences.

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh

Follow China Perspective Podcast every Tuesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E1: The plane that vanished into thin air

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: In this special series, The Straits Times dives into some of the greatest unsolved mysteries in South-east Asia, and examines the underlying issues that they exposed.

In this episode, we revisit the mystery of Malaysian flight MH370, the plane that vanished into thin air on 8 March, 2014.

ST's Malaysia correspondent Hazlin Hassan narrates and also speaks with the following guests - French journalist Florence De Changy, who has written her book called The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370, ST's Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh.

She also interviews the husband of a passenger on board MH370 - management consultant K.S. Narendran and Dr Joel Low, a clinical psychologist.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

02:05 Recap on what happened to flight MH370 eight years on

05:55 Crash location: What data and debris washing ashore in six different countries point to

07:55 Theory #1: British retiree Richard Godfrey predicts where the plane crashed

08:43 Theory #2: French journalist Florence De Changy believes that the plane was shot down from above the South China Sea

15:45 ST Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh explains how the information gap has dogged investigations from the very start

20:07 One family member of a MH370 passenger finds catharsis writing about his personal ordeal

22:40 Why alternative theories and wild speculation still proliferate as people struggle to find ways to cope in the aftermath of disaster

Check out ST's interactive special on MH370 at str.sg/mh370

Produced by: Tan Jia Ning (jianing@sph.com.sg), Hazlin Hassan (hazlinh@sph.com.sg), Magdalene Fung (magfung@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Follow The Unsolved Mysteries Of South-east Asia podcast series here every third Tuesday of the month till July:

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Read Hazlin Hassan's articles: https://str.sg/wsys

---

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---

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Special edition series:

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

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S1E38: Ukraine crisis; implications of Finland's interest to join Nato : Washington Report

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's attempt to secure direct Nato help in the Ukraine-Russia conflict ahead of a ceasefire talk, and the implications of Finland’s interest to join Nato.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh & Paxton Pang

Follow Washington Report every Monday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E1: How 24 people saved one life

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this first episode of six instalments, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo tells the story of the ordeal, that Madam Irene Tan went through, after catching Covid-19 in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore, and how, a team quickly rallied around her to save her life.

Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)

01:25 Retired tutor Irene Tan's cautious way of life in February 2020

05:40 Likely exposure from weekly singing classes, where she took her mask off to sing

07:30 The ventilator experience that scarred Madam Tan

11:25 Having her life supported by a machine

12:35 Madam Tan recounts praying to God, before eventually pulling through

14:00 Madam Tan's fighting spirit despite low blood oxygen saturation levels

15:15 Dr Chia Po Ying, 33, a consultant at S'pore's National Centre for Infectious Diseases and one of her doctors, looks back on treatment advances two years on in February 2022

16:00 Madam Tan on her way of life now in 2022

In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story retails for $28 (with GST) at major bookstores. It is also available on the Straits Times Press website: https://www.stbooks.sg/

Listen to Episode 2 on how Singapore joined a global hunt for masks: https://str.sg/wuJa

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuJa

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3n

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---

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S1E9: From caviar to holidays to love, Japan still land of vending machines: Letter From The Bureau

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Japan correspondent Walter Sim.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:26 Decline in the number of vending machines in Japan - is the lure fading?

03:24 Japan's history of vending machines and changes over the years

09:40 Popularity of vending machines on the rise due to the Covid-19 pandemic

12:01 Pros and cons of vending machines - in terms of a business deal

14:55 Weirdest product to come out of a vending machine

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Walter Sim’s stories: https://str.sg/ws6J

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E1: What Ukraine crisis means for Asia: Asian Insider

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments on the Ukraine crisis in this special podcast.

Shockwaves are rippling across the globe as Ukraine comes under a military assault from Russia. What are the implications for Asia? Listen to the panel discussion.

• Prof Kishore Mahbubani, veteran diplomat and distinguished fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore

• Jonathan Eyal, global affairs correspondent, The Straits Times

• Ravi Velloor, associate editor, The Straits Times

The roundtable is moderated by ST foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:21 Is the United Nations (UN) failing in its role?

11:00 How concerning is the Ukraine crisis in Asia?

16:38 Why is Asean taking a back seat in this crisis?

39:45 India's abstention from voting against Russia: What could it mean?

Produced by: ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Teo Tong Kai

Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc

Discover ST podcasts:

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S1E37: Malaysia's stand on Ukraine crisis as Russian oil tanker approaches its shores: Regional Round-up

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

In this week's episode, they analyse how a Russian oil tanker, hit by US sanctions, is heading to Malaysia and putting the country in a bind amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Also, the implications of Myanmar soldiers allegedly taking 80 children as hostages, violating international law, before releasing them. Three different parties in Indonesia are proposing President Jokowi to serve beyond the expiration of his term in 2024.

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Breakfast Huddle team

Edited by: Dan Koh & Fa'izah Sani

Follow Regional Round-up Podcast every Wednesday on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E34: China's stand on Russia's invasion of Ukraine: China Perspective

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:53 US White House calls on China to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine

02:56 Chinese President Xi Jinping urges Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate with Ukraine

04:46 Key topics of National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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

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S1E37: US provides Ukraine with additional US$350 million worth of weapons: Washington Report Ep 37

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates, stands in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:04 US President Joe Biden instructed to release an additional US$350 milllion worth of weapons to Ukraine to repulse Russian invasion

03:19 Impact on Russia: The European Union's sanctions and those of some other countries, such as cutting off bank communications

05:48 Former US President Donald Trump's condemnation of Russia’s invasion despite initial praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin

07:26 Implications of the US Supreme Court's hearing environmental regulation case on the Biden's administration fight against climate change

08:38 Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first black woman in the Supreme Court

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E1: Ukraine ambassador to Singapore on Russian invasion and key issues: Asian Insider

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments on the Ukraine crisis in this special podcast.

Russian President Putin has said that Ukraine belonged in the “Russian sphere” and was not entitled to the right to exist as a sovereign country. Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday (Feb 24), launching the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II.

In an exclusive interview, The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar speaks with Kateryna Zelenko, the Ukraine ambassador to Singapore

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:42 What is the view in Ukraine about the shared history between Ukraine and Russia?

05:05 How important are the two self-proclaimed rebel republics of Donetsk and Luhansk to Ukraine?

10:50 Putin has said "Ukraine does not have the right to (its) sovereignty"; how acceptable is that stance for Ukraine?

18:42 Could Ukraine become the prime source of gas to Europe?

Produced by: ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Teo Tong Kai

Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc

Discover ST podcasts:

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Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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S1E19: Hong Kong ramps up budget as Covid-19 cases increase: Inside Hong Kong

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly.

In this episode, they analyse Hong Kong's announcement of a S$139 billion budget for 2023, its economic prospects and how its citizens feel. Also, the Hong Kong government has invoked emergency powers to allow personnel from China to help combat the latest Covid-19 outbreak.

Produced by: Claire Huang (huangjy@sph.com.sg) & Money FM's Prime Time team

Edited by: Nadiah Koh & Fa'izah Sani

Follow Inside Hong Kong twice a month on Thursdays on our Asian Insider Podcast channel:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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S1E36: Political issues arise ahead of Johor state polls: Regional Round-up Ep 36

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:59 Impact of the European Union's expansion of its sanctions on Myanmar's military junta

02:29 Slow progress of implementing the five-point peace plan between Asean and Myanmar's military junta

03:57 Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says Najib Razak is 'not one bit remorseful' after 1MDB funds scandal, ahead of Johor state polls

05:35 Official negotiations between Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance over, after PKR decides to name its candidates for the remaining 7 seats

06:56 Indonesia seeking to launch a home-grown Covid-19 vaccine, the Merah Putih, in August

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E33: China aims to host Fifa World Cup: China Perspective Ep 33

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:29 China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for negotiations to avoid major conflict over Ukraine

02:26 Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demands a full investigation into a Chinese naval vessel that has pointed a laser at an Australian defence plane

04:04 Possibility of China hosting the Fifa World Cup

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E36: Trump releases 'Truth Social' app in Apple App Store: Washington Report Ep 36

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates, stands in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:56 Heightened fears of a conflict in Ukraine

02:02 Former US President Donald Trump's accounting firm declares his financial statements 'unreliable'

03:16 Trump's new social media venture 'Truth Social' launched in Apple App Store

04:27 Biden administration warns lawmakers that the US have insufficient funds for future Covid-19 variants

05:31 A gun manufacturer in the US unveils a semi-automatic rifle for children

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E10: Eileen Gu at centre of Winter Olympics' foreign talent and nationalism issues: Power Play Ep 10

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Eileen Gu, an 18-year-old San Francisco-born skier, known in China by her Chinese name Ailing, has won hearts with her Beijing-accented Mandarin. Eileen had competed for the United States team when she was younger but switched to compete for China in 2019. At the time of recording, she has won two medals for China in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, one gold, one silver.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:37 Perception of Eileen Gu, a freestyle skier trained in America, competing for China at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

04:07 18-year old Eileen Gu has to defend her identity as being equally Chinese and American

06:29 Athletes who hold dual-nationality, face issues regardless of whether in the US or in China

08:24 Many foreign-born athletes, specifically of Chinese descent, represent China at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Fa'izah Sani and Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Fa'izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

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S1E36: Malaysia's Prime Minister in Brunei for proposal to establish VTL: Regional Round-Up Ep 36

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:04 Malaysia's Prime Minister made his first official visit to Brunei for a proposal to establish VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) between Brunei and Malaysia

02:37 Deadlock between Malaysia's PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and MUDA (Malaysia United Democratic Alliance)

04:25 Ferdinand Marcos Jr. skipping yet another gathering of presidential candidates

07:17 Myanmar's junta not attending the upcoming ASEAN summit in Cambodia

08:38 Vietnam expects to continue factory production despite rapid COVID-19 infections

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E32: Whose side will China take during the Russia-Ukraine conflict: China Perspective Ep 32

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:36 Whose side will China take during the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

02:41 How will Washington's new Indo-Pacific strategy affect China?

05:02 China's technology giants beginning to invest in the metaverse

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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S1E35: US warns of possible Russian invasion in Ukraine: Washington Report Ep 35

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:43 US urges its citizens and allies to leave Ukraine to avoid possible Russian invasion

03:14 US hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2023

04:30 Discovery of 'top secret' documents found in former US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence

06:46 Trump claims to still be in contact with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

08:23 Republicans' negative reaction to President Joe Biden's plans to nominate a black woman in the Supreme Court

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E10: Warming seas can open new shipping line from Asia to Europe: Speaking of Asia Ep 10

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts Vitaly Yermakov, who is a Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Energy Studies to discuss the Arctic Route and what it implies, especially for the energy business.

Highlights (click/tap above):

02:34 Why is Russia so keen on the Northern Sea Route (NSR)?

04:50 The realistic possibilities for the NSR to develop into a major trade artery to Asia

08:06 The implications for the energy industry if oil and gas supplies could be shipped from Russia to Asia through the Arctic Route

10:47 The geopolitics between Russia and China

13:40 Potential opportunities that could be exploited from the opening of the Arctic Route, which could have implications for Asian port cities such as Singapore and Colombo.

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Fa'izah Sani

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E17: Hong Kong enforcing toughest Covid rules yet: Inside Hong Kong Ep 18

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points:

01:01 Hong Kong's toughest Covid-19 rules have come into force

03:05 Public response to restrictions

05:10 Vaccination rate in Hong Kong

06:27 Supply chain issues in Hong Kong

07:17 Tighter rules for airline staff

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Websites:

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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S1E35: New conditions for high-risk groups in Malaysia: Regional Round-Up Ep 35

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:46 New conditions set in place for high-risk groups to retain COVID-19 vaccination privileges in Malaysia

03:06 Myanmar's military leader agreed to arrange for an ASEAN special envoy from Cambodia to meet members of the ousted ruling party on future visit

04:49 Myanmar's military handling of opposition activists

05:51 Philippines kicks off election campaign season

07:33 Thailand's efforts to ink bilateral travel deals with China and Malaysia

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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

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

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Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E31: China reaffirms ties with Singapore: China Perspective Ep 31

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:42 China reaffirms ties with Singapore

03:26 Putting up a strong front with Russia

06:12 Possibility of China adopting a US-styled preemptive strike policy

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E34: Proposal for Lunar New Year to be new US federal holiday: Washington Report Ep 34

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:50 Democratic Representative Grace Meng of New York introducing a bill to push for Lunar New Year to become the US' 12th federal holiday

02:12 The Republican National Committee's censure of GOP Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for probing the "legitimate political discourse" of the January 6 insurrection enshrined that principle in the party's policy dogma

04:15 US podcaster Joe Rogan apologises for using racial slurs and if the public is viewing Spotify - which pays Rogan - as a publisher or simply just a platform

06:19 Latest analysis of Russia-Ukraine tensions

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E33: Can Biden get a Black woman to serve on Supreme Court for the first time?: Washington Report Ep 33

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:25 On President Joe Biden’s intention to nominate a Black woman for the first time, to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer

02:45 On claims of the US' sabotaging of the Beijing Winter Olympics

04:45 Rock legend Neil Young yanks his music from Spotify after telling the service it has to choose between him and podcaster Joe Rogan, who has been accused of spreading fake information about vaccines

06:15 Biden considering personal sanctions against Vladirmir Putin if he orders an invasion of Ukraine

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E82: One year on after Myanmar's military coup takeover: Asian Insider Ep 83

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh speaks with Richard Horsey, Senior Advisor on Myanmar at the International Crisis Group, and Jan Jan, a student and co-founder of GM4MD (Global Movement for Myanmar Democracy).

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:50 Any optimism for a return to some stability and progress in Myanmar, politically?

03:56 Talks of an election in August 2023 - a move forward towards stability or violence?

05:52 GM4MD, a youth diaspora organisation formed in response to the military coup

08:36 Is it tenable for the military to hold onto power for another decade?

