Shibani Mahtani is the Washington Post journalist who published an article last year which alleged that local Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao “now routinely echoes some of Beijing’s most strident falsehoods”. This prompted a strong rebuttal from the newspaper and even Singapore’s ambassador to the US. However, Singapore recently invoked the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 against businessman Philip Chan, who has had 25 articles published in Lianhe Zaobao before; how does Shibani feel about seeing this play out?

(00:00) Intro
(14:14) Why This SG Journalist Dug Into China’s Influence on Lianhe Zaobao
(01:03:00) One Shiok Thing

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References

• [July 2023] In Singapore, loud echoes of Beijing’s positions generate anxiety | The Washington Post
• Behind the Headlines: Why Shibani Mahtani Pissed Off Lianhe Zaobao | Rice
• Analysis: Why Philip Chan was deemed to have 'crossed a red line' under Singapore's foreign interference law | CNA

One Shiok Thing

• OpenAI’s Sora: How to Spot AI-Generated Videos | WSJ
• Treasure At Home Instagram
• Ghosts of Kalantiaw Trailer | SGIFF 2023

Find Shibani!

• LinkedIn
• X / Twitter
• Washington Post profile
• Her book: Among The Braves

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This week, we got comedian Jacky Ng in the studio to talk about his upcoming hour-long standup performance, and to contribute his thoughts on a couple of funny (OK, maybe not-SO-funny) topics. Concerns arose last week when it was revealed that schools have been teaching students about the conflict in Gaza via their Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons. The slides from the lessons were also heavily criticised for oversimplifying the issue. We went through the slides to see what MOE could have done better. Elsewhere, the PSP also announced that Leong Mun Wai would be stepping down as secretary-general of the party, as part of the fallout from the POFMA directive he received. Will this change the face of opposition politics in Singapore?

(00:00) A message from Folklory
(01:07) Intro
(16:40) Did MOE Really Need Lesson on Israel-Hamas
(48:56) Leong Mun Wai No Longer PSP Chief
(01:02:13) One Shiok Thing

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Watch Jacky Live!

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• And find more of his content online on his Instagram page

Did MOE Really Need Lessons on Israel-Hamas?

• CCE lesson on Israel-Hamas conflict not meant to teach history or apportion blame: Chan Chun Sing
• The MOE CCE Slide Deck on Israel-Hamas
• CCE lessons such as on Israel-Hamas conflict help students process emotions, reflect on cohesion: Chan | The Straits Times
• MOE responds to parents’ criticisms over Israel-Hamas lesson material | The Straits Times
• Mediacorp and SPH's Interview with Minister for Education | MOE
• Teachers don't impose personal views, advocate for any party in school lessons about Israel-Hamas war: MOE - TODAY
• In full: Chan Chun Sing responds to questions in interview on MOE's CCE lessons on Israel-Hamas conflict - CNA
• MHA confirms that S’porean influencers were advised on content about Gaza conflict | The Straits Times

Leong Mun Wai Steps Down as PSP Chief

• Leong Mun Wai stepped down as sec-gen of own accord, did not face no-confidence vote, says PSP | The Straits Times
• Analysis: POFMA order given as reason behind Leong Mun Wai's resignation as PSP chief but could there be other factors? - CNA
• Leong Mun Wai issued POFMA & PUB Calls Out Sterra for “Misleading” Ad | #YLB 493

One Shiok Thing

• Dante Chen’s WWE Debut
• The Curse Official Trailer | SHOWTIME
• 🇸🇬8K - Orchard The Center Point Lion Dance | Singapore High Pole Lion Dance 🧧

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Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Clarence Sim AKA @clarencesimple, the NTU scientist who went viral after highlighting filtration company Sterra’s misleading ad on tap water in Singapore, drops by the YLB studio! He talks about his journey as a science communicator, why he decided to call out Sterra, and whether the company has since reached out to him to make amends. And oh, he also talks about all the THIRSTY messages in his DMs he’s received in the aftermath.

