Fresh off tabling Budget 2026, Malaysia is set to host world’s superpowers during the Asean Summit in KL starting Oct 26.

For our October episode, ST’s Malaysia bureau chief Shannon Teoh and host Zurairi A.R. are joined by Tony Pua, an ex-member of Parliament from DAP, and previously a political secretary for former finance minister Lim Guan Eng.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim just tabled his latest budget for 2026, and will now have to juggle domestic and international impressions over the visit of US President Donald Trump during the Asean Summit starting Oct 26.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:57 Was the RM470b allocation in Budget 2026 a creative fiscal feat?

5:09 How successful has Anwar been in pushing for financial reforms?

8:39 Is the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak a political move ahead of the state election?

11:18 Can Malaysia afford to have Trump miss the Asean Summit?

13:31 Will Malaysia have to one day choose between the US and China?

15:37 Why Malaysians’ anger on the Palestinian cause is real 

19:38 How to celebrate an F1 win without alcoholic champagne

Read more:

Demystifying Budget 2026 tabled by PM Anwar https://str.sg/mpP6

Is Budget 2026 a political strategy for Sabah state polls? https://str.sg/wJ76g

Malaysians are unhappy with Trump’s visit to KL https://str.sg/DBc3

Petronas CEO under fire for champagne celebration at Singapore GP https://str.sg/7HoB 

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

Hosts: 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 

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Hear from home-grown rapper Abangsapau, one of the Singapore hip-hop scene’s most promising young rappers.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio.

In this special episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts one of the Singapore hip-hop scene’s most promising young rappers, Abangsapau.

Known for his trademark sarong, he made his debut in 2019, and in the following year, performed at the 2020 National Day Parade (NDP). He is currently signed to Def Jam Recordings South East Asia, the regional wing of the iconic American hip-hop music label.

The 26-year-old has just put out his self-titled debut album, a 14-track release filled with brutally honest recollections of the experiences that shaped him into the person that he is today.

The rapper, who also performed at the 2025 NDP, did not have an easy childhood and had to deal with issues such as a broken family, substance abuse and bullying.

But as he discusses in the podcast, it is important for him to be as authentic as he can with his music, as it helps him connect with, and empower his audience.

This episode was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience of some 90 ST readers on October 7 at Esplanade Annexe Studio, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:46 How he got the name Abangsapau, and what it means

5:36 How talking back to his teachers led to him winning public speaking competitions

7:33 On his difficult childhood, experiences with substance abuse, family issues and witnessing his mother's struggle with depression 

15:53 Sharing his experiences through his music led to a fan overcoming suicidal ideations

18:26 He wrote over 300 love songs when he was still juggling his former day job at a hospital

24:00 Performing with his mother at the 2020 NDP 

27:18 His hope for a future where Singaporeans are proud of their local artists and support the local music scene

Watch the full performance and podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/uiSd

Listen to Abangsapau’s live performance of wow. and selamat, sayang here: https://str.sg/fwvW

Discover home-grown artiste Abangsapau at:

YouTube: https://str.sg/oGhpp

Spotify: https://str.sg/KwtC

Instagram: https://str.sg/DSEN

Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa

Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi ([email protected])

Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team

Edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast:

Channel: https://str.sg/7m92

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB

Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6

Feedback to: [email protected]

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Hear home-grown rapper Abangsapau's intimate live take of wow. and selamat, sayang, two songs from his latest debut album, Abangsapau.

Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio.

Watch the full performance and podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/uiSd

Listen to Abangsapau talk about his musical journey in the full audio-only podcast here: https://str.sg/sNxa

Discover home-grown artiste Abangsapau at:

YouTube: https://str.sg/oGhpp

Spotify: https://str.sg/KwtC

Instagram: https://str.sg/DSEN

Read Eddino Hadi's articles: https://str.sg/wFVa

Host: Eddino Abdul Hadi ([email protected])

Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team

Edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

Discover previous artistes' live performances featured on Music Lab Podcast:

Channel: https://str.sg/7m92

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/w9TB

Spotify: https://str.sg/w9T6

Feedback to: [email protected]

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Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

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A greener, climate-friendly future is an opportunity to do well financially and not just to do good.

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.