10:14 How the Burmese people and the ethnic minorities view Aung San Suu Kyi now

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani, Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/wdcC

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E34: Singapore and Indonesia agree on realignment of boundary among other bilateral issues: Regional Round-Up Ep 34

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:49 Singapore and Indonesia ties took a major step after the conclusion of agreements on 3 long standing bilateral issues

07:13 Malaysia government announces that they will not bring back movement control order

08:57 Thailand and Saudi Arabia finally hold first high-level talks after three decades

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E30: China’s budding relationship with Russia: China Perspective Ep 30

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:32 China’s budding relationship with Russia

02:40 US President Joe Biden’s uncertainty on whether China tariffs will be lifted soon

04:16 US government suspending China-bound flights from the US

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E32: US and Japan vow to push back against China: Washington Report Ep 32

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:38 From pandemic to endemic? A decline of Omicron cases in the US

02:53 The US resisting World Health Organisation's proposals to make itself more independent

05:06 Virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to push back against China's efforts

07:28 US government suspends 44 China-bound flights over Covid-19 concerns

08:50 US in talks with Qatar to supply Europe with liquified natural gas if a Russian invasion of Ukraine lead to shortages

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E17: Hong Kong schools shutting down due to rising Covid-19 infections: Inside Hong Kong Ep 17

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:40 HK Schools to be shut from Jan 24 due to rising Covid-19 infections in several schools

01:47 Pet lovers outraged at government's decision on culling of hamsters to reduce risk of infections

04:35 What went wrong for Genting Hong Kong

06:47 Cathay Pacific offers bonuses to pilots willing to endure strict quarantine regime

09:16 Race for Chief Executive post

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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

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

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Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E9: Analysing outcome of US-China Phase One trade deal: Power Play Ep 9

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:00 A recap on the trade agreement between US and China

03:21 China not living up to its purchase commitments

05:34 Overall outcome of US-China's Phase One trade deal

06:31 Next steps after the expiration of Phase One trade deal

09:12 Likelihood of a Phase Two trade agreement

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

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---

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---

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S1E33: Thailand develops the country’s first plant-based Covid vaccine: Regional Round-Up Ep 33

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:10 Canada terminates sourcing contract with Malaysian Supermax Corp. following allegations about forced labour

02:14 Petitions to invalidate son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos from the Philippines' presidential elections

03:51 Indonesian President Joko Widodo choosing a new national capital

05:35 Indonesia to introduce new tax breaks on property and car sales

06:50 Start-up in Thailand developing the country’s first plant-based Covid vaccine

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E29: China releases latest GDP numbers: China Perspective Ep 29

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:38 National Bureau of Statistics releases latest GDP numbers

02:32 Beijing’s first locally-transmitted Omicron infection case

05:00 Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for improved regulation and governance of China's digital economy

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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---

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S1E31: Students in the US demand remote learning in face of Omicron Covid surge: Washington Report Ep 31

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:40 US Supreme Court blocks US President Joe Biden's rule requiring large companies to have a vaccine, mask or testing mandate

02:42 Students in Boston and Chicago demand remote learning due to surge in Omicron-related cases

04:55 US bipartisan piece of legislation forces defence contractors to stop buying rare earths from China by 2026

07:10 A rabbi and several others taken hostage in synagogue have been rescued

09:03 Former US President Donald Trump holds a rally in Arizona

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E9: Dialling God on climate crisis - A conversation with the Pope's climate scientist: Speaking of Asia Ep 9

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, he hosts Professor Veerabhadran Ramanathan of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego. He also happens to be a member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which makes him the Pope’s climate scientist.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

03:27 Professor Ramanathan on the outcomes of the COP26 in Glasgow and whether the world is doing enough to curb fossil fuels

16:26 Global warming morphing into a global disruption of the weather systems, including those along the equator and the polar region

22:05 Remedies for climate change and ways to cut global warming

30:36 Geopolitics coming in the way of taking effective steps to cooperate on climate change?

33:54 How Professor Ramanathan built his relationship with the Vatican leading up to the encyclical that was issued by Pope Francis in 2015 and is there a need to enlist religious authorities into climate effort?

48:43 The Pope's view that poverty is the main pollutant and Professor Ramanathan's thoughts on a possible future world leader who might dismiss climate change issues

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) and ST Video

Edited by: ST Video & Fa'izah Sani

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Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

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Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E32: Malaysia's newest political party PBM: Regional Round-Up Ep 32

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:58 Malaysia's newest political party, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM)

06:10 Omicron cases in Indonesia tripled within a week and government appeals for suspension of overseas leisure trips

07:40 Philippines' increase in national COVID-19 positivity rate

08:30 Thailand's reopening of three popular beach destinations amid the emergence of an Omicron outbreak

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E28: China's first community spread of Omicron variant: China Perspective Ep 28

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:51 China's first community spread of the Omicron variant ahead of the Winter Olympics

02:53 Progress of the Chinese own messenger RNA (mRNA) Covid-19 vaccine

06:07 Wide-ranging crackdown in China on private enterprises

07:49 Sri Lanka President's request for China to help restructure its debt repayment

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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S1E31: Citigroup staff in US face vaccine mandate: Washington Report Ep 31

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:51 US' rate of hospitalisation in January 2022 surpasses record set in January last year due to the Omicron variant

02:53 Citigroup staff face vaccine mandate; they must get exemption or risk losing job

04:50 US will push for a more comprehensive approach with Asia, amid its rivalry with China

06:18 US House candidate Shelley Luther's call for Chinese students to be banned from Texas universities may drive up anti-Asian hate crime

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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S1E8: Hong Kong's museum M+, the jewel of West Kowloon arts hub: Letter From The Bureau Ep 8

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:02 Asia's first global museum of visual culture

03:28 The reason behind the name of M+

05:22 Hong Kong's reaction to the new museum and possible global reaction to M+

08:26 Ai Wei Wei's controversial piece "Study of Perspective - Tianenmen Square" faced national security issues

09:52 The hurdles faced in constructing the museum and future possibilities for artistic freedom

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh

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Read Linda Yulisman’s stories: https://str.sg/3xRb

Read ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://str.sg/3xRd

---

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S1E16: New restrictions as Hong Kong faces fifth wave of Covid-19: Inside Hong Kong Ep 16

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Shehzad Haque on the following points:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

01:02 Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam investigates as government officials tested positive involved in gathering causing the fifth wave of Covid-19

03:03 New restrictions in Hong Kong being enforced after a year of relaxed measures

05:26 Increase of vaccinations being carried out - showing progress being made

06:38 Cruises to nowhere suspended as 9 passengers were close contacts of Omicron variant outbreak

08:12 Hong Kong IPOs are not requested to seek approval from data security

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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S1E31: Indonesia's 2022 ban on coal exports and its effects: Regional Round-Up Ep 31

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

Leslie Lopez, The Straits Times' Regional Correspondent, gives an analysis of floods in seven Malaysian states that have forced thousands of people to be evacuated, the Philippines' expansion of Covid-19 restrictions outside its capital, Indonesia pause on coal exports, and more.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:49 Updates on the floods in Malaysia and how its government is addressing the situation

03:19 Malaysian glove manufacturer Supermax Corp's new foreign worker policies

04:46 Covid-19 restrictions expanding outside of Philippines' capital due to surge in cases

06:16 Indonesia bans export of coal

07:46 Vietnam's trade ministry urges authorities in Guangxi, China, to ease congestion at border crossings

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E81: Profound destabilisation: Author Amitav Ghosh on climate change, the future - Asian Insider Ep 82

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

In this special episode, Nirmal Ghosh speaks with author Amitav Ghosh, a prolific writer who has written such classics as The Hungry Tide, The Glass Palace, and In An Antique Land, among others, that have been translated into dozens of languages and read across the planet. His most recent is The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:45 The framing of the planetary crisis and especially in relation to climate change, tends to be within the Western discourse, as a bureaucratic business best left to technocrats and the diplomats

05:00 How climate has destabilised countries, from Britain, to India, Myanmar and even Egypt

08:15 We are seeing a revolution, not from the poor, but from the right

12:00 On China, the US, and why human beings are perfectly capable of ending their own existence long before the climate does

16:20 Advice, words of wisdom to the 10-to-15-year-olds growing up in this bleaker-looking world

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduMSOntUoS6ALNp21jMmgfBX

---

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S1E27: Why China will scrap subsidies for electric cars by end-2022: China Perspective Ep 27

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:35 China reopens embassy in Nicaragua after the latter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, leaves Taiwan with just 14 diplomatic allies

02:30 China decides to scrap subsidies for electric cars as development in this sector has advanced greatly

04:10 Severity of the current lockdown to cope with the latest Covid-19 outbreak in Xi’an

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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S1E30: The US, Taiwan and expectations of 2022 Pacific (Rimpac) exercise: Washington Report Ep 30

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:55 New York City leading surge in Covid cases among cities on the US east coast

02:55 Investigation into Jan 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, and if there is evidence to show culpability of former US President Donald Trump

05:40 The 2022 edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) exercise organised by the US Navy, and the political signals due to Taiwan's expected invitation

07:15 US authorities asking telecom operators to delay an already postponed rollout of 5G networks, due to potential flight safety equipment interference

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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---

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S1E30: Rounding up on the biggest headlines that came out from the region this year: Regional Round-up Ep 30

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:55 Which countries were most impacted by Covid-19

2:35 Looking back on Southeast Asia's climate disasters

4:26 Myanmar's relationship with ASEAN

5:47 South China Sea dispute update

6:57 Summary of Malaysia's political troubles

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E26: 2022 expected to be a big year for China due to Winter Olympics: China Perspective Ep 26

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:38 The biggest headline from China - The Third Historical Resolution

02:02 Chinese government crackdowns on various agencies

04:25 Third biggest news out of China - the Evergrande crisis

05:43 Winter Olympics - one of the big things the world can expect out of China in 2022

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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S1E29: Top 5 biggest US headlines in 2021: Washington Report Ep 29

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:55 Biggest headline of the year - January 6th attack on the Capitol

02:27 Former US President Trump's impeachment and US President Biden's inauguration

03:38 Texas power crises caused by severe winter storms

04:47 The fall of Kabul in the top 5 of US' biggest headlines

06:48 What to expect from the US in 2022

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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---

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S1E15: The latest Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong amidst the Omicron variant: Inside Hong Kong Ep 15

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

01:22 Pro-Beijing candidates claimed a victory in Legislative Council election

03:28 Beijing’s “patriots-only” overhaul of the political system amid a record low turnout of 30.2%

05:57 Beijing issued a white paper covering Hong Kong's political reforms

07:17 New security law has been imposed in Hong Kong

08:32 The latest Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong amidst the Omicron variant

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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S1E80: Nuclear weapons may keep peace despite risk of US-China war: Asian Insider Ep 81

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts ST's China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei and former top Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan.

Highlights (click/tap above):

03:18 Ms Tan on what really matters to China when it comes to hosting a successful Games despite a US diplomatic boycott

07:00 Mr Bilahari on the concept of democracy, as viewed through Western and Chinese lenses

10:50 Ms Tan on how ordinary Chinese citizens feel about their country's relationship with the United States

12:25 Mr Bilahari on why there have been delusions on both sides when it comes to the US-China relationship

17:45 Why war is not probable

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to the Asian Insider Podcast channel and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Asian Insider videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduMSOntUoS6ALNp21jMmgfBX

---

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S1E29: Malaysians respond to government's poor flood management: Regional Round-up Ep 29

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

01:15 How Malaysians are responding to their government's poor flood management, especially just outside Kuala Lumpur

03:30 Anger of Malaysian society over this sudden crisis and slow response of authorities

04:30 Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) whopping win in polls over the weekend and impact on Malaysian politics

06:32 Global-warning debate in Asia following rising death toll from super typhoon in Philippines

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E25: Why Chinese banks are lowering borrowing costs after 20 months: China Perspective Ep 25

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:35 Why Chinese banks are lowering borrowing costs for the first time in 20 months

02:45 On the powers of the new agency, the China National Anti-Monopoly Administration

05:00 China's zero Covid strategy in the face of Omicron variant & its hosting of the Winter Olympics

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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

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

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S1E28: Taiwan votes against reimposing ban on US pork with additive ractopamine: Washington Report Ep 28

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights (click/tap above):

02:08 More unvaccinated seniors than previously thought in a few US states due to mistake in vaccination audit numbers

04:07 US Federal Agency will issue citations to companies for failing to comply with the nationwide mandate of testing and/or vaccinations

05:30 Taiwan votes against reimposing ban on US imported pork that contains feed additive ractopamine, which is banned in European Union, China and Russia

07:00 San Francisco declared a state of emergency due to the spike of fatal drug overdoses, caused mainly by fentanyl

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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S1E8: US-China: War of words over democracy - Power Play Ep 8

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 8: US-China: War of words over democracy

11:14 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:40 China and Russia among some of the countries not invited to President Biden's Summit for Democracy

02:15 China's own "whole-process democracy" and its insults towards US' democratic system

05:23 The reason behind China's protests and its attempt to convince other countries of its viewpoint

07:17 US' division of the world into "democratic" and "undemocratic" camps

09:21 Taiwan's invite to the summit reaffirms views of US President Joe Biden administration's support for the island

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Follow our Asian Insider Podcast channel every week here and rate us:

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Read Charissa Yong's stories: https://str.sg/3xRa

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://str.sg/3xR2

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E28: Malaysian Parliament passes largest budget for 2022: Regional Roundup Ep 28

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 28: Malaysian Parliament passes largest budget for 2022

10:33 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:57 US' Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South-east Asia region to bolster economic and security cooperation

02:59 The significance behind Malaysia's Parliament passing constitutional amendments to elevate the status of Sabah and Sarawak

04:32 Malaysian Parliament passes largest budget of MYR 332.1 billion for the year 2022

06:07 National Unity government led by supporters of Aang Sang Suu Kyi recognises Tether, a form of cryptocurrency, as an official currency for local use

07:32 A possible salt tax to be implemented in Thailand

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E24: US forges united front against China in South-east Asia: China Perspective Ep 24

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 24: US forges united front against China in South-east Asia

6:49 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:27 China's reaction to US' Secretary of State Anthony Blinken seeking to forge a united front with South-east Asia against China with a visit throughout the region

02:45 President Xi Jinping's 'Common Prosperity' drive affects investors’ new habits in China

04:37 Sensetime IPO group plans to withdraw and regroup after being placed on US' investment blacklist

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://str.sg/3xR7

---

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S1E27: Democracy summit exclusion will not hurt US-Singapore strategic relationship: Washington Report Podcast Ep 27

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 27: Democracy summit exclusion will not hurt US-Singapore strategic relationship

09:53 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:35 Exclusion of Singapore in the recent democracy summit hosted by US President Joe Biden

02:15 China brands US democracy a "weapon of mass destruction"

04:08 Scale of one of the largest and deadliest tornado outbreaks in the US

06:01 Rising tensions between Russia and the US

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

---

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

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S1E8: India is back - A conversation with C Raja Mohan: Speaking Of Asia Ep 8

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Speaking of Asia Ep 8: India is back - A conversation with C Raja Mohan

39:59 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this eighth episode, he hosts Prof C Raja Mohan, one of Asia's foremost foreign policy experts and director of the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore. This also is a farewell interview for Prof Raja Mohan, because he is leaving Singapore this week and returning to India for a new assignment.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

02:38 Recent highlights of India's story, where it can improve and what holds it back

06:41 Sectors of the Indian economy that South-east Asia and Singapore should engage

12:29 Has India truly begun to jell as a true nation after 70 years?

19:40 The recent highlights of India’s Look East policy announced three decades ago

23:50 Disappointment caused by India pulling out of RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) two years ago - how can India remedy it and does India want to remedy it?