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References

• Clarence’s viral IG reel
• PUB & NTU scientist call out water purifier ad that claims S'pore's tap water contains 'bacteria & algae'
• YLB #493 - Leong Mun Wai issued POFMA & PUB Calls Out Sterra for “Misleading” Ad

One Shiok Thing

• The Turbulent Story of Skull and Bones | IGN Inside Stories
• Monkey Man | Official Trailer
• Comments on Clarence’s viral IG reel

Find Clarence!

• Clarence on IG

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

In response to recent rumours of a Southeast-Asia exclusivity deal, STB and the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth (MCCY) clarified that a grant had been provided to help bring Taylor Swift’s concert to Singapore, but did not confirm if the deal was indeed exclusive. Will this news cause bad blood with Swifties in our neighbouring countries? Elsewhere, the fallout over football star Messi’s no-show on the pitch in Hong Kong continues. Most recently, a pair of friendly matches in China featuring Argentina’s football team were cancelled, and Messi had to post another video on Weibo explaining his absence. Will this messy issue ever be resolved?

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Our Sponsor: OctaFx!

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Did Taylor Swift and STB Strike Deal for Exclusivity?

• STB gave grant for Taylor Swift's Singapore concerts, other government bodies 'worked directly' with promoter AEG
• Airfares, hotel bookings surge in March 2024 as fans flock to S’pore for Taylor Swift shows
• Singapore sought exclusivity deal over Taylor Swift concerts in south-east Asia, Thai PM alleges
• S'pore govt clarifies Taylor Swift sponsor rumour, says it worked directly with organisers due to 'significant demand'
• Jewel Changi Airport to host Taylor Swift sing-along on 1 Mar that'll 'make the whole place shimmer'
• From Coldplay to Taylor Swift, Singapore’s Concert Dominance Explained | TIME
• The Economy (Taylor’s Version) | Washington Post
• Taylor Swift Is Making An Insane Amount Of Money Every Night On The Eras Tour | Forbes

Messi’s China Backlash Continues

• Lionel Messi defends HK absence as China backlash continues
• Beijing has no plans to hold matches in which Lionel Messi will participate: local football association | Global Times

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by fujishiba
• Meme of Terence by Memediacorpsg

One Shiok Thing

• Zuckerberg left hanging at UFC
• How A24 took over Hollywood

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Chairs from @ergotunechair

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Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

For the first “instalment” of the Forward SG social compact, DPM Lawrence Wong delivered Budget 2024, which leaned in on preparing workers for uncertain times ahead, and providing relief for those affected by ongoing retrenchments. In what’s becoming an annual tradition, we invited Reggie, boss of personal finance network The Financial Coconut (TFC) into our studio to help us read the tea leaves about the budget, and what the mainstream media missed.

(00:00) A Message From Folklory
(02:14) Intro
(12:10) Budget 2024
(01:11:58) One Shiok Thing

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Folklory

• Our slots for March are open! Order your Folklory by 29 Feb 2024, and you’ll receive your Folklory, guaranteed!
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Intern with Us!

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One Shiok Thing

• FULL SEGMENT — Rock and Reigns lay the SmackDown on the WWE Universe: SmackDown, Feb. 16, 2024
• Sora AI
• National Gallery Singapore

Find Reggie!

• Website
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Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This past week, NCMP and PSP leader Leong Mun Wai was issued a POFMA for publishing false information about an elderly West Coast couple who were allegedly facing financial difficulties. Was there any merit to this POFMA? Elsewhere, PUB called out water purifier firm Sterra for its “misleading” advertisements that made dubious claims about the cleanliness of Singapore tap water. Was this a POFMA-able event?

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Intern with Us!