What is it like to be on the frontline of climate finance and investing? To many, it might seem a pretty challenging time, with some nations and big oil and gas firms doubling down on fossil fuels. And the world is distracted with wars and upended trade flows. 

But to Ms Kyung-Ah Park, Chief Sustainability Officer for Singapore investment firm Temasek, there’s plenty to be hopeful about. Investors are increasingly looking at the opportunities in South-east Asia, a huge market of 700 million people with growing energy needs. 

Sure, there are headwinds, she tells Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty, with AI soaking up a lot of investment cash, plus geopolitics and policy uncertainty buffeting investors. But the direction is clear. As a long-term investor, the clean energy and transition agendas are a “must do”, she says. It’s just good business and a lot of investors are staying the course. 

And the trick is to make green investments appealing, with different layers of risk and reward that attract investors with differing appetites, a bit like a sandwich. 

Have a listen to our latest episode and let us know your thoughts!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

2:11 You were just at New York Climate Week and the UN General Assembly. Are you feeling more hopeful about global climate investment?

7:20 What is the appetite for climate investments in SE Asia?

10:35 And what are some of the investment risks? What are some of the key obstacles for the region?

19:25 How do you de-risk some of these investments to make them more appealing, more appetising?

28:45 There’s been a heavy reliance on Western capital – but are things changing? Is this Asia’s time to rise?

31:19 What would success look like at the COP30 UN climate talks? Is the US$1.3 trillion finance goal achievable?

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

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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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Platform work can expand employment options and opportunities, but only with careful regulation.

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

Digital platform work has become a fixture of Singapore society, with a contingent of almost 70,000 plying their trade, mostly in ride-hailing or food delivery.

In a special episode of Headstart On Record, co-host Tay Hong Yi moderates a fireside chat with four panellists across the platform work ecosystem at the Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work on Sept 29.

Hear their views on the challenges that come with this new format of work, the prospects that come with expanding it to a wider range of jobs, and what needs to be done to make it meaningful for young talent.

The panellists were:

Ms Yeo Wan Ling, assistant secretary-general at the National Trades Union Congress

Mr Hao Shuo, chief executive officer, Singapore National Employers Federation

Mr Lim Yew Heng, group managing director for public affairs, transformation and post-merger integration at Grab

Mr Elvin Tan, Asia-Pacific head of operations at human resources services firm Persol

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:01 How NTUC develops support for platform workers despite limited data

8:38 Is it a good idea to expand platform work to other jobs?

9:56 Should we be worried about platform work eroding Singapore’s skill base?

12:04 Are employers ready to recognise platform work as work experience?

18:26 The toughest balancing acts Grab makes

Read what went down during the dialogue: https://str.sg/gTPf 

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

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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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Parliament convened in September, but a familiar face from the previous term wasn’t there.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

Progress Singapore Party’s secretary-general Leong Mun Wai was a notable presence as a Non-Constituency MP during the 14th term of Parliament, sometimes having heated exchanges with ministers and PAP MPs.

But he and fellow party member Hazel Poa did not retain their NCMP spots following the General Election in May.

Their PSP team for West Coast-Jurong West GRC lost to the PAP slate, which won the five-man GRC with 59.99 per cent of the vote to PSP’s 40.01 per cent.

In this episode of The Usual Place, I speak with Mr Leong about steering the party in its next phase post-GE2025 and the challenges of not being in Parliament.

How will PSP evolve its practices and policy communications without a Parliamentary presence, and remain relevant?

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:06 Increasing online presence to explain party positions

6:05 Mr Leong on heated exchanges as NCMP

10:45 How PSP will explain its policy ideas to the public post-GE2025 

19:19 What will PSP really stand for "after Dr Tan Cheng Bock"?

20:20 Wanting to lead national conversation on economy

22:55 How does PSP stand out differently from other parties?

25:00 Will PSP move beyond the electro west?

28:00 "I learnt a very hard lesson about the powerful PAP machinery": Mr Leong

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

Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Chen Junyi

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

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

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Three finance graduates had used data to create a business that completes the BYD experience in a restaurant 

Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport.