26:20 India's relations with China: What went wrong and are ties beyond repair?

36:54 What are the implications of the Quad? Has India not become a virtual non-treaty ally of the US?

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh & Fa'izah Sani

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Ravi Velloor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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

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

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

SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR

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

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E14: How Hong Kong is reacting to Dec 19 Legco election: Inside Hong Kong Ep 14

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 14: How Hong Kong is reacting to Dec 19 Legco election

10:20 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:55 Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai among three democracy campaigners convicted on Thursday (Dec 9) for taking part in a banned Tiananmen vigil

02:32 Chief Executive Carrie Lam urging voters to cast their ballots at the upcoming legislative election on Dec 19 - an element political observers have said would indicate the legitimacy of the new Parliament

06:04 How is the general Hong Kong population reacting to this election?

08:22 New Hong Kong announcements for possible extension of its "vaccine bubble"

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Claire Huang's stories: https://str.sg/3xR6

Follow Claire Huang on Twitter: https://str.sg/3xRL

---

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

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

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S1E27: Sarawak's state legislative election campaigns amid the Covid-19 Omicron variant: Regional Round-up Ep 27

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 27: Sarawak's state legislative election campaigns amid the Covid-19 Omicron variant

10:42 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs - standing in for The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez who is on leave - chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:48 A record of 349 candidates contesting for 82 seats in the Sarawak state legislative election

2:56 Najib Razak's appeal to postpone 1MDB proceedings rejected by the court

4:39 The purpose and significance of Malaysia's Foreign Minister Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah's two-day official visit to China

6:01 Indonesia cancels year-end planned restrictions as Covid-19 vaccination rate and testing improves

7:05 Aung San Suu Kyi's jail sentence reduced from four years to two years, as Myanmar's military junta grants partial pardon

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E23: How Chinese authorities can help Evergrande clear billions in debt: China Perspective Ep 23

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 23: How Chinese authorities can help Evergrande clear billions in debt

7:06 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:55 Can authorities help with China Evergrande Group's inability to meet repayments for US$300 billion debt?

02:53 China Securities Regulatory Commission says it respects companies' choices on where to list their stock while again denying reports of a possible ban on one method of overseas stock listings

04:33 Taiwan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu warns of emerging military crisis with China

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E26: US vaccine demand surges due to more contagious Omicron variant: Washington Report Ep 26

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 26: US vaccine demand surges due to more contagious Omicron variant

10:16 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

02:20 Long lines and delays as demand surges for vaccines in many vaccination clinics

04:04 US defence secretary Lloyd Austin's plans to stand up to China

06:40 Response to the acceleration of Iran's nuclear deal

07:51 US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine via virtual meeting

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E26: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL plans for general travellers depend on measures in face of Omicron variant: Regional Round-up Ep 26

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 26: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL plans for general travellers depend on measures in face of Omicron variant

09:58 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments in this weekly podcast.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:59 Singapore-Malaysia land VTL hopes to expand to general travellers in mid-December, despite the Omicron variant

4:21 Myanmar court has deferred the first verdict in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu-kyi

5:55 Boat carrying 228 Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar seized

7:00 Phillippines launches campaign to vaccinate 90 million people in three days, to reach 70% vaccinated rate

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://str.sg/3xRX

---

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S1E22: Impact of China's Covid-zero policy on new Omicron variant: China Perspective Ep 22

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 22: Impact of China's Covid-zero policy on new Omicron variant

7:28 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:35 US puts more Chinese companies on its restricted trade list adding to US-China tensions

2:17 The implications of China targeting a large corporate donor to Taiwanese political election campaigns, encouraging Taiwan to declare independence

4:30 Impact of China's Covid-zero policy on new Omicron variant

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E25: How the US is dealing with Omicron Covid-19 variant: Washington Report Ep 25

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 25: How the US is dealing with Omicron Covid-19 variant

09:36 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

Mr Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates - standing in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave - chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

00:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

00:51 US' response to the Omicron Covid-19 variant and its challenges

02:30 State of emergency declared in New York and measures to counter potential surge during the holiday season

04:28 US and South Africa working together on the Omicron coronavirus variant and vaccines

07:32 Biden administration's plans to revive the Iran nuclear deal

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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S1E79: The troubled and volatile relationship between India and China: Asian Insider Ep 80

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 80: The troubled and volatile relationship between India and China

30:06 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts two guests. Nirupama Rao based in Bangalore, was India's former Foreign Secretary, former Ambassador to Peru and China and former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

Washington DC-based Jeff Smith is a research fellow at the Asian Studies Center and Foreign Policy at the Heritage Foundation.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

2:03 The kind of thinking necessary to overcome the disputes on the India-China border

6:23 US Pentagon's annual report mentions military security and development involving China's construction activities on this border to press its claim at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

11:18 China has taken some of India's territory over the past nine years - what is India's security and foreign policy establishment on this?

20:59 No reason not to assume that the LAC in the eastern sector of boundary will not come alive in the months to come, due to lack of trust and mutual sensitivity between the two countries

25:25 With the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) sharing concerns over China's growing power and gaining some traction, is this destined to be a dangerous bilateral situation for both countries?

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

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S1E25: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL's dry run a success: Regional Round-up Ep 25

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 25: Singapore-Malaysia land VTL's dry run was a success

10:30 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:30 Dry-run for Singapore-Malaysia land vaccinated travel lane via the Johor Causeway

3:45 Myanmar's opposition has raised $6.3m to take down the military junta

5:31 Indonesia's counter-terrorism agency warned that JI are able to infiltrate mainstream religious organisations and government institutions

7:26 Reasons behind Thailand's plans to join talks on membership of the Trans-Pacific free trade agreement

8:47 Chinese coast guards vessels blocking the Phillipines resuming their military re-supply mission for their troop station

Produced by: Leslie Lopez (ljlopez@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E21: China continues support and improves relations with Asean: China Perspective Ep 21

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 21: China continues support and improves relations with Asean

7:19 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:26 Significance of Asean-China special summit to commemorate 30th anniversary of dialogue relations

2:05 Chinese President Xi Jinping assures South-east Asian leaders that China will not bully its smaller neighbours

3:07 Companies such as Alibaba fined by Chinese authorities for failing to declare deals from 2012

5:04 China expresses dissatisfaction as Taiwan opens a de facto embassy in Lithuania

Produced by: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E24: US discusses how to deal with China's rising military power in Indo-Pacific: Washington Report Ep 24

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 24: US discusses how to deal with China's rising military power in Indo-Pacific

10:23 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

Mr Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates - standing in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave - chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

He gives an analysis of the incoming US ambassador to Singapore, heighten tensions resulting from China’s increasingly assertive military actions, Former US secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin, and more.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:05 Significance of the US Senate's confirmation of President Joe Biden's pick for its ambassador to Singapore - technology entrepreneur Jonathan Kaplan

2:23 Call for US and its allies to operate with greater urgency in the Indo-Pacific with tensions resulting from China’s increasingly assertive military actions

3:45 Consequences of the tensions surrounding Taiwan

5:10 Former US secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlights the need to not forget about concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin's power plans

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: Xi-Biden meeting and communication key to future relations: Power Play Ep 7

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 7: Xi-Biden meeting and communication key to future relations

7:50 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

01:16 Virtual summit expected to improve US-China relations

03:20 Value of communication between Xi and Biden important to avoid misunderstandings

05:19 How will the virtual summit shine light on the issue of Taiwan?

06:12 Climate cooperation is one of the silver linings of the summit

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read ST's Power Play articles: https://str.sg/3xRE

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S1E24: Indonesia's new Covid mutation of AY.23 similar to Delta Plus variant: Regional Round-up Ep 24

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 24: Indonesia's new Covid mutation of AY.23 similar to Delta Plus variant

9:52 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:05 Possible of quarantine-free land travel between Singapore and Malaysia

3:09 New AY.23 mutation originating in Indonesia shares similarities with the Delta Plus variant that has cropped up in Britain

4:43 Payments made to officers allegedly linked to Indonesian navy - linked to possible piracy - and how it has been denied by authorities so far

6:30 Electoral fraud in Myanmar and what it means for Aung San Suu Kyi

7:54 Sara Duterte-Carpio - eldest daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte - has filed her candidacy for Vice President

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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S1E20: Working out China-US issues in the latest virtual summit: China Perspective Ep 20

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 20: Working out China-US issues in the latest virtual summit

8:08 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

0:37 Expectations from US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping's virtual summit

3:32 High stakes as China and Japan mark 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2022

5:39 Singles' Day toned down due to Beijing cracking down on businesses and slow economic growth

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E23: First virtual summit for US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping: Washington Report Ep 23

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 23: First virtual summit for US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping

10:23 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish.

0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:19 Objectives of Biden & Xi for the virtual meeting

4:15 How the US and China can prevent reviving the 'Cold War'?

6:20 Taiwan a major flashpoint between US and China

8:45 FBI email system was hacked due to software misconfiguration

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: Will immigrants really define our destiny? - Speaking Of Asia Ep 7

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Speaking of Asia Ep 7: Will immigrants really define our destiny?

37:57 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this seventh episode, he hosts Dr Parag Khanna, a scholar, global thinker and the author of several books. His experience varies from working at the World Economic Forum to advising the US Special Operations in the Middle East.

Now living in Singapore as a citizen, Dr Khanna has launched his latest book called MOVE-The Forces Uprooting Us. He separates demographic facts from the usual emotions stirred by debates over migration. The book’s central point is that human mobility is destiny.

They discuss the following timestamped points:

The global potential of Asian youth and Asian migrant trends: Who will be the winners and losers in the 21st century? (6:17)
Dr Khanna breaks down the Asian diaspora: Why the Indian diaspora will be far larger than the Chinese diaspora in the next few decades (8:50)
Assess countries' historical actions and just the demographic facts, as no attempts to boost fertility have worked (15:00)
Lessons for Singapore as it practises a complex but rather constructive tinkering approach mixed with Singaporean-first policies? (17:35)
Why Singapore's constructive tinkering can be advertised and branded better to the world; why "collecting" people is "collecting power" (20:00)
Dr Khanna says there are 35 million global companies that are location-independent: Why Dubai wants a slice of that action, and can Singapore learn from it? (25:53)
Only two countries offering digital nomad visas pre-Covid; now there are 75 countries (29:40)
Can societies not be affected when the immigrant is physically present but has loyalties elsewhere? (34:34)

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh & Fa'izah Sani

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S1E13: Hong Kong's wider wealth gap as poverty rate reaches 12-year-high: Inside Hong Kong Ep 13

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 13: Hong Kong's wider wealth gap as poverty rate reaches 12-year-high

9:05 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Hong Kong's poverty rate has reached a 12-year high (0:57)
The most expensive apartment sold - sign of wider wealth gap in Hong Kong (2:50)
Border between mainland China and Hong Kong could reopen in Jan 2022 for quarantine-free travel (4:26)
Hong Kong-based poll shows that many journalists are considering leaving the country due to press freedom (7:11)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E23: Possibility of land travel lane between Singapore and Malaysia: Regional Round-up Ep 23

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 23: Possibility of land travel lane between Singapore and Malaysia

10:34 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Flight Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore and Malaysia begins Nov 29 and the possibility of a land travel lane (0:47)
The justification behind Malaysia's High Court ordering the Government to return assets seized from former Prime Minister Najib Razak and family (3:33)
Melaka election happening on Nov 20 in a three-cornered fight (5:49)
Former Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, claims Myanmar's junta Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is open to working with the world on humanitarian relief (8:28)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E78: Drive carbon emissions down, says UNDP chief during COP26 2nd week: Asian Insider Ep 79

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 78: Drive carbon emissions down, says UNDP chief during COP26 2nd week

17:57 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who is now at the ongoing COP26 climate conference in Glasgow till Nov 12.

They discuss the following points:

Small islands and small island states facing a climate injustice issue: Failure to deliver climate promises? (3:00)
Why they do not qualify for international development finance and have suffered from slow climate financing (4:25)
On potential economic disruption, competition for resources, the next generation feeling disengagement (5:40)
Steiner's view on the role and future of teenage Swedish environment activist Greta Thunberg, and why more 'Gretas' in various continents will start emerging (9:30)
We are not a laboratory: There are more lower cost alternatives existing now to tackle climate crisis instead of relying on so-called "breakthrough" carbon capture and geoengineering (11:32)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E19: China's Covid-Zero policy coming under increasing pressure: China Perspective Ep 19

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 19: China's Covid-Zero policy coming under increasing pressure

8:27 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

The significance behind CPP (Chinese Communist Party) Central Committee's sixth plenary session in terms of China's history (1:05)
China's party deliberating the new succession system and possibly, a woman in the line-up of leadership (3:22)
China's efforts to eliminate Covid-19 coming under increasing pressure (5:44)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E22: Why US infrastructure bill shows Biden is pro-working class President: Washington Report Ep 22

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:12:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 22: Why US infrastructure bill shows Biden is pro-working class President

10:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

What's next after passing of US President Joe Biden's US$1 trillion infrastructure bill (3:22)
US Federal Appeals Court freezes Biden's rule requiring US company employees to be vaccinated or get weekly testings (4:57)
Implications of FDA's final approval of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 5-11 year-olds in the US (7:10)
Mexicans crossing borders into the US to get approved-Covid19 vaccines before new rules set in; what are these rules? (8:13)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: How badminton united Indonesia during Covid-19: Letter From The Bureau Ep 7

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:27:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 7: How badminton united Indonesia during Covid-19

16:41 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Indonesia correspondent Linda Yulisman about the following:

How did the badminton craze come about in Indonesia? (1:04)
Some badminton players who won medals came from struggling families (3:51)
Famous former badminton players in Indonesia like Susi Susanti, Alan Budikusuma, Taufik Hidayat and what they are up to now (8:14)
Reasons behind badminton's popularity in Indonesia (11:09)
Enduring benefits from Indonesia's badminton craze (15:11)

Trailer for 2019 movie biopic of Indonesian badminton legend Susi Susanti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKPD8Obehq4

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh

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S1E22: How Asean countries are joining in climate crisis fight: Regional Round-up Ep 22

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 22: How Asean countries are joining in climate crisis fight

10:50 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Developing countries such as Indonesia and Thailand asking for more financial support in climate crisis fight (0:50)
Richer nations working together with developing nations (4:16)
Thailand has made progress in lowering emissions and may need help to do better (5:40)
Countries have to be mindful of climate issues, besides health and economic challenges (7:08)
The implications of misinformation as Myanmar's military government uses fake social media accounts (8:22)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E18: Analysing China's latest steps to combat its energy crunch: China Perspective Ep 18

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:33:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 18: Analysing China's latest steps to combat its energy crunch

