Political Prude: The Podcast

Welcome to Season 4 of Political Prude: The Podcast! We begin our season with a sit-down conversation with Professor Tommy Koh, exploring Singapore’s political landscape through one of the most unique vantage points possible. As a diplomat, lawyer and public servant who worked closely with Singapore’s First-Generation leaders, Professor Koh offers reflections that help us understand our nation’s political development in a far more textured and human way.

In this conversation, we unpack the principles that shaped his approach to public service, what he learnt from leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S. Rajaratnam, and why relationship-building, or what he calls “makan diplomacy”, remains essential in politics today. Drawing from stories in his new memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, we also hear about the defining moments he witnessed and the values he hopes younger Singaporeans will carry forward.

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Chapters: 

00:00 Start of Episode

02:54 Why Call Prof. Tommy Calls Himself an "Ordinary Man"

05:12 Memories of Pre-War Singapore 

09:00 Predicting Singapore's Survival as an Independent Nation

11:02 Challenging Lee Kuan Yew 

13:03 Navigating Difficult Situations

13:55 Being Genuine and Speaking Up

15:22 Influence of Parents & Love for the Arts 

17:29 Working with Singapore’s Founding Fathers 

19:02 The Private Side of Lee Kuan Yew 

20:30 Singapore’s Culture of Excellence

21:07 Dr. Goh Keng Swee Singapore’s Most Valuable Player 

25:19 Lessons from S. Rajaratnam 

28:05 Key Lessons from Working in Early Singapore

28:22 Pioneering Singapore’s Foreign Service at the UN

31:03 How to Navigate Delicate Situations & Professionalism

35:56 Makan Diplomacy

39:01 Three Critical Lessons and Reflections

41:02 Not Taking Singapore’s Independence for Granted

42:12 Not Taking Racial Harmony For Granted

43:10 Importance of Social Equity

44:02 Tommy Koh on Sustaining Optimism

45:18 Closing Remarks

46:49 End of Episode

We're ending our GE2025 series on a high, with a guest we're so honoured to have back on the show!

Join us for a special results analysis episode with none other than Singapore’s beloved diplomatic veteran, Professor Tommy Koh. Professor Koh is currently a Special Adviser at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore and has been the Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His remarkable career as a diplomat, lawyer, professor, and author, in addition to serving as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1968 to 1971, is a testament to his extraordinary expertise, and we’re so deeply honoured to have him back again as our guest on this episode.

The results were surprising for some. What drove the GE2025 results? In this episode, we dive deep into it, and explore the reasons behind the PAP's increased support, how various opposition parties performed, and what the results signal for the nation. We also break down the key lessons learned and look at what the next five years could hold for Singapore's political journey.

Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:35 Introduction

02:30 Thoughts on GE2025 Results

03:04 Reasons Behind PAP’s Success

04:21 PM Wong’s Popularity

06:13 What Makes PAP a Safe Choice?

06:53 Extent of “Negative Politics” in GE2025

07:34 Cleaner Politics in GE2025

10:23 Foreign Interference and Unity Against It

12:21 Why Did Rally Attendance Not Translate to Votes

14:00 Rise of Casual Political Discussion

14:30 Performance of New Candidates

15:58 More Female Candidates Stepping Up

17:22 Treatment of Women in Politics

18:35 Income-Allianz Deal

21:09 The Workers' Party (WP) Performance

22:17 Other Opposition Parties' Performance

24:15 Independent Candidates’ Performance

25:25 Future of Independent Candidates

27:02 Biggest Lessons from GE2025

28:30 Call for Unity from President Tharman

30:17 Conclusion

30:56 End of Episode

Your votes are in! GE2025 is over, but the fun isn't! Welcome to the first-ever PRUDE AWARDS by Political Prude: The Podcast! 🏆

Join Joel Lim, Fauzi Aziz, Daisy Mitchell, and Megan Chia as they roll out the red carpet and dish out accolades for the most unforgettable moments of Singapore's General Election 2025. From Best Vocal Performance that hit all the high notes (and some low ones!) to the Best Rally Speeches that fired up the crowds, the most Viral Social Media Moments, head-turning Newcomers, and the coveted GE2025 Main Character Award, we cover it all!

