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  

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

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] 

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

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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/4Vwsa 

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

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A recent report card of our behaviour on the road has shown that we’ve become worse motorists.

Traffic deaths have hit a 10-year high, the number of people injured in accidents has risen from 2024, and speeding violations jumped by 25.9% in a year.

These figures were detailed in the annual road traffic statistics for 2025 by the Traffic Police, which were reported on Feb 26.

We have smart cars, tons of traffic cameras and strict laws to regulate good behaviour on the road, but why have the statistics become worse? Are we just bad road users or are there other factors involved?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with

• Ms Bozy Lu, a lawyer and partner at Han & Lu Law Chambers LLP, specialising in road accident claims and community law, and
• Mr Jason Lim, chairman of the Riding Safety Association of Singapore, a motorcyclist interest group. He also co-owns Roads.sg, a platform that, at its heart, advocates for road safety.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:16 Why are our roads like that?

5:16 Our devices are making us distracted

7:06 “Please make this guy famous.”

10:39 Do drivers see speed limits as a suggestion?

13:43 “My passenger is chasing me like there’s no tomorrow.”

18:54 Why skills and decision-making key to bikers’ safety

26:46 Firmer legal action needed against jaywalkers?

32:15 What kind of driver or pedestrian are we on the road?

36:48 Are we an entitled bunch on the road?

38:42 Think of another person’s point of view: Bozy

43:57 What needs to change to fix our road culture?

46:00 Why road safety is everyone’s problem

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

Editorial producers: Elizabeth Law & Lynda Hong

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

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

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

Feedback to: [email protected]

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

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Fossil fuel supply chains are unstable, and renewable energy alone can’t meet all its energy needs. 

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.

Singapore is exploring the use of nuclear energy to meet its energy needs, and has taken several steps to build its knowledge and expertise in this area. 

But why does the small city-state even need to consider such a controversial energy resource, especially given historical nuclear incidents? 

And why is the business-as-usual option to continue with fossil fuel use no longer as viable as before? Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss the global nuclear renaissance, and Singapore’s role in it, in this episode. 

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

2:05 How is the global nuclear renaissance shaping up?

3:47 Let’s talk about Singapore’s nuclear context. 

10:32 Historical concerns vs benefits - can new nuclear tech win over critics?

14:33 Singapore’s energy conundrum – ensuring stable, secure and affordable power

17:41 Is nuclear energy safe? And what steps are needed to boost safety?

23:47 Are we there yet? Is fusion energy the future?

Read more on The Straits Times: https://str.sg/sLPM

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

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]

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

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

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

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What does being overinsured mean and what can I do about it?

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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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?

Read more:

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 

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Zurairi A.R. ([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 

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  

Feedback to: [email protected] 

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/4Vwsa 

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

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX 

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Will the recent changes to the preferential additional registration fee (PARF) rebate and the current COE prices turn away car buyers?

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his Budget speech on Feb 12 that the PARF rebate will be lowered by 45 percentage points.

The maximum rebate a car owner can expect to receive will be halved from $60,000 to $30,000.

If you're looking to buy a car, should you go for a new car, a second-hand ICE vehicle, or just give up that dream altogether?

In this episode of The Usual Place, ST’s senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and veteran automotive consultant Say Kwee Neng share their thoughts.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:21 What is the significance of the PARF? 

4:21 Is the PARF rebate reduction a “stick” to get buyers to choose EVs? 

8:56 A stealthy wealth tax? 

14:53 The implications of older EVs on the road

19:11 The iPhone vs older EVs comparison 

24:11 What’s happens to the used car market now?

27:06 Most cost-efficient option now

30:36 Are your dreams of owning a car over?

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

Editorial producers: Elizabeth Law & Lynda Hong

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

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

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

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

Feedback to: [email protected]

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

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

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

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Booming arrivals, stubborn humidity – but dull and overpriced? 

Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

Singapore’s tourism pitch is not just about selling its picture-perfect skyline; it’s also about showcasing its rich multiculturalism, leaning into its talent in hosting world-class events, and taking visitors on a journey to discover how a young nation is defining its own identity. 

In this episode, senior columnist Tan Dawn Wei speaks with Ms Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of Experience Development at the Singapore Tourism Board, and Mr Matin Mohdari, head of Public Policy for Southeast and South Asia at online travel company Expedia Group about Chinese traveller sentiment, events as demand drivers, cooling the city, and how AI could reshape tourism by 2040.

They unpack Singapore's 2025 performance, why “hot, boring, expensive” perceptions among some Chinese travellers matter, and how STB is adjusting for younger, social-media-led free-and-easy visitors through partnerships, IP, and precinct storytelling. 

The conversation also looks at practical ways to soften the tropical heat, what Singapore offers versus rival Asian cities, and the balance between premium experiences and everyday affordability. 

Finally, they explore Tourism 2040 – the roadmap to hitting between $47 and $50 billion in tourism receipts by then – and how AI can boost productivity behind the scenes, while keeping the human stories that make a place emotionally resonant. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

2:54 “Too hot, too boring, too expensive”

13:14 Singapore can’t change its climate, but it can make the outdoor experience more enjoyable

16:54 Singapore’s edge over other Asian cities

24:48 Going after “quality tourism” in Singapore’s Tourism 2040 roadmap

38:10 What Singapore needs to loosen control over, to be emotionally resonant

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

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

Read Dawn's columns: https://str.sg/3xR7

Host: Tan Dawn Wei ([email protected]) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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]

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 

---

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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.

---

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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 

Sign up for ST’s weekly Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/sfpz 

Host: Bhagyashree Garekar ([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]

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

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As local farms keep closing, will stockpiling, import diversification and global partnerships be enough to safeguard Singapore’s food security? 

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.

The past few years have not been fertile ground for the growth of Singapore’s local farms. Many agri-food businesses have closed or scaled down their operations amid a high operating cost environment. Last November, the Singapore Food Agency finally announced that it will be dropping its original “30 by 30” target, under which Singapore aimed to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. 

There are other efforts in place to safeguard the food import-dependent country’s food security, such as import diversification, stockpiling and global partnerships. But with climate change wrecking havoc on crop yields and recent geopolitical events disrupting long-standing bilateral relationships, can Singapore afford not to have a strategic plan for local production? Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty discuss the challenges in this episode. 

Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

3:38 Why do farms in Singapore keep closing? 

10:49 What are the four pillars in Singapore’s approach to safeguarding food security? 

12:48 With climate change affecting crop yields, how effective will import diversification and intergovernmental pacts be in ensuring food security?

16:05 Other than securing supplies of food, what are other areas to look at to boost food security?

Read more on The Straits Times: https://str.sg/sLPM

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

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]

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

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