9:57 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Effects of China's latest steps to combat an energy crunch that’s threatening economic growth (1:00)
No new major pledges from China at COP26 for climate change, and reaction to lack of commitment (2:30)
Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for mutual recognition of its Covid-19 vaccines (4:58)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E21: US works on its international relations and climate crisis efforts: Washington Report Ep 21

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 21: US works on its international relations and climate crisis efforts

10:32 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

US President Joe Biden faced some challenges at the G20 Summit (1:20)
Possible outcomes of the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (3:05)
Taiwan; one of the key points of discussion in the US-China meeting between US secretary of state Anthony Blinken and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi (4:29)
US mended ties with European Union, repairing post-Trump damages (7:28)
What to expect from the US delegation at the COP26 climate conference from Oct 31 - Nov 12? (8:39)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E12: Stricter quarantine rules to achieve Hong Kong's Covid Zero goal: Inside Hong Kong Ep 12

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 12: Stricter quarantine rules to achieve Hong Kong's Covid Zero goal

7:17 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Current exemptions to skip mandatory 21-day hotel quarantine will be removed (0:44)
New government rules - discharged patients who have recovered from Covid-19 - have to serve 14 days in quarantine (2:16)
Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam has ordered that the group behind the annual Tiananmen Square vigil, be struck from the company registry (4:50)
National Security Law threat caused Amnesty International to close its operations in Hong Kong - a blow for human rights (5:33)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E21: Assessing the call for an Asean travel corridor in Covid era: Regional Roundup Ep 21

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 21: Assessing the call for an Asean travel corridor in Covid era

10:44 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Climate change - one of the main issues of the Asean summit (1:07)
US President Joe Biden's US$100m initiative to strengthen ties with Asean (2:10)
The impact of Myanmar's absence from the Asean summit (3:26)
United Nations appoints Singaporean Noeleen Heyzer as new special envoy to Myanmar (6:25)
Indonesia's call for an Asean travel corridor during Covid era (7:55)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E17: China's pilot schemes to tax residential and commercial property in cities: China Perspective Ep 17

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:47:38 +0000

China Perspective Ep 17: China's pilot schemes to tax residential and commercial property in cities

6:17 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Ryan Huang and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Value of heavily-indebted Evergrande's outstanding liabilities (0:33)
China expanding pilot schemes to tax residential and commercial property in cities (2:00)
Understanding the impact of China's latest Covid-19 alerts and its zero tolerance policy (4:16)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E20: Examining Biden’s pick for an ambassador to Singapore: Washington Report Ep 20

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 02:32:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 20: Examining Biden’s pick for an ambassador to Singapore

11:23 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

What to expect from the new US ambassador to Singapore - entrepreneur and broadband Internet philanthropist Jonathan Eric Kaplan (2:50)
Cuts from the original spending line-up of the US social spending bill (5:23)
What is the official US stance on Taiwan? (8:00)
How Beijing & Taiwan has responded to Joe Biden's comments (9:56)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E20: Malaysia's former PM Najib and wife Rosmah to visit Singapore: Regional Roundup Ep 20

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 20: Malaysia's former PM Najib and wife Rosmah to visit Singapore

11:00 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Najib Razak and wife, Rosmah visit Singapore to welcome the arrival of their granddaughter (0:30)
The challenge Asean is facing to end the political turmoil in Myanmar (2:14)
Will the political situation in Myanmar be likened to the new Taliban in Afghanistan? (5:22)
Pakatan Harapan wants to block elections due to health crisis (6:29)
Possible outcomes of Melaka's state elections (9:03)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E77: An insider's view of the magnitude of the Myanmar crisis: Asian Insider Ep 78

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 77: An insider's view of the magnitude of the Myanmar crisis

17:34 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

Myanmar's military, also known as the Tatmadaw, overthrew Myanmar's elected government in a coup on Feb 1. It was met with widespread mass protests. Since then, the country's economy has crashed. Myanmar's currency - the kyat - has plunged badly driving up food and fuel prices.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts Andrew Kirkwood, acting interim UN resident coordinator/humanitarian coordinator for Myanmar in Naypyidaw, on the current humanitarian situation inside Myanmar.

They discuss the following points:

Why nearly half the population is now living below the poverty line, an estimate not seen in over 20 years (3:57)
Which regions need critical emergency assistance (5:07)
Why more humanitarian funding assistance can still be put to good use and what the international and donor community should know about the situation (8:11)
Has there been no real addressing of Myanmar's economic growth and underlying structural issues, even before this year's coup? (10:00)
In a largely agrarian economy, this translates to farmers squeezed by a doubling in transportation costs, thousands of female garment workers losing jobs, with construction at a standstill, and restaurants mostly closed (11:46)
Mr Kirkwood's instincts about the future direction of Myanmar, after having lived there for the past 20 years (15:09)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim

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S1E16: China faces slow economic growth in the third quarter of 2021: China Perspective Ep 16

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 16: China faces slow economic growth in the third quarter of 2021

7:30 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

The impact of China's third-quarter GDP hitting a one-year low of 4.5% growth (1:09)
Shares of Chinese property developers climbed after China Central Bank calmed markets (3:10)
The objective behind China's test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August (4:51)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E19: US labour force goes on strike and millions of workers quit their jobs: Washington Report Ep 19

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 19: US labour force goes on strike and millions of workers quit their jobs

12:12 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

Steve Okun, senior advisor of McLarty Associates sits in for ST's Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave, to chat with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Workers behind the scenes in Hollywood going on strike (1:51)
Production houses such as Netflix, Disney, Comcast, have gotten bigger profits during the pandemic (3:15)
The way ahead for the change in America's labour dynamic (5:12)
America's jobless benefits one of the reasons for high unemployment numbers (6:57)
200 Boeing employees protest against vaccination mandate (8:41)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E11: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam aims to reach Covid Zero: Inside Hong Kong Ep 11

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 11: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam aims to reach Covid Zero

9:48 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Even with low Covid-19 cases, borders remain close as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam aims for a Covid Zero approach; how will it affect business leaders? (1:43)
Will Lam run for a second term? (4:32)
China hands Hong Kong 500-point to-do list to manage city (7:00)
Pillar of Shame, a sculpture representing 1989's Tiananmen Square crackdown, to be removed from the University of Hong Kong (8:07)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E6: Dissecting impact of Huawei CFO's release on US-China relations: Power Play Ep 6

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 6: Dissecting impact of Huawei CFO's release on US-China relations

10:47 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

Huawei chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, received a hero's welcome upon returning to Shenzhen while America saw the release of Meng Wanzhou and the 'two Michaels' as a prisoner swap (1:45)
How will this politically affect US President Biden? (4:11)
US-China relations have improved since Meng's release (6:27)
Possibility of US conceding to Beijing's requests on China's grievances (7:58)
US concerns and policy towards China not changed (8:55)

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E19: Countries slowly opening up borders to allow vaccinated travellers: Regional Roundup Ep 19

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 19: Countries slowly opening up borders to allow vaccinated travellers

9:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Malaysia has allowed vaccinated travellers to cross inter-state borders as it reaches 90% vaccinated rate (1:14)
Indonesia is reopening Bali and Riau islands to 18 countries, but Singapore is not one of them (4:17)
Risks to take note of when visiting Thailand when its borders reopen to Singapore (5:17)
Contingency plans needed in the event of a fresh outbreak or new Covid-19 variants (6:31)
Moving from restricted travel to Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement between Singapore and other countries (7:40)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E18: What to expect from SM Tharman's working visit to the US: Washington Report Ep 18

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 10:39:22 +0000

Washington Report Ep 18: What to expect from SM Tharman's working visit to the US

11:55 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Former US President Donald Trump vows to assert executive privilege after Biden administration said it will give a House panel investigating the Jan 6 insurrection at the US Capitol access to some requested documents (1:45)
Impacts of the investigations on Trump's own presidency shot in 2024 (4:06)
What to expect from Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as he makes a working visit to the US from Oct 11 to 17 (8:39)
Affirmation of the close relationship between the US and Singapore, and Singapore's advice as a valuable partner in this region (10:30)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Europe will not be torpedo-ed from Asia: Speaking Of Asia Ep 6

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Speaking of Asia Ep 6: Europe will not be torpedo-ed from Asia

47:54 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this sixth episode, he has two special guests - the French ambassador to Singapore Marc Abensour and the newly arrived European Union ambassador, Iwona Piorko.

They discuss the recent Australian decision to drop a contract with France to build diesel electric submarines in Adelaide. Australia chose to go for nuclear powered submarines from either the United States or the United Kingdom and the three nations also announced a new security formation, called Aukus which is described as an Enhanced Trilateral Security Partnership.

The cancellation of the submarine contract greatly upset France, which withdrew its ambassadors to Washington and Canberra to show its displeasure. France's fellow European Union members in the European Union were taken aback, after they had released a major policy paper on the IndoPacific that deserves much more attention.

Ambassador Abensour on why the breakdown of the deal with Australia is a breach of trust and consistency in this region? (3:25)
Steps being taken to fix this breach of trust while maintaining important relationships with allies (5:27)
Ambassador Abensour on the long-term French approach to the Indo-Pacific? (8:08)
The EU's approach paper titled the EU Strategy For Cooperation In The Indo-Pacific: Ambassador Piorko on the EU’s approach, and how different it is from the US and Japanese approaches (13:15)
Can France pursue an Indo-Pacific strategy without close cooperation with the Aukus and Quad powers? (21:19)
How Europe views Asean's efforts to cut a deal with China on a code of conduct for the South China Sea (34:50)

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

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S1E18: South-East Asian politicians and influential leaders mentioned in Pandora papers: Regional Roundup Ep 18

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 18: South-East Asian politicians and influential leaders mentioned in Pandora papers

11:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Impact of Pandora papers on South-east Asian politicians and influential leaders (2:15)
How are the governments in the region addressing the Pandora papers? (4:11)
Singapore's Fica aims to tackle foreign interference in domestic affairs (5:15)
Malaysia had Chinese vessels enter its maritime economic zone (7:56)
Latest updates on Phillippines' presidential election (9:25)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E17: US Supreme Court's impending changes to abortion and gun laws: Washington Report Ep 17

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 17: US Supreme Court's impending changes to abortion and gun laws

10:41 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Supreme Court to consider all rules restricting abortions are unconstitutional (1:48)
How can the Supreme Court rulings possibly backfire on legislators? (3:55)
New York state gun law to mandate a licence to carry a concealed gun, with good reason (5:32)
2,500 fire-arms taken out of communities via buy-back scheme (6:39)
Separation of church and state - involving state funds to religious schools (8:55)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Celebrating Chuseok and observing gender inequality in South Korea: Letter from the Bureau Ep 6

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 6: Celebrating Chuseok and observing gender inequality in South Korea

20:34 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's South Korea correspondent Chang May Choon about the following:

What is Chuseok; difference between Chuseok celebrations, pre and post-Covid-19 (1:04)
South Korea - a still-patriarchal society or a modern, technologically-driven nation? (6:18)
Blatant gender inequality in everyday life, even in schools and the workforce (9:40)
May Choon's personal experience of Chuseok and gender divide in South Korea (13:46)
Newer Chuseok traditions being created by modern Korean mothers-in-law (17:06)

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh

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S1E76: Citizens should push politicians and companies on climate crisis and vaccine inequity, says UNDP head: Asian Insider Ep 77

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:04:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 76: Citizens should push politicians and companies on climate crisis and vaccine inequity, says UNDP head

17:12 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

The climate crisis and the Covid pandemic's global vaccine inequity were the two main issues on the agenda at the just-concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by the United States and China.

In this episode, Nirmal Ghosh hosts the head of United Nations Development Programme - Achim Steiner - who's based in New York City. The Human Development Index was created to emphasise that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone.

They discuss the following points:

Did events at the recent United Nations General Assembly by the United States and China show there is concrete progress towards solving the climate crisis (1:04)
How Steiner assesses the state of the world in terms of vaccine equity globally (3:45)
Why there is a drop in the UNDP's Human Development Index for the first time in 30 years (5:45)
Why citizens must make their voices heard by politicians and companies that depend on them (7:42)
Why in 2021 - across most of the world - renewable energy today is cheaper per kilowatt hour than any other fossil fuel-based energy generation (12:27)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E17: Why Malaysia is allowing interstate travel, despite recent surge of Covid-19 cases: Regional Round-up Ep 17

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 17: Why Malaysia is allowing interstate travel, despite recent surge of Covid-19 cases?

10:43 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Why is inter-state travel to be allowed from October despite Malaysia's Covid-19 high number of cases? (2:40)
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo's budget of 2714 trillion rupiah approved by Parliament (4:24)
70,000 homes inundated and 6 killed by floods caused by tropical storm, Dianmu in Thailand (6:33)
Phillippines' President Rodrigo Duterte to roll out vaccination programmes for the public from October (8:20)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E15: China's series of bold financial moves and economic adjustments: China Perspective Ep 15

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 15: China's series of bold financial moves and economic adjustments

10:05 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

All cryptocurrency transactions such as Bitcoin, are being banned in China (1:47)
Huawei's executive Meng Wanzhou back in China - a hero's welcome (4:04)
China faces a shortage of coal supply and tougher emission standards (5:58)
Are investors comfortable with President Xi Jinping's philosophy of common prosperty? (8:01)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E16: Challenges facing the passing of US' $1 trillion infrastructure bill: Washington Report Ep 16

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:21:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 16: Challenges facing the passing of US' $1 trillion infrastructure bill

11:47 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Analysing the recent Amtrak train crash in the US state of Montana on Sept 25 which killed at least three people (2:00)
Challenges after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a vote on the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill for Thursday this week (3:45)
A requirement for New York City school teachers and staff to get vaccinated for Covid-19 was temporarily blocked by a US appeals court just days before it was to take effect this week, but the court has set a hearing on the matter this week (6:43)
The US House of Representatives recently approved legislation to protect abortion services against growing Republican-backed state restrictions, including a Texas law that imposes a near-total ban on abortion, but the bill is unlikely to pass the Senate (9:37)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E10: Hong Kong bans celebrating Taiwan's Independence Day: Inside Hong Kong Ep 10

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 9: Hong Kong bans celebrating Taiwan's Independence Day

9:57 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

What went wrong with the Hong Kong Elections Committee process? (00:59)
Tackling the issues of Hong Kong's property squeeze and land shortage (5:03)
'Contrary to the interest of national security' - broadened National Security Law phrase kept vague (6:49)
Police to continue investigating disbanded pro-democracy organisations (8:04)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E75: Aukus and the Quad - shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific: Asian Insider Ep 76

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 76: Aukus and the Quad - shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

18:59 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

Power dynamics are changing in the Asia and Indo-Pacific with the mid-September announcement of the decision by the United States to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia, a privilege previously accorded only to the United Kingdom.

