Plan B

This year’s F1 Singapore Grand Prix wasn’t just about the races, it came with its share of controversies. From crowds stranded after the MRT ends its service to the Petronas CEO’s champagne celebration that’s stirred debate online among Malaysians, questioning if it’s appropriate for a Muslim to join in. It’s got us wondering, is conservatism on the rise?

(2:00) Problems with F1

(4:15) Petronas CEO’s champagne showers

(10:15) Conservatism in Singapore vs Malaysia

(12:10) Previous controversies with foreign artists

The Ministry of Education’s recent move to adopt central kitchen models in school canteens has stirred fears among vendors worried about their livelihoods. But Rayner from Hearty Green Vegetables - famous for introducing Japan’s school bento culture to Singapore - sees things differently. Despite admitting that daily revenue can dip to just $100–200, he revealed his “secrets” for staying relevant and motivated in a changing landscape.

(01:25) Say hi to Rayner from Hearty Green Vegetales!

(04:30) What is “clean food?”

(10:45) MOM’s switch to central kitchen model

(14:45) Rayner’s exit plan

(18:00) Balancing passion and practicality in careers

UK, Canada, Portugal have recognised Palestine. But what about Singapore? In Parliament this week, Foreign Minister Balakrishnan finally set out our position — and it comes with strings attached. But here’s the real question: even if Singapore does recognise Palestine, will it matter at all, when international law is already being trampled on everywhere?

(02:10) What’s happening in Parliament?

(09:30) Will the recognition of Palestine change anything?

(12:00) Palestine shouldn’t be a Malay-Muslim issue

(15:25) The global order faces chaos

Conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk’s assassination highlights how political discourse in the US has turned increasingly intolerant. Could Singapore face a similar future? Unlikely — not because we’re more accepting of extremism but because our laws swiftly curb such speech. Still, as the world grows darker, one question remains: what future are we heading toward?

(00:30) Charlie Kirk’s assassination

(02:50) Different forms of radicalisation

(07:54) “Free speech” in Singapore

(11:05) World’s response to Kirk’s death

(13:23) Future of the world

(16:05) Our Surabaya trip

Singapore’s Parliament has just opened with President Tharman pushing a bold “We First” agenda. But what does this mean for a society already known for its competitive edge?

On this episode, we question whether systems like PSLE and university admissions clash with the spirit of collective progress, to debating viral flashpoints like the GoJek driver blasting music. We dive deep into the tensions between locals and migrants, the struggles of service workers trying to keep their dignity, and what it all says about where Singapore is headed.

[0:40] Opening of 15th Parliament with a "Expats need to respect singaporean culture before living here" mindset

[7:50] Gojek driver blasting music

[9:58] Understanding Singaporean culture

[13:06] Struggles of service industry workers

Recently, Singapore grabbed international headlines — but not for the right reasons. What began as the cancellation of American comedian Sammy Obeid’s show quickly escalated into a messy clash with the Singapore government, culminating in a POFMA order. Was Obeid simply chasing attention, or did the government make things worse by doubling down and fanning the flames?

(02:57) Heartwarming efforts to search for 11-year-old boy

(09:15) Indonesian riots

(13:15) Southeast Asians sending food and aid via Grab

(16:22) Anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia?

(21:21) Sammy Obeid saga

Shocking recordings of Primary 3 students threatening “I might dissect her into pieces” and “kill you and your husband” have rattled Singapore, raising fears about bullying among children. We get to the heart of the problem with Senior Clinical Psychologist Muhammad Haikal, who says bullying can affect anyone, but a child’s home environment is often the biggest contributor to such behaviour.

(01:50) Say hello to Muhammad Haikal, Senior Clinical Psychologist!

(05:10) Why do children become bullies?

(08:20) Do certain household environments contribute to bullying?

(12:15) Gentle parenting

(14:28) Ways schools should deal with bullying

Syed Saddiq has closer ties to Singapore than many realise. A brief stint at NUS’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy gave him a deep respect for Singapore’s founding father - especially regarding Malaysia-Singapore relations. With the RTS line set to strengthen connections, Saddiq sees plenty of ways the two countries can complement each other… but what exactly are they?

(02:00) Say hello to Syed Saddiq!

(04:44) Grit to continue being a politician

(14:25) Saddiq’s plan to change Malaysia’s system

(19:45) Young people not loyal to a single party?

(26:40) Modern politics turning off older voters

(30:25) The future of Malaysia

(40:40) Sentiment of Johorians

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/446GgVlu0fE

Many found this year’s National Day Rally a little boring — but two announcements stood out: the new Singapore College of Islamic Studies and the looming threat of AI on jobs. PM Lawrence Wong insists Singaporeans will remain the priority. But can they really, when it seems AI might even replace our asatizah in the future?

(00:30) National Day Rally 2025

(08:18) Treat of AI for jobs

(09:55) Vaping crackdown

(14:30) Plans for Northern Singapore

(20:20) ‘We First’ mindset

Mr Liang Siah went viral after complaining about being wrongly charged by GetGo for car damage he didn’t cause. While GetGo eventually settled the case and offered compensation, the question lingers: Was it only because the video went viral? In today’s ep, we put Deyao Ang, GetGo’s Chief Community Officer, in the hot seat alongside Liang Siah to discuss the controversy—and most importantly, will Mr Liang continue using GetGo?

(02:10) The viral GetGo video by Mr Liang Siah

(05:00) GetGo’s response

(12:11) Should the driver be held responsible for failing to check properly?

(17:23) The problems with car-sharing companies these days

(21:00) Dealing with large number of cases

(26:00) A small scratch can cost $1000?!