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Daisy Mitchell - @daisyannemitchell

Fauzi Aziz - @mynameisfauzi

Megan Chia - @meggychiaaaa

Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:48 Show Introduction

01:31 Start of show

02:05 Category 1: Best Vocal Performance

06:12 Category 2: Best Rally Speech

10:38 Category 3: Best Campaign Slogan

15:18 Category 4: Best Social Media Moment

21:44 Category 5: Best Newcomer Award

28:12 Category 6: GE2025 Main Character Award

34:05 Quality of Opposition Representation

35:10 Importance of National vs Municipal Issues

36:50 Significance of Election Results

38:26 Concerns with Singapore’s Electoral System

39:35 PM Wong’s Style of Politics

41:15 Wrap Up

43:04 End of Episode

15 minutes to get to know PAP candidate Baey Yam Keng, who will be contesting in Tampines GRC.

15 minutes to get to know the NSP's Lee Wei, who will be contesting in Sembawang GRC.

We are all familiar with the PAP brand, but how much do we understand the PAP of today? Joining us this episode is Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Assistant Secretary General of the People's Action Party, who will help answer questions on the reasoning behind the policies and the trade-offs involved. He will also give us some insight into the 4G leadership, and their vision for Singapore moving into the the nation's next chapter.

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

01:06 Show Introduction & PAP Focus

01:51 Introducing Chan Chun Sing

02:17 What Does the PAP Stand For?

05:04 4G Leadership vs. Past Generations

06:29 Is the New PAP Team Ready and Equipped for What’s Next?

15:32 PAP Candidates vs. Opposition New Faces

18:02 Same Mold? PAP’s New Faces and the Groupthink Question

23:52 PAP’s Approach: Remedying Mistakes and Tackling Issues

26:38 PAP's Greatest Strength for GE2025

28:11 Tackling Policy Criticisms

35:46 PAP’s Approach to Low Birth Rates & Population

37:07 Immigration Concerns

43:57 Advice to Voters: Key Considerations

45:45 Why Young Voters Should Consider PAP

46:04 Closing Remarks

46:38 End of Episode

This episode, we’re joined by Spencer Ng, Secretary-General of the National Solidarity Party (NSP). The NSP is one of Singapore's longer-standing opposition parties, advocating for a multi-party system that balances economic progress and nation-building.

This episode is part of our GE2025 special, spotlighting various political parties. 

Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!

If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

Follow on Instagram:

Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠

ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠

Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg

⁠Chapters:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:42 Introducing the National Solidarity Party (NSP)

01:30 NSP’s History and Values: Past and Present

04:38 What Sets NSP Apart from Other Opposition?

06:04 Profile of NSP Supporters: Rational Moderates

07:45 NSP’s Core Values: Service & Loyalty

08:28 NSP's Centrist Approach & Balancing Act

09:16 NSP’s Analysis of the HDB Issue

11:31 Candidate Qualities: Passion & Sincerity

13:05 NSP as a Starting Ground for Prominent Politicians?

15:39 Young Candidate Spotlight: Zee (Tampines GRC)

17:39 Nicole Seah: Seeking the Next 'Star Catch'?

19:32 How is NSP Reaching Young Voters?

22:27 NSP’s Slogan and Goals: “Your Future, Our Priority”

25:12 Opposition Unity a Fantasy? NSP On Multi-Cornered Fights

31:15 Sembawang GRC History & NSP's Entry

33:04 NSP’s Compromises Made for Opposition Unity

34:48 NSP’s Strategy in Multi-Cornered Fights

36:46 NSP Policy: Cap GST at 9% & Improve Investments

39:16 Appeal to Swing Voters: What Can NSP Bring To Parliament

40:29 NSP's Vision for Singapore

40:58 How to Learn More About NSP

41:26 NSP Manifesto Key Points Summary

42:15 Why Young Voters Should Consider NSP

43:33 Closing Remarks

44:07 End of Episode

15 minutes to get to know PSP candidate Lawrence Pek, who will be contesting in Chua Chu Kang GRC.

15 minutes to get to know NSP candidates Zee Phay and Eugene Yeo, who will be contesting in Tampines GRC.

15 minutes to get to know PAP candidate Hazlina Abdul Halim, who will be contesting in East Coast GRC.