The submarine deal is a key part of Aukus, the new trilateral security partnership between the US, UK and Australia. Under Aukus, Australia will acquire or build nuclear-powered submarines, and get Tomahawks and other long range missiles. France, originally contracted to build diesel-electric submarines for Australia, found its contract scrapped.

Nirmal Ghosh chats with two expert guests. Dr Aparna Pande is Research Fellow & director of Hudson Institute’s Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia.

Dr Carl Thayer is Emeritus Professor of Politics and Visiting Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, UNSW Canberra. He is a South-east Asia regional specialist who taught at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Australian Command and Staff College.

They discuss the following points:

Dr Thayer on what the Aukus deal means for Australia in countering China (2:10)
Dr Pande on how India views the Quad group comprising the US, Japan, India and Australia (4:30)
Dr Thayer on why the Quad should not be mistaken for being an alliance (8:48)
Will the Asia and Indo-Pacific see an accelerating arms race? (11:20)
Is the US finally executing its long-awaited "pivot" to Asia? (13:58)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Fa'izah Sani

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S1E16: How will the Aukus nuclear trilateral deal affect South-east Asia? : Regional Roundup 16

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 16: How will the Aukus nuclear trilateral deal affect South-east Asia?

12:22 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Worries over potential nuclearisation in South-east Asia due to the Aukus trilateral security partnership agreement between the US, UK and Australia recently announced (1:57)
Implications over Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines (4:07)
Possible issues that could arise following the multilateral relationship (5:36)
Malaysia's new portal for vaccinated travellers to apply for home quarantine (7:12)
Indonesia's authorities cracking down on tax evasion to build up government revenues (9:47)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E14: Hong Kong property tycoons the next targets of China's income inequality crackdown? - China Perspective Ep 14

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 14: Hong Kong property tycoons the next targets of China's income inequality crackdown?

10:09 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

President Xi Jinping continues plans to reduce income inequality with Hong Kong property tycoons the next targets (1:10)
Fears of China Evergrande's defaulting rattled global markets (2:40)
Top regulators in China defend their crackdown (5:09)
China urged at United Nations to curb its carbon emissions (7:48)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E15: How the US' drone strike in Kabul became a fatal mistake: Washington Report Ep 15

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 15: How the US' drone strike in Kabul became a fatal mistake

12:23 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

High tensions as 200 protestors gathered to support of pro-Trump rioters involved in January's Capitol riot (1:17)
Influx of thousands of Haitian migrants moved into Del Rio, Texas (5:44)
President Joe Biden urged by Democrats not to deport the Haitian migrants (7:14)
US drone strike in Kabul targetting ISIS-K but killing innocent civilians instead; what would fallout be? (8:33)
Marine Corps general Franklin McKenzie said the 'tragic accident' was 'righteous' (10:05)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E5: Politics now hampering US-China climate cooperation: Power Play Ep 5

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 5: Politics now hampering US-China climate cooperation

10:03 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

US' special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry facing icy reception at Tianjin (0:32)
China's mistrust due to America over-promising and under-delivering (2:37)
Why US-China climate cooperation is like an 'oasis' surrounded by a desert (5:40)
Cooperation seems unlikely at the UN COP26 climate summit in November (7:17)
China's plans to build another 200 gigawatts of coal power would affect the world's climate efforts severely (8:20)

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E15: Najib Razak's advisory role in Malaysian Parliament: Regional Roundup Ep 15

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 15: Najib Razak's advisory role in Malaysian Parliament

11:46 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Malaysia's 14th Parliament signs memorandum of understanding for transformation and political stability (2:22)
Former Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak's role as an advisor for the government (6:29)
Philippines set to reopen despite increase in Covid-19 cases (8:08)
Bali eased travel restrictions but stricter measures for international tourists (10:00)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E13: The intention behind China's efforts to better international relationships: China Perspective Ep 13

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 13: The intention behind China's efforts to better international relationships

10:53 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

Objective of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's working visit to Singapore (1:24)
China's pledge of 200 million yuan worth of aid to Afghanistan an overture? (2:52)
Consequences of Beijing's plans to break up Ant Group's AliPay (5:25)
The domino effect of China Evergrande Group going through debt restructuring (7:00)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E14: 9/11 attacks' anniversary emphasises US national unity needs: Washington Report Ep 14

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 14: 9/11 attacks' anniversary emphasises US national unity needs

12:31 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points:

The US' commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks (2:31)
George W. Bush, US President during 9/11, warned of domestic terrorism (4:45)
President Biden's order to release of 9/11 declassified documents (6:48)
White House mandating vaccines for two-thirds of the workforce (8:57)
Resistance to vaccines and Biden administration's plan to tackle it (10:01)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E9: Hong Kong's vaccination and quarantine-free travel plans: Inside Hong Kong Ep 9

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 9: Hong Kong's vaccination and quarantine-free travel plans

10:34 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Changes in the vaccination programme in Hong Kong (0:54)
Incentives for seniors to get vaccinated (2:16)
"Come2hk" quarantine-free travel scheme starting Sept 15 (6:30)
Hong Kong's economic zone to grow and the impact of plans to limit election seats for tycoons (7:26)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E14: Thailand plans to reopen by January 2022: Regional Round-up Ep 14

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 14: Thailand plans to reopen by January 2022

09:10 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Current protest situation in Myanmar and peace deal situation (1:45)
Situation after Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG) declares a state of emergency (2:53)
Outside government views on the China-Myanmar corridor (4:36)
Thailand's plans to fully reopen without quarantine by January 2022 (5:41)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E5: Could a China Evergrande collapse cause an Asian crisis? - Speaking of Asia Ep 5

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:33:00 +0000

Speaking of Asia Ep 5: Could a China Evergrande collapse cause an Asian crisis?

12:21 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this fifth episode, he discusses the debt worries of China Evergrande, the world's most indebted real estate company, and asks whether there could be a regional economic crisis should this firm collapse, just as the failure of Hanbo Steel in Korea in January 1997 was a forerunner to the Asian Economic Crisis.

The collapse of Hanbo Steel in South Korea in 1997 (1:30)
Red flagging Evergrande's problems and the risks of putting all eggs in a China basket (3:20)
Soros warns that an Evergrande collapse could cause a crash (4:55)
Why fallout from Evergrande can be handled and need not be cataclysmic (6:50)
Other significant developments that could hurt sentiment if combined with an Evergrande collapse (8:05)
A triple whammy may just be too much excitement (11:10)

Read Ravi Velloor's columns: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/ravi-velloor

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

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S1E12: China's economic strategies and plans for climate change: China Perspective Ep 12

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 12: China's economic strategies and plans for climate change

11:30 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

How will President Xi JinPing's mission to narrow the wealth gap affect the rich? (1:35)
Benefits in China's plans to set up a third stock exchange in Beijing (3:00)
Agenda of Britain's senior climate change official Alok Sharma in Tianjin (5:09)
Sinopharm's newly-developed Covid-19 vaccine (6:28)
China overtaking the US to be the world's largest economy by 2031 (7:53)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E13: How Hurricane Ida could boost President Biden's US infrastructure campaign: Washington Report Ep 13

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 13: How Hurricane Ida could boost President Biden's US infrastructure campaign

11:08 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Key differences between Hurricane Ida and Hurricane Katrina (1:55)
The aftermath of Hurricane Ida could boost President Biden's infrastructure campaign (4:00)
How will global warming awareness improve the climate change conversations (5:40)
New anti-abortion law being passed in Texas and the divide it'll cause (6:54)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E5: How Japan lost reputation as needle-shifting tech innovators: Letter From The Bureau Ep 5

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 5: How Japan lost reputation as needle-shifting tech innovators

20:19 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times' foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Japan correspondent Walter Sim about the following:

Cultural resistance to change remains in Japan; how even vaccination passports are still paper-based (4:17)
How the 'Galapagos Island' syndrome has cost Japan (6:15)
Japan's strongest sectors and future prospects? (7:53)
How China has overtaken Japan in online payments and how it took made-in-Japan QR Code technology to a higher level (9:20)
Banking on oddball creativity for a cool Japan image, or even kawaii (cute) cultural product exports to improve its global 'soft' power (15:15)

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Dan Koh

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S1E13: Malaysia and Indonesia recalibrate Covid-19 measures: Regional Round-up Ep 13

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 13: Malaysia and Indonesia recalibrate Covid-19 measures

11:34 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Malaysia's citizens urged to cooperate with vaccination programme (2:09)
Sarawak & Sabah to set out its own Covid-19 counter-measures (3:40)
Looming duties on Malaysia's new Prime Minister Ismail Sabri includes fixing the country's fiscal deficit (4:59)
Concerns with prolonged lockdown situation of schools in Indonesia (9:34)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E11: Examining factors for possible China-Taliban alliance: China Perspective Ep 11

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 11: Examining factors for possible China-Taliban alliance

10:32 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Where does China stand with regards to the "new" Afghanistan (1:57)
Could the China-Taliban alliance hurt China on the flip side? (4:40)
Objectives behind China's panda diplomacy (6:29)
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the policy? (8:36)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E12: Potential Taleban-ISIS-K conflict after US' Afghanistan exit: Washington Report Ep 12

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:28:10 +0000

Washington Report Ep 12: Potential Taleban-ISIS-K conflict after US' Afghanistan exit

10:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Analysing the US forces' final phase of leaving Kabul airport and proposed Turkish security management of airport (1:25)
Former president Donald Trump's allegation of potential terrorist dangers posed by those among Afghan refugees (3:30)
What do we know about Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), the ISIS affiliate? (5:45)
Potential Taleban vs ISIS-K conflict that could spark a civil war (7:50)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E74: What the US' Afghanistan exit means for Asia's regional powers: Asian Insider Ep 75

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 75: What the US' Afghanistan exit means for Asia's regional powers

25:33 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

What the American failure in Afghanistan, India's unrealised political promises and an emboldened China means for dynamics in Asia?

Nirmal Ghosh chats with two expert guests. Associate Professor Christine Fair is with the Security Studies Program within the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Washington DC.

Prakhar Sharma is a currently New York-based political analyst who has studied Afghanistan for 15 years and lived in the country for several years prior to 2016.

They discuss the following points:

How China & Russia had normalised the Taleban even before the 9/11 attacks (2:30)
Why China ignores human rights abuses in favour of a stable Afghanistan under the Taleban (5:50)
Pakistan has been a spoiler in Afghanistan's national development (9:19)
Why Pakistan will continue to bargain with the US, extracting aid to fight terrorism - and Washington will acquiesce (11:17)
What the American failure in Afghanistan, India's unrealised promise, and China's rise means for regional dynamics and relations with the US (18:49)
Should friends and allies henceforth doubt the US' staying power? (20:01)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E8: Hong Kong's upcoming new and toughened laws: Inside Hong Kong Ep 8

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 8: Hong Kong's upcoming new and toughened laws

10:30 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

New data privacy law will create complications for Hong Kong's business community (1:58)
Toughened new censorship law to scrutinise past films for national security breaches (3:17)
Reactions to Hong Kong's decision to reimpose strict quarantine policies (5:19)
More unions under threat due to national security laws (7:51)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E12: Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s first week in office as Malaysia's 9th PM: Regional Round-up Ep 12

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 12: Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s first week in office as Malaysia's 9th PM

10:39 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Adrian Abraham about the following points:

Who could be deputy to new Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri? (1:18)
New Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s decision against a bipartisan government (4:17)
President Rodrigo Duterte’s plans to run for Vice-President in the Philippines and how it could work in current political system (7:00)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E10: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s plans for 'common prosperity': China Perspective Ep 10

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 10: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s plans for 'common prosperity'

8:55 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Ryan Huang about the following points:

The origin and objective of China's 'common prosperity' term (1:26)
China's worries over the country's widening wealth gap (3:51)
Over 40 initial public offerings (IPOs) halted due to misconduct (5:32)
Chinese citizen sentiment towards even wealth distribution (7:06)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E11: How Afghanistan's Kabul airport became a scene of chaos: Washington Report Ep 11

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 11: How Afghanistan's Kabul airport became a scene of chaos

9:25 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Ryan Huang about the following points:

The magnitude of the Kabul airport evacuation and refugee relocation (1:37)
Chaos in evacuation operation due to unanticipated timing of Taleban takeover (3:53)
How many evacuated, and how many more left waiting(4:44)
How the situation is piling on political pressure on Biden in the US (7:20)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E4: China, US and politics of the Olympics: Power Play Ep 4

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 4: China, US and politics of the Olympics

9:01 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, The Straits Times examines various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they chat about the following:

The Olympics - a neutral or an intensely political competition? (0:35)
Why the US plans to boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022; difference between an athlete and a diplomatic boycott (2:39)
How will Beijing respond to a diplomatic boycott? (5:42)
What does the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games mean to China? (6:22)

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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---

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S1E11: Malaysia awaits its next Prime Minister: Regional Round-up Ep 11

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 11: Malaysia awaits its next Prime Minister

12:36 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Adrian Abraham and Ryan Huang about the following points:

Latest developments in Malaysia's leadership stalemate (1:10)
Is there a possible comeback for Muhyiddin? (5:29)
What are the odds of an Anwar era? (9:10)
Chances of Mahathir or his son becoming the next Prime Minister (10:45)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/leslie-lopez

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

---

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S1E9: Why Taleban’s Afghanistan takeover will concern China: China Perspective Ep 9

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 9: Why Taleban’s Afghanistan takeover will concern China

9:08 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, stands in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Ryan Huang about the following points:

Why Taleban's Kabul takeover would be a concern for China (1:15)
Beijing has not recognised Taleban as new leaders of Afghanistan (2:21)
Beijing plays an active role in the rebuilding process to secure its interest (3:55)
China's new wave of coronavirus cases hampering economic recovery (5:34)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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S1E10: Possible terror threats after US exit from Afghanistan: Washington Report Ep 10

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 10: Possible terror threats after US exit from Afghanistan

11:05 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

Steve Okun, senior adviser at McLarty Associates, stands in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave. He chats with Money FM 89.3's Adrian Abraham and Ryan Huang about the following points:

How former President Trump's deal left the insurgence in strong military position (5:17)
The global response to the American evacuation (6:30)
New terror threat advisory ahead of the anniversary of Sept 11 terror attacks (8:08)
Possible connection between the terror threats and America's exit from Afghanistan (9:39)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: Implications of China's anti-sanctions law on Hong Kong: Inside Hong Kong Ep 7

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 7: Implications of China's anti-sanctions law on Hong Kong

10:37 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam supports adoption of China’s anti-sanctions law (1:08)
Implications on other trade unions after Professional Teachers' Union (PTU) disbandment (3:08)
Dispute over Hong Kong's Democratic Party contesting legislative council elections (5:43)
Hong Kong's new plans and strategies to encourage vaccination (7:04)
New identification system introduced by Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (8:40)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E4: Why India and China cannot get along: Speaking of Asia Ep 4

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Speaking Of Asia Ep 4: Why India and China cannot get along

54:34 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent.

