Surviving on vibes and hard work? What it's like working as a freelance artist overseas.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

How does a Singaporean make her way onto London’s glittering West End?

Nathania Ong made her mark by playing well-loved characters like Eponine in Les Miserables and Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton, putting Singapore on the world theatre map. 

But how did it happen and what does the life of a freelance artist overseas look like?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the realities and joys of working in the arts. 

Her guest is musical theatre actress Nathania Ong. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:12 Being initially rejected from every drama school 

6:39 Nathania’s West End debut 

10:54 Deciding to be an actress 

18:00 Realities of working in London 

22:13 Advice to anyone aspiring to be an actor   

26:23 What’s next for Nathania 

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Joanna Seow and Elizabeth Law

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

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

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

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Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

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Get a peek into the workings of the viral community choir and unpack the importance of finding your tribe.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

In this episode, Singaporean musician Aarika Lee tells host See Kai Wen her inspiration and journey in starting the viral community choir Sing Song Social Club.

Through the choir’s inclusivity, people from all walks of life and ages - ranging from four to 90 years of age - come to sing together. No auditions are needed to join the sessions, which have grown from 30 to 400 participants in less than two years. 

Aarika also talks about why having a community is so important and discusses parallels between the science of trees and the psychological need of humans to feel a sense of belonging.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:00 What is the Sing Song Social Club (SSSC)?

5:30 Role of communities and how Aarika keeps SSSC safe

8:40 How the science of trees explains our need for community

15:40 Independence vs interdependence

20:50 Disagreements in SSSC?

23:50 How Aarika started SSSC, and the roles of the other founding members

29:50 Advice for those who want to find or start their own community

36:03 Aarika plays “This or That”

Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ

Host: See Kai Wen ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew

Executive producers: Danson Cheong and Joanna Seow

Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

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Is silver a safe haven for investors like gold and will its price rise due to war?

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

Silver has had some exciting days, especially when the price of silver skyrocketed in 2025. However, there has been a pullback in early 2026. 

So how does silver compare to gold and is it worth investing in for the long run? 

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at silver as a long-term investment and if it works for you. 

Her guests are CMC Markets expert Daphne Tan and ST business reporter Timothy Goh. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:36 Is silver a safe haven like gold?

4:00 Will the Iran war drive silver prices up?

7:39 Tim’s experience of buying silver

10:30 Tech trends that could boost silver 

12:00 Physical silver vs paper silver  

19:24 How does silver compare to stocks as an investment?

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

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Veteran national swimmer Quah Ting Wen discusses finding her own joy in swimming.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

In this episode, ST video journalist See Kai Wen hosts national swimmer Quah Ting Wen, who tells him how American figure skating Olympic champion Alysa Liu’s infinite mindset inspires her as an athlete.

The infinite mindset belongs to people who emphasise enjoying the game, rather than having their focus on winning it.

With 65 medals under her swim cap, Ting Wen is the most bemedalled athlete in the SEA Games. She also speaks about the bittersweet feeling of racing with her sister and how she navigates that complicated relationship.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:50 How Ting Wen started her swim journey

4:19 Reflecting on being SEA Games’ most bemedalled athlete

10:33 Alysa Liu’s success in the Winter Olympics

14:17 What are finite games and infinite games?

19:47 Financial realities of being an athlete in Singapore

27:56 When will Ting Wen stop competing?

32:31 What Ting Wen would have done if she weren’t a swimmer?

36:14 How can everyday people adopt the infinite mindset?

Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ

Host: See Kai Wen ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much coverage is too much?

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

The question people always have when buying insurance is: how much? And not just how much it costs, but how much is enough?

How can you tell if you have too much insurance? 

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what being overinsured means and how to review your policies. 

Her guest is Life Insurance Association’s executive director Chan Wai Kit. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:36 What are riders and do I need them?

6:14 Why are riders so expensive?