While other car dealerships put a cafe in their showrooms, 1826’s car selling business is built into its restaurants. In this episode, two of 1826’s three founders, Davin Ongsono and Sean Tan, reveal some of the secret ingredients to the company’s ability to sell cars in Singapore. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

4:00 The food and beverage part of the business gets the priority

12:00 Background of 1826’s co-founders

19:00 Disruptor to the conventional way of the food and beverage business

30:00 Playing on the unique features of the electric vehicles to spark buying interest

38:00 How BYD bids for certificates of entitlement (COEs)

47:00 Spreading the message on green mobility

Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G

Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ

Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC

Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Chen Junyi

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2

Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB

Feedback to: [email protected]

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

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

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How geopolitics is pushing manufacturers from China to South-east Asia and India.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor distils 40 years of experience covering the Asian continent, with expert guests.

In this episode, Ravi hosts Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services at Citi, the global financial services firm, on shifts in Asia’s supply chain and how it matters for ordinary people.

They discuss how manufacturing is moving toward South-East Asia, which countries are gaining, and the US dollar’s continued dominance in trade settlement.

They also discuss prospects for South Asia, where countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeing an increase in manufacturing activity.

This episode is brought to you by Citi.

Highlights: (click/tap above)

1:45 Demystifying the supply chain; smartphones as examples

7:30 The shift to South-east Asia

9:12 How a financial institution such as Citi figures in supply chain, trade

11:07 "We have the globality of a global bank, but we're embedded like a local bank"

12:45 China’s export thrust to South-east Asia

14:10 Why Vietnam is booming

17:00 The tariff situation: India and South Asia

19:30 Dollar dominance even as supply chains shift

Read more

Citigroup - Singapore: https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us/global-presence/singapore

Citigroup - Services: https://www.citigroup.com/global/businesses/services

Citibank.com.sg: https://www.citibank.com.sg/

Host: Ravi Velloor ([email protected])

Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP

Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor

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

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

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

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Hybrid work arrangements were once widely seen as the future of work, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic upended the daily grind we were used to.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests.

Now, some businesses and employers appear to be changing course.

Last week, the National University of Singapore raised eyebrows when it was reported that all full-time staff were required to work from the office five days a week, starting Oct 1.

The move follows similar return-to-office mandates by big companies, both in Singapore and abroad, including Grab and Amazon.

The discussion over where work should happen has been going on since the pandemic.

However, if staff are pushing back on a full return, why do some employers still insist on moving ahead with these mandates? If returning to the office becomes a requirement, how should the workplace accommodate different work styles?

In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with:

• Ives Tay, a learning and development consultant who has experience with adult education, training quality assurance and workforce development, and
• Nicole Chua, director in workplace consulting and People Strategy Lead in Asia-Pacific for global real estate services company JLL

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:57 We can be productive in the office - and at home

9:12 WFH allows workers to break their day into focused blocks

13:52 Have the courage to speak with managers about policies

18:07 Are some ruining WFH for the rest?

19:45 Employees should be transparent about their movements

22:57 Government should address tensions over flexible work arrangements

29:31 Ensuring the WFH benefits remain

31:53 Is WFH short-changing fresh graduates?

35:27 Consequences for employers enforcing RTO measures

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah ([email protected])

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

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast

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

Filmed by: Studio+65

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

Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis

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

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

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Buying new iPhones, wardrobe makeovers and single-use products have become social norms. But what happens to the old, replaced items? 

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

Annual launches like Apple’s iPhone have spurred the desire to own the latest piece of technology, as consumers face up to marketing tactics from smartphones to fast fashion. 

Usually, older items that are replaced are being tossed away to make way for the new.

What else can be done to the replaced items apart from sending them to the landfill? 

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong examines whether we have a throwaway culture that’s grown despite years of public education and outreach and whether we are too quick to chuck stuff to make way for new ones. She also explores if the iPhone 17 is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 16. 

Her guests are Mr Tan Ching Hwee, founder of myhalo, a platform allowing users to trade-in, repair, sell, and buy used digital devices; and Mr Lionel Dorai, executive director of Zerowaste SG, an NGO that advocates for Singapore to go zero waste through public education. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

9:03 Upgrading from iPhone 16 to 17

12:53 Batteries in phones can be replaced

17:03 Pairing earbuds from different sets - does it work? 

23:44 The repairing culture in curbing throwaways in fast fashion 

31:46 How to decipher green washing tactics

35:34 Would CDC vouchers to subsidise repair costs encourage more to repair? 

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

Host: Lynda Hong ([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

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

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

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