In this fourth episode, he discusses the subject of China and India, and their fraught relationship, with Professor Kanti Bajpai, who has the Wilmar Chair on Asian Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. Prof Bajpai has recently written a book called India Versus China: Why they are not friends.

They discuss the following points:

How worrying are the clashes between India and China? (2:47)
China & India 4 Ps: Perceptions, Perimeters, Partnerships and Power (5:53)
Physical factors that limit the impact of China's military superiority (13:05)
Increasing number of border confrontations from 2006 onwards, and why troubles in Tibet are so sensitive (17:12)
Do close cultural contacts between the two countries over the centuries matter? (26:40)
How India moving closer to the United States, is impacting on its relationship with China (38:35)
Reactions to Prof Bajpai's book, especially in India (45:10)
Asian neighbours - including Singapore - do not have polarised views towards China but what political and economic considerations need to be balanced? (48:30)

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E10: Understanding political turmoil in Malaysia and Thailand: Regional Round-up Ep 10

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 10: Understanding political turmoil in Malaysia and Thailand

10:14 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's premiership hanging in the balance (1:44)
Possible outcomes when confidence vote conducted in Malaysia's parliament in September (3:37)
What can PM Muhyiddin do to gain that confidence vote? (5:24)
Frustration with political situation even in Thailand (6:52)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

---

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S1E8: Can a military conflict involving China happen sooner than later? - China Perspective Ep 8

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 8: Can a military conflict involving China happen sooner than later?

6:59 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

China punishes 30 officials for failing to curb new Covid-19 outbreak (1:27)
Can China go into a possible military campaign as it works towards its target of military modernisation by 2027 (3:01)
Beijing sues Tencent for going against the law protecting minors on WeChat app (5:33)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E4: Taiwan wakes up to its tribal culture: Letter From The Bureau Ep 4

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 4: Taiwan wakes up to its tribal culture

13:40 mins

Synopsis: The Straits Times's foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

They talk about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

In this episode, she chats with ST's Taiwan correspondent Katherine Wei about the following:

How Taiwan's native tribes were repressed (1:10)
Rediscovering tribal roots, history and culture (6:03)
How tribes try to preserve their languages (7:25)
Tribal songs now on streaming platforms; some have won awards (9:34)
Integration of tribes in today’s society (11:38)

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Follow Letter From The Bureau Podcast every first Friday of the month on our Asian Insider Podcast channel here:

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Read Katherine Wei’s story - Taiwan indigenous peoples' long road to preserving mother tongues https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/taiwan-indigenous-peoples-long-road-to-preserving-mother-tongues

Read Katherine Wei’s stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/katherine-wei

Follow Katherine Wei on Twitter: https://twitter.com/katweiyc

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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

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S1E9: Malaysia PM's impending reign loss and possible political developments: Regional Round-up Ep 9

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 9: Malaysia PM's impending reign loss and possible political developments

11:30 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin postponed Parliament session due to outbreak of Covid-19 cases (2:10)
Muhyiddin's position as Prime Minister and possible successors upon resignation (4:30)
Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim decision to possibly work together for the country (7:27)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's virtual meet with South-east Asian officials (9:11)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: How China is containing its new Covid-19 Delta variant spread: China Perspective Ep 7

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 7: How China is containing its new Covid-19 Delta variant spread

7:44 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

China's efforts to contain recent Covid-19 Delta variant outbreak in several months (1:32)
China's securities regulator calling for talks with its American counterparts after the IPO halt of Chinese edutech stocks (3:42)
Chinese envoy Kong Xuanyou warns Japan about blossoming relationship with the US in this region (5:27)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E9: How Florida has become epicentre of US Covid-19 Delta variant spread: Washington Report Ep 9

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 9: How Florida has become epicentre of US Covid-19 Delta variant spread

11:04 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

US President Joe Biden’s US$1 trillion (S$1.35 trillion) infrastructure package (1:35)
Why the country badly needs these infrastructure fixes (3:42)
What is causing a surge in Covid-19 cases in Florida (6:31)
US struggling with Covid Delta variant especially in the southern states; more children hospitalised (7:44)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E73: School Interrupted: Millions of children losing a year of education in Covid era: Asian Insider Ep 74

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 74: School Interrupted: Millions of children losing a year of education in Covid era

15:41 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

Millions of children have in effect lost a year of education amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nirmal Ghosh chats with ST's Philippines correspondent Raul Dancel and India correspondent Rohini Mohan about the following points:

Schools in Philippines closed since March 2020 (1:12)
Millions of children out of school in India (3:46)
Goal is to prevent school dropouts (7:02)
Students in Philippines ‘way behind’ other countries (9:24)
Worry about infections if children go back to school (13:35)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team & Penelope Lee

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S1E8: Rodrigo Duterte’s report card and succession plan: Regional Round-up Ep 8

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 8: Rodrigo Duterte’s report card and succession plan

12:07 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Economic improvement: President Duterte's strongest suit (3:38)
Philippines' potential presidential candidates (6:07)
Indonesia's President Jokowi extends partial lockdown (7:55)
Malaysia ending Covid-19 emergency laws despite high numbers (10:40)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Impact of China’s edtech assault on after-school tutoring companies, investors: China Perspective Ep 6

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 6: Impact of China’s edtech assault on after-school tutoring companies, investors

7:52 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

China's new set of sweeping regulations on after-school tutoring companies and investors (1:48)
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's statement before US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's arrival in China (3:55)
Latest update of Typhoon In-Fa and the Chinese government reaction to the situation (5:55)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E8: Why US authorities not probing Covid-19 nursing home deaths: Washington Report Ep 8

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 8: Why US authorities not probing Covid-19 nursing home deaths

9:21 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Republican demands to investigate some government-run nursing homes over Covid-19 deaths (0:23)
The US has purchased 200 million more Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines - 65 million meant for children (4:08)
Low wage and understaffed restaurants to affect Covid-hit US F&B industry (5:48)
Potential implications of some US states scaling back on Covid-19 data reports (7:54)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Anti-doxxing bill debate causes concern in Hong Kong: Inside Hong Kong Ep 6

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 6: Anti-doxxing bill debate causes concern in Hong Kong

8:32 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks with Money FM's Rachel Kelly and Timothy Go on the following points:

Hong Kong police arrested former executive chief editor of Apple Daily tabloid (0:43)
National security police officers arrest five General Union of Hong Kong Speech therapists over children's books (2:17)
Hong Kong's legislature, which has no opposition party, to debate new legal rules criminalising doxxing, that is, publicly releasing private or identifying information about an individual or organisation (3:23)
Fully inoculated Singaporean obtained another two vaccination doses in Hong Kong to visit bars as Singapore's vaccine records are not recognised there (6:27)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3 & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E7: Covid era personal responsibility challenges in tradition-bound South-east Asian countries: Regional Round-Up Ep 7

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 11:50:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 7: Covid era personal responsibility challenges in tradition-bound South-east Asian countries

9:43 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Indonesia becoming epicentre for Covid-19 cases in South-east Asia (1:20)
Getting religious leaders on board with government plans to help convince the public (2:30)
Are Malaysians desensitised or suffering from fatigue when it comes to Covid-19 measures? (5:41)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E7: Why Washington shooting won't have impact on US gun laws: Washington Report Ep 7

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 7: Why Washington shooting won't have impact on US gun laws

8:15 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

The recent shooting outside the Washington Nationals stadium (1:35)
What impact does the Nationals Parks shooting have on gun laws in America (3:54)
Bootleg fire that’s spreading fast in Oregon (5:14)
How does the pandemic affect safety efforts in relation to natural disasters? (6:44)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E3: Lovable China? How the world sees China's PR struggle: Power Play Ep 3

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 3: Lovable China? How the world sees China's PR struggle

10:08 mins

Synopsis: On the third Friday of every month, join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they both look at various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

They chat about the following:

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently said it will be tough to build a "credible, lovable and respectable" image and how the US sees this (0:41)
Who are China's wolf warriors on official Chinese social media posts? (1:46)
A Pew Research Center poll shows that Singaporeans are quite the exception among Asians when it comes to positive views of China (3:55)
How China missed plenty of good global PR opportunities to show it could be more generous and friendly than the US during Covid outbreak in 2020 (6:46)
Why Chinese diplomats and media agencies are increasingly on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, trying to improve the country's PR image (8:24)

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah & Hadyu Rahim

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---

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S1E5: Beijing tightening screws on China's tech giants: China Perspective Ep 5

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 5: Beijing tightening screws on China's tech giants

6:47 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

China's new rules targeting companies that hold data of more than 1 million users (1:42)
The provision of Sinopharm and Sinovac's Covid-19 vaccines to the international Covax programme (3:04)
A dispute between China and a US warship from the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea (4:46)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Why Thailand is mixing Covid-19 vaccines to desperately boost protection: Regional Round-Up Ep 6

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 6: Why Thailand is mixing Covid-19 vaccines to desperately boost protection

10:06 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker and Glenn van Zutphen about the following points:

Malaysia's mass testing of the workers and volunteers at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam (2:00)
Malaysia's aim to have 60% of the population immunised by end-September (5:00)
Thailand's decision to mix two kinds of vaccines to further boost protection against Covid-19 (6:45)
What is the issue with anti-vaxxers in the Phlippines? (8:24)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E6: Analysing Biden's efforts to counter corporate consolidation: Washington Report Ep 6

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 6: Analysing Biden's efforts to counter corporate consolidation

9:29 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

Steve Okun, senior advisor of McLarty Associates, sits in for ST's Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave, to chat with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

President Joe Biden's new executive order and its effect on big businesses (1:26)
What it means for the future of American jobs (3:26)
Analysing Biden's move to pull US forces out of Afghanistan (5:06)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E3: The great Asian gold rush: Speaking Of Asia Ep 3

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Speaking Of Asia Ep 3: The great Asian gold rush

12:20 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts based on his weekly columns on Asian issues, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this third episode, he discusses the burst of wealth that is taking place in Asia, from Japan to the Middle East, and how European and American lenders are rushing in to manage the money of wealthy Asians.

The great California gold rush in 1848, and the arrival of Chinese to escape poverty at home (0:53)
The Asian billionaire boom, led by China (1:53)
How UBS, Citi and other banks are positioning themselves to profit from this boom (5:33)
The story of London banks like HSBC and StanChart, that are pivoting to tackle this phenomenon (7:12)
Career opportunities that are opening up in financial services (11:03)

Read Ravi Velloor's columns: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/ravi-velloor

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Hadyu Rahim

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S1E70: Indonesia's Covid-19 crisis deepens: Asian Insider Ep 73

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:55:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 73: Indonesia's Covid-19 crisis deepens

10:08 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

A lack of vaccinations and leaky travel bans fuelled Indonesia's new Covid-19 cases, correspondent Linda Yulisman tells Asian Insider.

Introduction 0:00
What led to the surge in infections? 1:23
Hospital beds in Java filling up fast. 3:13
5% of population fully vaccinated so far 5:08
Many of us know people who have died 7:19

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Hadyu Rahim

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S1E5: 9 arrested over HK 'car bomb' plot & plans for a potential travel corridor: Inside Hong Kong Ep 5

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 5: 9 arrested over HK 'car bomb' plot & plans for a potential travel corridor

4:35 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in Hong Kong.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks to Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points:

The city's government said it will assess Singapore's new Covid-19 strategy before reviving travel bubble (0:47)
The minds behind Hong Kong's revolutionary group, 'Returning Valiant' (2:03)
What impact does the terrorist activity have on the country's government policy? (3:32)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E4: Will Beijing’s plans to return Communist Party to revolutionary roots backfire?: China Perspective Ep 4

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 4: Will Beijing’s plans to return Communist Party to revolutionary roots backfire?

8:37 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

How Chinese President Xi Jinping's plans to bring CCP back to its revolutionary roots (1:26)
The removal of Didi Chuxing on app stores by China’s cyberspace regulator (4:20)
Questions over the efficiency of Chinese made vaccines jeopardising the soft-power win for Beijing (6:20)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E5: Biden's report card on Independence Day: Washington Report Ep 5

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 5: Biden's report card on Independence Day

11:19 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

What America's been like more than five months into Joe Biden's presidency (1:18)
How far the US is from reaching pre-pandemic health, jobs wise (6:39)
Why authorities are proceeding with the demolition of collapsed 40-year-old Miami condo? (7:42)
What's fueling the unwavering support for the former president Donald Trump despite the legal trouble he's in (9:07)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E5: Malaysia’s MCO 3.0 and Indonesia’s Covid crisis: Regional Round-Up Ep 5

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 5: Malaysia’s MCO 3.0 and Indonesia’s Covid crisis

12:27 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

What went wrong during Malaysia’s latest lockdown to try to control the Covid-19 pandemic (1:37)
'White Flag' movement rippling across Malaysia and how Malaysians remain resilient (3:42)
The possibility of more political turbulence in Malaysia (7:41)
The Covid-19 situation in Indonesia (10:21)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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S1E3: Filipinos cope with an epidemic of despair as Covid-19 takes a toll: Letter From The Bureau Ep 3

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 3: Filipinos cope with an epidemic of despair as Covid-19 takes a toll

14:01 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's foreign editor Bhagyashree Garekar in this podcast series as she talks about life as it goes on amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month.

She chats with ST's Philippines correspondent Raul Dancel about the following:

Why is the Philippines in an ‘epidemic of despair’ (0:58)
Tackling the mental health dimension of the COVID-19 crisis (2:18)
Which groups are especially vulnerable and is financial hardship worsening mental health? (5:28)
How is the government helping? (8:45)
How to remain resilient in this time of uncertainty (11:06)

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah and Hadyu Rahim

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Raul Dancel’s story - China flushed with 'red fever' as CCP prepares to mark 100 years: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/an-epidemic-of-despair-as-crippling-as-covid-19

Read Raul Dancel’s stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/raul-dancel

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S1E4: Tight security in HK as China celebrates Communist Party centenary: Inside Hong Kong Ep 4

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 4: Tight security in HK as China celebrates Chinese Communist Party centenary

9:47 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks to Money FM's Rachel Kelly on the following points:

Atmosphere in Hong Kong as July 1 marks the anniversary of both Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China (0:55)
The centennial of the Chinese Communist Party (3:01)

Produced by: Prime Time, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Nadiah Koh

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S1E4: Indonesia's critical challenges as it enters hard Covid-19 lockdown: Regional Round-up Ep 4

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 4: Indonesia's critical challenges as it enters hard Covid-19 lockdown

11:13 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Indonesia entering a hard lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19 (1:38)
Slow pace of Malaysia’s latest RM150 billion ((S$48.6 billion) package rollout (5:30)
How calls from Malaysia’s King to reconvene Parliament might be putting pressure on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (8:00)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/leslie-lopez

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E4: Florida condo's structural weakness ignored: Washington Report Ep 4

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 11:30:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 4: Florida condo's structural weakness ignored

11:15 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker about the following points:

Progression over linking the $579 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal and 'Family Plan' (1:12)
Biden administration's challenge against Georgia’s new tightened law that infringes on the rights of black voters (2:48)
Reaction in the US to sentencing of white ex-police officer Derek Chauvin for George Floyd murder (6:39)
Possible structural flaws noticed in 2018 relating to collapsed 40-year-old Miami condo (8:08)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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Washington Report: How is Biden keeping the bipartisan infrastructure deal alive?

