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

Read more: https://str.sg/eGoi

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 

Hosts: Albert Wai ([email protected]) & Sarah Ng ([email protected]) 

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: [email protected] 

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The votes are in, the general election is over, and a new Parliament is taking shape.

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

The last piece of the GE2025 chapter was unveiled on May 21: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet line-up, which had a few surprises including just one deputy prime minister (DPM) position and a bumper crop of seven newly-elected MPs taking on political office.

In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I unpack the post-GE2025 Cabinet line-up with Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and Ms Nydia Ngiow, the managing director of strategic advisory firm BowerGroupAsia.

For Prof Tan, not having a second DPM was a surprise move, and he noted that PM Wong is “breaking that particular trend”.

Going into the next term of government, Ms Ngiow said the much-talked about 4G leadership renewal is in place.

Given the publicity and talk around the new faces during the general election, she added: “We can expect that the public will definitely scrutinise this Parliament and Cabinet a bit more closely. All eyes will be on how the 4G leaders will then be helping to lead and guide the younger generations moving forward.”

Highlights (click/tap above):

7:51 Are Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing the front runners for the other DPM spot?

10:16 On moving National Development Minister Desmond Lee to the Ministry of Education

11:25 A “bigger canvas” at the Ministry of National Development: Prof Tan on Mr Chee Hong Tat’s move

17:56 What does the post of Acting Minister mean?

22:53 A bumper crop of people with “political office holder potential” sets the scene for leadership renewal: Prof Tan

29:01 On Dr Faishal Ibrahim’s appointment as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs

31:27 Will we see labour chief Ng Chee Meng back in government at a later time?

40:55 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s role in this Government

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng, Marc Justin De Souza and Rubeen Raj

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

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Businesses are starting to recognise the potential of the emerging blue economy. 

Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

A healthy ocean is one of humanity’s greatest defences against climate change, and businesses are now starting to recognise the importance – and potential – of the emerging blue economy. 

From sustainable aquaculture and farming practices, to offshore renewables and sustainable shipping, the ocean is becoming a frontier for innovation and investment. 

The involvement of the private sector can bring in much-needed funding to ensure that the oceans are managed sustainably. 

But what are the opportunities in this emerging sector, and is there a tension between profit-making and conservation? Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr Alfredo Giron, head of ocean at the World Economic Forum.

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:06 What is the blue economy? 

6:35 What are the traditional and emerging sectors in the ocean economy? 

10:22 How can opportunities in the ocean economy be made available to developing countries? 

14:59 What are some examples of bankable ocean projects? 

17:45 What do countries think of the potential of the ocean economy? 

22:55 What is the appetite like among businesses? 

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy

Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu

Hosts: Audrey Tan ([email protected]) & David Fogarty ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Natasha Liew 

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag

Feedback to: [email protected]

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An entrepreneur shares his hard-earned lessons on working with one’s hands.

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

For much of human history, manual work and the skilled trades have been the default way to earn your keep.

Even in a small, advanced economy such as Singapore, there remains a need for this work to be done, that requires a mix of hard graft and mindfulness.

To piece together how to be successful in the trades, ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi speaks with his guest, an entrepreneur who slogged to build businesses across landscaping, hospitality and outdoor education.

His guest is:

Mr Clarence Chua, co-founder of The Sundowner Nature Experience Centre

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:53 Did Clarence always know he would be working a skilled trade?

10:07 What is the most satisfying part of Clarence’s job?

11:18 Tips for those hoping to pursue a skilled trade

21:06 Dealing with parental disapproval

Read about Mr Chua’s work here: https://str.sg/iiCi

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

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When it comes to hard conversations, are we quick to shame, label others or lash out? 

Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

In this episode, we explore why it’s so hard to unpack difficult topics without getting angry, rude, or shutting down.

Whether it’s inconsiderate commuters, vaccine debates, or matters about race, we now have to navigate more difficult conversations. And more people seem on edge – both online and offline.

So how can we have a discussion about issues that matter without blowing up or checking out?