8:10 Do I need my own policies if I already have corporate insurance?

12:00 Why do premiums increase with age? 

14:48 How to tell if I’m spending too much on insurance? 

20:09 What happens when I cannot pay for my premiums?

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

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This year's Budget spotlights more ways to invest your CPF and how to deal with AI.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

Another year and another Budget speech, with goodies given out by PM Lawrence Wong. 

But is the Budget just about CDC vouchers and subsidies? What exactly is in it for young people?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at what matters for young people in Singapore's Budget 2026. 

Her guests are DBS financial literacy expert Shawn Lee and OCBC executive director of wealth advisory Afdhal Rahman. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 How does the new investment scheme by CPF work?

4:58 What to consider before investing your CPF

11:00 SGX vs Nasdaq

14:30 AI as a central theme of the Budget  

21:36 Are handouts of $200 to $400 enough for cost of living issues?

25:40 What do you want to see next in Budget 2027? 

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it better to buy stocks or invest in tangible things?

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times.

Logan Paul’s Pokemon card has gone for over US$1 million. But do physical items and collections really help your money to grow?

How do Pokemon cards, Labubus and Marvel figurines measure alongside traditional stocks as investments?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the stocks versus the 'stuff'.

Her guests are avid collector Ian Cheng and eToro market analyst Zavier Wong.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:26 How do stocks compare with items?

8:12 Rare cards that appreciate from $100 to $600

9:00 Why did Pokemon card prices rise?

11:26 Logan Paul’s US$5 million Pokemon card

17:00 Collections that depreciated in value instead 

22:08 What should I do if I want to become an investor in cards?

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

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Tech stocks still shine, but beware the bubble.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

2025 has been a turbulent year, and 2026 will also be marked by uncertainty.

So amid such global turmoil, what should we invest in?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to grow your money in 2026. 

Her guests are Gen Z investor Kass Phai, who is also a family wealth consultant at Unicorn, and veteran market watcher Ven Sreenivasan.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:26 Where are the markets going in 2026?

7:00 Should we still buy tech stocks?

10:37 Risk vs volatility 

16:00 Other sectors to invest in

22:00 Should we invest in the SGX? 

29:00 Other investment assets to hold

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how to better reconcile the mixed feelings that come with work transitions.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

It seems like one of life’s cruel ironies.

Do well, and go far together in a bonded team, and yet further progression may require you to move on elsewhere. If this is a familiar scenario to you, fear not.

ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi hosts Mr Aneel Singh Gill, a psychologist with Talk Your Heart Out, an online and face-to-face therapy platform. He helps clients navigate work-related issues.

Hong Yi, who has been with The Straits Times since 2021, is also hosting in his final podcast as he transitions to a new role elsewhere - and what better topic to talk about than this?

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:07 Why might someone feel a sense of loss despite exciting times ahead?

4:13 How to identify and reconcile mixed feelings towards impending change

11:59 Looking past “Stockholm syndrome” after leaving a toxic workplace

15:22 What makes the transition from school to first job especially hard

Read an askST Jobs column on leaving well-loved colleagues: https://str.sg/qGTR

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She shares why and how she is moving on from a student business she co-founded.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Imagine starting a business after finishing your A-level exams, and then growing that business from strength to strength with two outlets in the heart of town within five years alongside your undergraduate studies.

Now imagine making the tough decision to take all that one has learned into a new adventure: the first job, one that was never on the radar previously.

That is the journey of a young entrepreneur who speaks to ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi on the latest episode of Headstart On Record.

The guest was:

Ms Desiree Chang, co-founder of Woofie, a thrift and vintage apparel business with an online store and two outlets in Bugis.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:22 How did the business start?

3:03 How was it like to balance studies with a business?

6:52 Finding a sustainable middle-ground in entrepreneurship

11:42 How did the skills learned translate into her job search?

15:52 Tips for aspiring student entrepreneurs

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

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

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.