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 03:03:00 +0000

Straits Times US Bureau Chief, Nirmal Ghosh gives an analysis of the progression over linking the $579 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal and 'Family Plan', the Biden administration's challenge against Georgia’s new tightened law, the reaction behind the sentence of white ex-police officer Derek Chauvin, and more.

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S1E1: Apple Daily bids farewell as first trial under national security law begins: Inside Hong Kong Ep 1

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Inside Hong Kong Ep 1: Apple Daily bids farewell as first trial under national security law begins

8:53 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses developments in Hong Kong.

ST's Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang chats with Money FM 89.3's Rachel Kelly about the following points:

Apple Daily closes its doors after 26 years (0:40)
How a 24-year-old Hong Kong man became the first defendant to be tried under the city’s nearly one-year-old national security law (5:01)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis and Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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---

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S1E3: Could Malaysia face a general election this year?: Regional Round-up Ep 3

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 3: Could Malaysia face a general election this year?

10:29 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses South-east Asia's top news developments.

The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez chats with Money FM's Timothy Go about the following points:

A possible General Election in Malaysia at the end of 2021 (1:37)
How significant is a vote by Thai lawmakers to potentially rewrite the country's charter (3:58)
Why Filipinos may face a jail sentence if they refuse a Covid-19 vaccine (7:53)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E3: Has Tesla found itself a rival in China's carmaker Nio?: China Perspective Ep 3

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 3: Has Tesla found itself a rival in China's carmaker Nio?

7:59 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in China.

Dr. Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs, sits in for The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei, who is on leave.

He chats with Money FM 89.3's Timothy Go about the following points:

China's reaction from the US FCC to advance a plan to ban approvals for equipment in US telecommunications networks (1:45)
Possible talks between the US and China (3:30)
Tesla's potential electric vehicle rival, China's carmaker Nio (5:07)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E3: United States ready to lead Western alliance again?: Washington Report Ep 3

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 3: United States ready to lead Western alliance again?

8:29 mins

Synopsis: Every week, The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States.

The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh chats with Money FM 89.3's Timothy Go about the following points:

US President Joe Biden's first international trip as President (1:10)
How the US' move to ship 2.5 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan could rock US-China tensions further (2:46)
The Biden administration's plan to finalise a deal with Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear deal (4:57)
Significance of new US holiday Juneteenth and its importance? (6:33)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Aleemah Basirah

Edited by: Dan Koh

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S1E72: Rising tide of meth across South-east Asia: Asian Insider Ep 72

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:12:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 72: Rising tide of meth across South-east Asia

13:09 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

Illicit drugs - mainly methamphetamines - is an industry that grew last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, border controls, and a recession.

Nirmal Ghosh chats with Inshik Sim, research officer for illicit drugs at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Bangkok, and Erlend Falch, officer in charge at the UNODC in Laos about the following points:

The UN report on Asia’s illicit drug trade (1:58)
Organised crime groups in Mekong region (3:23)
Laos as a transit country (6:03)
Drug trade impact on Bangladesh and India (9:25)
Need for intelligence-based enforcement (11:35)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team, Aleemah Basirah & Hadyu Rahim

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Washington Report: Has the US proved it’s ready to lead the Western alliance again?

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:37:00 +0000

Straits Times US Bureau Chief, Nirmal Ghosh gives his analysis of US President Joe Biden's first international trip as President, how the US' move to ship 2.5 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan could rock US-China tensions further, the Biden administration's plan to finalise a deal with Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear deal, and more.

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S1E2: Can the US catch up to China’s vaccine diplomacy?: Power Play Ep 2

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 2: Can the US catch up to China’s vaccine diplomacy?

10:58 mins

Synopsis: Once a month, join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong - ST’s US and China correspondents respectively based in Washington DC and Beijing - as they both look at various facets of the US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

They chat about the following:

Key differences between the US and China’s vaccine distribution approaches (2:50)
Why China’s aid strategies have a poor reputation (4:11)
How can America's medical aid be seen as beneficial during this time of uncertainty? (6:16)
Why vaccine efficacy rate is an important factor, resulting in South-east Asian countries wanting to be independent in producing vaccines? (7:24)

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

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---

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S1E2: Possible impact of China's new anti-sanction laws: China Perspective Ep 2

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 2: Possible impact of China's new anti-sanction laws

7:48 mins

Synopsis: Every Tuesday, The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei analyses the latest developments in the country she is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They chat about the following:

China's reaction to G7 leaders seeking to counter Beijing's global might (1:37)
China's new anti-sanction laws (3:23)
China's next step in their space exploration front (5:22)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/tan-dawn-wei

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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Inside Hong Kong: Lottery for those vaccinated & Apple Daily offices raided again

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:15:00 +0000

On Prime Time, Howie Lim speaks to Claire Huang, Hong Kong correspondent for The Straits Times for an update and analysis of the latest from the territory.

Earlier this week, 455,000 fully vaccinated Hongkongers registered for a lucky draw aimed at boosting the city's Covid-19 inoculation drive.

On Thursday, 500 police officers raided the offices of pro-democracy paper Apple Daily, alleging its reports breached a national security law. #asianinsider

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S1E2: Understanding ground sentiment for Malaysia's post-pandemic exit plan: Regional Round-up Ep 2

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 2: Understanding ground sentiment for Malaysia's post-pandemic exit plan

10:47 mins

Synopsis: Every Wednesday, The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez analyses South-east Asia's top news developments with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They chat about the following:

Details of Malaysia's four-phase pandemic exit plan (1:33)
The handling of the Covid crisis by the Malaysian government (4:20)
Reasons for surge behind Indonesia's recovery in export numbers (8:07)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Leslie Lopez's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/leslie-lopez

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E2: Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative: Washington Report Ep 2

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 2: Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative

10:09 mins

Synopsis: Every Monday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh analyses the latest developments in the country he is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They chat about the following:

G7's challenge to China's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative (0:47)
Making sense of G7 Summit climate change plans (2:35)
Explicit language covering China this time round, in G-7 final communique (5:00)
Introduction of five bills aimed at limiting the power held by Big Tech companies in the US (6:20)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/nirmal-ghosh

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E2: What lies behind Myanmar’s heart of darkness: Speaking of Asia Ep 2

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Speaking Of Asia Ep 2: What lies behind Myanmar’s heart of darkness

11:33 mins

In this second episode, he explains the history behind Myanmar’s current tensions, and the less-reported but complicated relationship between deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the military that ousted her on Feb 1.

He discusses the country’s troubled history and its relevance in today’s crisis:

Latest state of power play in Myanmar throwing off anti-Covid campaign (1:17)
Why last general election’s results were problematic for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s current military supremo (2:18)
The complicated historical link between Myanmar’s founding father General Aung San, the military and his third child Suu Kyi (4:57)
Understanding Myanmar’s ethnic conflicts, and Suu Kyi’s defence of the military’s actions against the Rohingya (7:06)
A glimpse of hope for Myanmar despite deep roots of despair (9:48)

Read Ravi Velloor's columns: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/ravi-velloor

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

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S1E1: Analysing G-7's backing of global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%: Washington Report Ep 1

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:37:00 +0000

Washington Report Ep 1: Analysing G-7's backing of global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%

10:37 mins

Synopsis: Every Monday, The Straits Times' US Bureau Chief, Nirmal Ghosh, analyses the latest developments in the country he is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Timothy Go.

They chat about the following:

How the Group of Seven (G-7) rich nations' proposed global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% works, and which big companies are likely to be affected (1:35)
US Department of Justice (DOJ) will no longer seize journalist's records in leak investigations (4:21)
President Joe Biden defends the stand of top Covid-19 adviser - Dr. Anthony Fauci - on the claimed Wuhan lab leak of the coronavirus (7:10)
Analysing former US President Donald Trump's speech in the North Carolina Republican Convention (8:42)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Dan Koh

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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S1E1: Why China's aviation sector faces headwinds with reluctance for international technological transfer: China Perspective Ep 1

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 08:47:00 +0000

China Perspective Ep 1: Why China's aviation sector faces headwinds with reluctance for international technological transfer

7:37 mins

Synopsis: Every Tuesday, The Straits Times' China bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei analyses the latest developments in the country she is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Timothy Go.

They chat about the following:

What consequences Chinese e-commerce site Xiaohongshu will face for a post relating to the anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Tiananmen Square (1:42)
Relations between Asean and China after first face-to-face meeting between foreign ministers this week following Covid-19 outbreak (3:43)
How Asean foreign ministers commented on progress to solve Myanmar crisis (4:38)
How China's state-led development model could hold the country back in aviation sector (5:45)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3 & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Dan Koh & Aleemah Basirah

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Tan Dawn Wei's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/tan-dawn-wei

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E2: How Chinese Communist Party is popularly viewed in China during Covid-19: Letter From The Bureau Ep 2

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 2: How Chinese Communist Party is popularly viewed in China during Covid-19

18:42 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times's foreign desk editor Bhagyashree Garekar in this podcast series as she talks about life as it goes on, amid, and in spite of the headlines, with one of ST’s 30-odd correspondents in 15 cities across the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe every month. They will share with you some of the more interesting things they are reporting on from the countries they are based in.

In this episode, she hosts Danson Cheong - ST's China correspondent based in Beijing - about how China is celebrating the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2021.

They chat about the following:

What lies in China's Jinggang mountains? A museum sacred to CCP (2:05)
Membership numbers of the CCP, the world's biggest party (4:45)
Does it hurt a citizen professionally or socially, if that person is not a member of the CCP (7:05)
How is the CCP popularly viewed in China? (10:30)
How important is this centenary to China's President Xi Jinping? (13:35)

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

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Read Danson Cheong's story - China flushed with 'red fever' as CCP prepares to mark 100 years: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-flushed-with-red-fever-as-ccp-prepares-to-mark-100-years

Read Danson Cheong's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/danson-cheong

Follow Danson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansoncj

Read more of ST's Letters From The Bureau: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/letter-from-the-bureau

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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S1E71: South-east Asia scrambling to contain new wave of Covid-19 cases in 2021: Asian Insider Ep 71

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:19:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 71: South-east Asia scrambling to contain new wave of Covid-19 cases in 2021

13:37 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

With South-east Asia’s vaccination rates relatively low, the coronavirus will continue to break through the region’s safety measures.

Nirmal Ghosh hosts Dr Abhishek Rimal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Professor Dale Fisher from the National University Hospital in Singapore as they discuss the following points:

Not enough public health measures in South-east Asia (2:50)
Some countries’ health systems on brink of collapse (5:08)
Singapore has seen benefits of vaccination amid new clusters (8:00)
Countries need to balance social, economic and health impacts (11:24)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team, Aleemah Basirah & Hadyu Rahim

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S1E1: Reviewing Malaysia's Covid Full Movement Control Order: Regional Round-up Ep 1

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Regional Round-up Ep 1: Reviewing Malaysia's Covid Full Movement Control Order

9:18 mins

Synopsis: Every Wednesday, The Straits Times' regional correspondent Leslie Lopez analyses South-east Asia's top news developments with Money FM's Elliott Danker.

They chat about the following:

Sabah outrage at 16 Chinese military aircraft flying into Malaysian airspace on Monday earlier this week (1:45)
Reviewing Malaysia's latest Full Movement Control Order from June 1-14 (3:24)
Thailand's economic stimulus plans to try and heal the damage from Covid-19 (6:09)
The Filipino mayor of a farming town an hour's drive north of Manila is promising to raffle a cow each month, starting September, to get his constituents to take shots of Covid-19 vaccines from China or Russia (7:19)

Produced by: Money FM 89.3 & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

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S1E1: Can US-China competition save the planet's environment? - Power Play Ep 1

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Power Play Ep 1: Can US-China competition save the planet's environment?

9:57 mins

They chat about the following:

Why scepticism over China's climate ambitions are misplaced (1:06)
How the US is balancing competition and cooperation with China on climate change (4:00)
Why part of the US view is political as the Biden administration is selling renewable energy as a way to create jobs, since the switch from fossil fuels will cost a lot of jobs (4:27)
Why a US and China “race to the top” can strengthen the planet’s climate protection via competition to develop better and cheaper green technologies (6:55)
Why Asian countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia involved in coal projects under China's Belt and Road Initiative, might be "called out" or caught in this US-China tussle (7:46)

Join Charissa Yong and Danson Cheong as they chat with fellow ST Asian Insiders Bhagyashree Garekar, Nirmal Ghosh, Tan Dawn Wei and Zakir Hussain for this special Clubhouse chat at 8pm-8.45pm on May 25: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xBzj7qn2

Follow ST's Power Play articles: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/st-power-play

Produced by: Charissa Yong (charyong@sph.com.sg), Danson Cheong (dansonc@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

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---

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S1E69: Myanmar descending into economic collapse: Asian Insider Ep 70

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 70: Myanmar descending into economic collapse

18:29 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

The international community needs to brace for a humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar, as analysts Richard Horsey and Pwint Htun tell Asian Insider.

They discuss the following points:

People risking their lives to withdraw cash (4:16)
UN should consider delivering aid through mobile phones (9:33)
Criminal networks already well-entrenched in Myanmar (12:40)
Risk of state failure spreading to centre of Myanmar (14:00)
Military has undone decades of progress in poverty alleviation (15:27)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah

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S1E1: Getting to know Little Singapore in the south of India: Letter From The Bureau Ep 1

Thu, 06 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Letter From The Bureau Ep 1: Getting to know Little Singapore in the south of India

16:08 mins

In this episode, she hosts Rohini Mohan - ST's India correspondent - about a unique region in south India where the people have strong historical, economic and emotional ties to Singapore.