Natasha sits down with Ms Audrey Low, founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust, and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, to unpack Singaporeans’ seemingly short fuses, public shaming and mob justice, and explore how we can respond more constructively.

They also talk about why labelling people as “woke” or “social justice warriors” can shut down discussions even before they start.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:14 Are Singaporeans an angry bunch?

6:50 The psyche of trolls and why people drop rude comments

10:09 What do cavalier, unkind comments say those who post them?

18:33 Why discussions about racial issues get heated?

24:50 Using labels like “woke” and “social justice warrior” can shut down conversations

37:38 How to be open to perspectives that they don’t agree with

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by: Studio+65 

ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

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A recent ST-Milieu survey has found some striking similarities Gen Zs and their parents have, in the way they view their life priorities and challenges.

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

In this episode, we’ll revisit the old stereotype that the younger generation has it all too good, that they’ve gone soft and are not resilient enough to withstand hardships or even hard work. 

Young adults on the other hand, often lament that their parents don’t understand them enough. But how true are any of these often-held views? 

A recent survey commissioned by The Straits Times found that Gen Zs, like their parents before them, feel disheartened and frustrated when they cannot find work.

This generational gap is also reflected in the findings of an online survey, conducted by Milieu Insight for ST. 

In October and November 2024, the poll of 800 Gen Zs between ages 16 and 27, and 600 parents of Gen Zs explored the two generations’ views on goals, stress, money, self-esteem and joblessness. The parents were asked to answer based on recollections of their views when they were in their 20s.

But there are slight differences between how they approach work and gain wealth, and we discuss this with a father-son pair in this episode. 

Lawyer Michael Han, 55, is an occasional columnist. He is joined by his son Jazer Han, 22, now an economics undergraduate at the Singapore Management University (SMU). 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

5:22 Mr Han on sacrificing work-life balance for career growth? 

10:35 Mr Han: Not about generational gaps; more like different seasons in life

14:05 Jazer on time outside of 'school and work', extra commitments, fulfilment

16:15 Jazer's view on urgency to complete tasks

26:20 How Jezer got scammed $15,000 from his savings? 

38:29 Is the younger generation really 'strawberry' or 'snowflake'? 

Read ST’s article on how Gen Zs and their parents approach work and life differently: https://str.sg/FCkq

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Host: Lynda Hong ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

Feedback to: [email protected]

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How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting?

Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days? ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode. 

They are: 

Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support. 

Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be. 

They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships.

Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences. 

This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past? 

5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age

10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25

16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout 

19:13 Navigating social media safely

22:20 Advice to their younger selves

Check out ST's new series No Health Without Mental Health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Feedback to: [email protected]

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Three students in their early 20s tell us how they're approaching this.

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

Retirement used to be a word for middle-aged workers, perhaps as they started to think of how to lay up enough savings to enjoy their twilight years. 

But with movements like Fire - also known as financial independence, retire early - younger workers are starting to talk about retirement and prepare for the time they can kick their feet back and stop working. 

And for university students in their early 20s, preparing for retirement is already underway, to hit their goals of retiring early and to fund their ideal retirement lifestyles.  

So how early should you think of retirement and how can you plan for it?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at retirement planning even when you're in your 20s and if Fire can really work. 

Her guests are three NTU students in their early 20s - Tina Aw, Charmaine Chia and Aurene Graciella.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:51 How old were you when you first thought about retirement?

5:33 Hustling from the age of 12 to achieve Fire

8:20 The mental and social costs of Fire

9:15 What is your ideal retirement age?

11:58 How are you preparing for retirement?

24:56 How much will you need per month in retirement?

27:44 Will you consider micro-retirement? 

Listen to "Should we play with FIRE?": https://str.sg/5mHc

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

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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 ([email protected])

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

Feedback to: [email protected]

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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.

The Straits Times’ Indonesia bureau chief Arlina Arshad 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 

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters 

Host: Li Xueying ([email protected]) 

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: [email protected] 

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

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