They chat about the following:

Where is 'Little Singapore' in south India and why it gets this name (0:55)
Background to districts surrounding Trichy (short for Tiruchirapalli) - the fourth largest city of Tamil Nadu and its decades-old connection to Singapore (2:28)
Hear about little Lee Kuan Yew Jayaprakash, born in Mannargudi town in Tamil Nadu in 2015, and the inspiration for his name (6:30)
Amid Covid-19 pandemic, as many migrant workers returned home after job loss or to care for their parents, the love affair with Singapore has turned into separation anxiety (9:05)

Read Rohini Mohan's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/rohini-mohan

Produced by: Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg) & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Aleemah Basirah

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S1E1: Do not mock India, learn from its Covid-19 troubles: Speaking Of Asia Ep 1

Thu, 06 May 2021 15:55:00 +0000

Speaking Of Asia Ep 1: Do not mock India, learn from its Covid-19 troubles

9:26 mins

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor Ravi Velloor, in this series of podcasts based on his weekly columns on Asian issues, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

Ravi argues that while much of the global media has focused on the shortcomings of the Indian government, he sees this as a hybrid, with the effects of the coronavirus as an act of nature - made worse by human errors and emotions, complacency, power play, religion and class issues, and of course, utter misgovernance.

He covers the following reasons for India's seeming Covid collapse as the world watches on:

1st factor: The complacency virus (2:50)
2nd factor: Why and how the Indian elections became coronavirus super spreader events (4:19)
3rd factor: How an ancient Hindu bathing ritual in the Ganges that takes place every 12 years, became another super spreader event (5:53)
4th factor: Only about 2% of Indians vaccinated with their second shot (7:03)
Paying tribute to the real heroes of India's underfunded and collapsing health sector (8:00)

Read Ravi Velloor's columns: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/ravi-velloor

Produced by: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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S1E68: India's worsening Covid crisis: Asian Insider Ep 69

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 69: India's worsening Covid crisis

18:04 mins

Synopsis: Each month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

The new Covid-19 variants in India preyed on a complacent government and population, as ST's India correspondent Rohini Mohan and Ashoka University Professor Gautam Menon, explain on Asian Insider.

They discuss the following points:

1. Bangalore in lockdown after spike in infections (3:34)

2. Complacency set in after the first wave peaked in 2020 (6:47)

3. Official data vs real numbers ‘not fooling anyone’ (9:55)

4. Role of media in focus as India battles deadly second wave (13:09)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah

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S1E9: 'I've been told South Korea's not the country for my belief,' says a Korean Muslim

Sun, 02 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Invisible Asia Podcast is a special edition 9-episode series in which The Straits Times casts the spotlight on people and communities living in the shadows of their societies where they exist largely unseen and unheard of.

The Straits Times' South Korea correspondent Chang May Choon closes our series as she casts the spotlight on the South Korean Muslim minority. As many as 3,000 South Koreans convert to Islam each year, according to the Korea Muslim Federation.

But a lack of understanding of Islam among the country’s general populace, contributes to the daily difficulties that they face for their belief.

In this podcast, listen to translated testimonies from South Korean Muslim converts Song Bo-ra, Lee Seul and Yu Hong-jong. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning.

How Bo-ra counters misconceptions about the way the hijab is viewed (2:01)
Lee Seul still uneasy in public after her own conversion to Islam (4:33)
South Korean government working to change its people's mindsets about Islam as Muslim tourist numbers rose pre-Covid (5:51)
Hong-jong on the difference between the way Christians and Muslims are viewed in South Korea (8:14)
Booming demand for halal Korean food from Muslim students, workers and tourists (9:28)
Lee Seul and Song Bo-ra helping to make South Korea a more Muslim-friendly country (11:20)

Read the full story by Chang May Choon: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/many-koreans-have-big-misunderstandings-about-islam

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Adam Azlee, Fa'izah Sani, Penelope Lee & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover ST's Invisible Asia podcast series:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZn

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S1E9: 'Many Koreans have big misunderstandings about Islam': Invisible Asia Ep 9

Sun, 02 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Invisible Asia Ep 9: 'Many Koreans have big misunderstandings about Islam'

14:06 min

But a lack of understanding of Islam among the country’s general populace, contributes to the daily difficulties that they face for their belief.

In this podcast, listen to translated testimonies from South Korean Muslim converts Song Bo-ra, Lee Seul and Yu Hong-jong. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning.

How Bo-ra counters misconceptions about the way the hijab is viewed (2:01)
Lee Seul still uneasy in public after her own conversion to Islam (4:33)
South Korean government working to change its people's mindsets about Islam as Muslim tourist numbers rose pre-Covid (5:51)
Hong-jong on the difference between the way Christians and Muslims are viewed in South Korea (8:14)
Booming demand for halal Korean food from Muslim students, workers and tourists (9:28)
Lee Seul and Song Bo-ra helping to make South Korea a more Muslim-friendly country (11:20)

Read the full story by Chang May Choon: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/many-koreans-have-big-misunderstandings-about-islam

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Adam Azlee, Fa'izah Sani, Penelope Lee & Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover Invisible Asia Podcast playlist: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/invisible-asia

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S1E8: 'I was afraid to be rejected if I spoke up,' says childhood abuse victim in the Philippines

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Synopsis: The Invisible Asia Podcast is a special edition series in which The Straits Times casts the spotlight on people and communities living in the shadows of their societies where they exist largely unseen and unheard of. Do follow all nine episodes of Invisible Asia over the next two months on The Straits Times podcast channel on Apple podcasts, Spotify or Google podcasts.

The Straits Times' Philippines correspondent Raul Dancel casts the spotlight on sexual abuse and domestic violence against vulnerable children in the Philippines. He speaks with Filipino Erick Reyes, 44, on his early experience with abuse, which left him fighting his demons well into his adulthood.

Professor Zenaida Rosales, executive director of the Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse in the Philippines, also discusses deep-seated issues related to child abuse. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning.

Erick and his siblings view their violent and often-absent father with fear, loathing and anger (0:49)
Five-year-old Erick is sexually abused by an older boy and left feeling hurt, guilty and confused (2:30)
At age 12, he decides to enrol in a seminary to escape his "demons" (4:39)
Dropping out of the seminary (6:33)
Why sexually abused boys seldom report or discuss their experiences in the Philippines, where the crime of rape applies only to women (8:00)
Erick finds understanding, catharsis and healing in a group similarly trying to reconcile their gender preferences with their religious faith (11:24)
Erick speaks out to prevent more voiceless young people from going through the same painful journey he did as a youth (12:26)

Read the full story by Raul Dancel: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-was-afraid-id-be-rejected-if-i-told-people-of-my-abuse

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover ST's Invisible Asia podcast series:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZn

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3s

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJH

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Invisible Asia Videos: https://str.sg/wuTU

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S1E8: ‘I was afraid I’d be rejected if I told people of my abuse’: Invisible Asia Ep 8

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Invisible Asia Ep 8: ‘I was afraid I’d be rejected if I told people of my abuse’

16:14 min

Erick and his siblings view their violent and often-absent father with fear, loathing and anger (0:49)
Five-year-old Erick is sexually abused by an older boy and left feeling hurt, guilty and confused (2:30)
At age 12, he decides to enrol in a seminary to escape his "demons" (4:39)
Dropping out of the seminary (6:33)
Why sexually abused boys seldom report or discuss their experiences in the Philippines, where the crime of rape applies only to women (8:00)
Erick finds understanding, catharsis and healing in a group similarly trying to reconcile their gender preferences with their religious faith (11:24)
Erick speaks out to prevent more voiceless young people from going through the same painful journey he did as a youth (12:26)

Read the full story by Raul Dancel: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-was-afraid-id-be-rejected-if-i-told-people-of-my-abuse

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover Invisible Asia Podcast playlist: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/invisible-asia

Discover Invisible Asia Video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduNKeEL19yhXFVHxGB8X315b

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S1E67: Washington's Taiwan dilemma - worries spike over China's coercive moves: Asian Insider Ep 68

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 68: Washington's Taiwan dilemma - worries spike over China's coercive moves

18:09 mins

Synopsis: Every Friday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

While tensions are up over China's moves against Taiwan, fears of an imminent invasion are alarmist, as analyst Bonnie Glaser tells host Nirmal.

Glaser is transitioning to become director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

They discuss the following points:

Economic pressure on Taiwan could harm China itself (4:11)
Confidence eroding that Taiwan will reunify with ‘motherland’ (5:58)
US faces great challenges in coming to defence of Taiwan (8:39)
Is the risk of conflict between China and Taiwan somewhat exaggerated? (11:08)
China’s move to block CSIS website was ‘wrong move’ (14:46)

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Muhammad Firmann

Subscribe to Asian Insider Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Read Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

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S1E7: 'I wanted to escape this life by hiding who I was,' says an 'untouchable' in Japan

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Straits Times' Japan correspondent Walter Sim speaks with Japan's "untouchables", known as the burakumin. They are descendants of a shunned caste from a long-gone era, who are still ostracised in modern times purely because of their lineage. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning.

Official estimates number the burakumin at 900,000, but activists says there are as many as 3 million across the country who have moved out of the hamlets their ancestors once lived in.

Risa Kumamoto - emerging from discrimination against burakumin to become a respected academic (0:30)
History of Japan's burakumin (2:00)
Emotionally scarred while growing up as a burakumin (3:59)
Taro Murasaki: From monkey trainer to monkey theme park owner (7:46)
The late Japanese politician blocked from becoming Japan's Prime Minister in 2001, chiefly because of his ancestry (9:58)
How burakumin such as abattoir worker Yuki Miyazaki still live in fear of their ancestry being exposed in public (10:23)

Read the full story by Walter Sim: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-wanted-to-escape-this-life-by-hiding-who-i-was

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Toh Wen Li, Yeo Sam Jo, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover ST's Invisible Asia podcast series:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZn

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3s

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJH

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Invisible Asia Videos: https://str.sg/wuTU

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S1E7: 'I wanted to escape this life by hiding who I was': Invisible Asia Ep 7

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Invisible Asia Ep 7: 'I wanted to escape this life by hiding who I was'

14:17 min

Official estimates number the burakumin at 900,000, but activists says there are as many as 3 million across the country who have moved out of the hamlets their ancestors once lived in.

Risa Kumamoto - emerging from discrimination against burakumin to become a respected academic (0:30)
History of Japan's burakumin (2:00)
Emotionally scarred while growing up as a burakumin (3:59)
Taro Murasaki: From monkey trainer to monkey theme park owner (7:46)
The late Japanese politician blocked from becoming Japan's Prime Minister in 2001, chiefly because of his ancestry (9:58)
How burakumin such as abattoir worker Yuki Miyazaki still live in fear of their ancestry being exposed in public (10:23)

Read the full story by Walter Sim: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-wanted-to-escape-this-life-by-hiding-who-i-was

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Toh Wen Li, Yeo Sam Jo, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover Invisible Asia Podcast playlist: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/invisible-asia

Discover Invisible Asia Video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduNKeEL19yhXFVHxGB8X315b

Discover ST & BT podcasts:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP

Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt

Websites: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts

https://bt.sg/moneyhacks

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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S1E6: 'We've lived here for decades, but we still can't fit in,' say Hong Kong's silent outsiders

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Straits Times' Hong Kong correspondent Claire Huang speaks to India-born Steven and Chinese mainlander Amy Zhang about the discrimination they face daily in Hong Kong, despite having lived there for decades. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning.

The discrimination they face in public tends to be more subtle. Find out how.

Micro-aggressions faced by Steven due to the colour of his skin (1:04)
How Steven copes with discrimination (3:46)
Amy remembers when mainlanders like her were treated better (7:09)
How Hong Kong's education policies may have contributed to the situation (9:33)
Chinese mainlanders still have a long way to go to gain wider acceptance (12:22)

Read the full story by Claire Huang: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-still-cant-call-myself-a-hong-konger

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Penelope Lee, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover ST's Invisible Asia podcast series:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZn

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3s

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJH

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

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Invisible Asia Videos: https://str.sg/wuTU

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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S1E6: 'I’ve lived here for decades but I still can’t call myself a Hong Konger': Invisible Asia Ep 6

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Invisible Asia Ep 6: 'I’ve lived here for decades but I still can’t call myself a Hong Konger'

15:08 min

The discrimination they face in public tends to be more subtle. Find out how.

Micro-aggressions faced by Steven due to the colour of his skin (1:04)
How Steven copes with discrimination (3:46)
Amy remembers when mainlanders like her were treated better (7:09)
How Hong Kong's education policies may have contributed to the situation (9:33)
Chinese mainlanders still have a long way to go to gain wider acceptance (12:22)

Read the full story by Claire Huang: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/i-still-cant-call-myself-a-hong-konger

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Penelope Lee, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover Invisible Asia Podcast playlist: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/invisible-asia

Discover Invisible Asia Video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduNKeEL19yhXFVHxGB8X315b

Discover ST & BT podcasts:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP

Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt

Websites: http://str.sg/stbtpodcasts

https://bt.sg/moneyhacks

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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#InvisibleAsia

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S1E67: Asians in US speak out against racism: Asian Insider Ep 67

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Asian Insider Ep 67: Asians in US speak out against racism

14:00 mins

Synopsis: Every Friday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the week's global talking points with expert guests.

More Asians are pushing back against stereotypes, prejudice and racism in the US.

Film-maker Eunice Lau and college professor Jerrine Tan see the issues through a Singaporean lens.

Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) & ST Video team

Edited by: ST Video team and Aleemah Basirah

Subscribe to Asian Insider Podcast series and rate us on your favourite audio apps:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4h

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Discover The Straits Times Videos: https://str.sg/JPrc

Read Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on Twitter: https://str.sg/JD7r

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

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

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

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

ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE

Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2

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

Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E5: 'What's worse than the job is the humiliation,' say India's sewer cleaners

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Straits Times' India correspondent Rohini Mohan shines the spotlight on India's sewer cleaners. As many as a million Dalits - the lowest of the low in India's caste-ridden society - still ply the dangerous trade despite it having been outlawed for years. And they are powerless to escape it.

In a country plagued with millions of choked toilets and drains, these indispensable workers go about their jobs daily without professional equipment, risking death from toxic fumes or drowning in liquid human waste, all to eke a living. Our series' narrator is Tan Jia Ning:

Pedanna speaks of clearing out human waste in the streets, homes and offices, and of the abuse he faces daily for being a sewer cleaner (0:55)
The Indian government’s efforts to outlaw the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging has served only to force these workers underground (3:24)
Few police complaints are ever filed when a sewer cleaner dies at work, and the workers are often powerless to fight for compensation (5:54)
Senior sewer cleaner Munisamy shares how he copes with the daily disgust and humiliation he faces on the job (9:03)
Munisamy's 17-year-old granddaughter Chandana is among a new generation of Dalits who refuse to be silenced (9:50)

Read the full story by Rohini Mohan: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/whats-worse-than-the-job-is-the-humiliation-we-face

Produced by: Magdalene Fung, Tan Jia Ning, Sazali Abdul Aziz, Rohit Brijnath, Penelope Lee, Ernest Luis & Adam Azlee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Discover ST's Invisible Asia podcast series:

Channel: https://str.sg/wuZn

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3s

Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJH

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