• We’re looking for kickass people to join our team, who are hungry and keen to work on some cool stuff with us. Here are the roles we’re looking for: 
  • Social Media Intern
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Leong Mun Wai issued POFMA

• Pofma order issued to Leong Mun Wai, The Online Citizen, Gutzy Asia over falsehoods on lack of financial aid for West Coast residents - TODAY
• Corrections regarding falsehoods in Mr Leong Mun Wai social media posts (12 Feb 2024) and republished by The Online Citizen and Gutzy Asia
• FB Post by Leong Mun Wai

PUB Calls Out Sterra for “Misleading” Ad

• Singapore’s tap water safe to drink, no need for further filtering devices: PUB
• Water purifier firm Sterra "reviewing marketing procedures" after criticism over its advertisement

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by hatchegg80
• Comment by Kcplsky

One Shiok Thing

• Immortalised in Wax: Yip Pin Xiu's Wax Figure [Behind The Scene🎬] - Madame Tussauds Singapore
• Zuckerberg says Quest 3 is ‘the better product’ vs. Apple’s Vision Pro

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

The police announced that they are looking into 2 events related to the Israel-Hamas war that took place in Singapore over the last couple of weeks, including a march to deliver letters to the Istana. In light of how the rest of the world is reacting to the Middle East conflict, were these events really out of line? Elsewhere, Singaporean actress Caitanya Tan is starring in the new Ubisoft video game, Skull and Bones, but rather than celebrating the fact, people have pounced on her character’s Singapore accent instead. Why the hate for Singlish?

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Folklory

• If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com

Police Investigate Events Related to Israel-Hamas War

• Police investigate 2 events related to Israel-Hamas war, warn against protesting at Singapore Airshow
• SPF | Media Reply For Events – Letters For Palestine: With Love, From Singapore, Steadfast For Palestine, And The Singapore Airshow 2024
• [2023] Police, NParks will reject applications to hold public events relating to Israel-Hamas war
• [2023] How Watermelon Became a Symbol of Palestinian Solidarity
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at the Singapore Airshow

Ubisoft Video Game Features Singapore Accent

• Clip of Singaporean Character in Skull and Bones Gameplay
• Caitanya’s Video Explaining Her Voiceover
• Definition and Examples of Acrolects

One Shiok Comment

• SubReddit Thread on SG Reserves
• Comment by piercemcclane1965

One Shiok Thing

• Ted Lasso - Official Trailer
• Love Deadline | Official Trailer | Netflix

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This week, PM Lee and members of the Opposition were engaged in a marathon debate about Singapore’s reserves, with PSP putting forward a motion to use more of the national reserves for the needs of the current generation of Singaporeans. Who made the better points in the debate? Elsewhere, Mr Coconut is currently caught in a bitter dispute with an ex-employee, who alleged on social media that she was unfairly terminated by the company due to her pregnancy. Mr Coconut then published the results of their internal investigations, which included CCTV footage of the employee watching TV on the job, as well as other details about her work performance. Who’s in the wrong here?

(00:00) Intro
(05:27) Parliament Debates on Singapore’s Reserves
(38:06) Mr Coconut Shows Receipts in Employee Dispute
(58:05) One Shiok Comment
(01:01:04) One Shiok Thing

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Folklory

• If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com

Parliament Debates on Singapore’s Reserves

• PSP's motion on reserves passes after PAP's amendments, WP & PSP rejects amended motion
• Parliament votes for amended motion on national reserves, rejects PSP motion to review fiscal policies
• Opposition MPs debate reserves accumulation and use: 6 key issues and the Govt’s response
• PM Lee calls on opposition to be 'upfront' about stance on Singapore's reserves and take ideas to ballot box

Mr Coconut Shows Receipts in Employee Dispute

• Mr Coconut brings tea & receipts: Woman fired for reasons other than pregnancy, watched movie on phone at work
• Mr Coconut employee alleges unfair dismissal due to pregnancy, company releases findings pointing to her poor performance

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by nyetkatt
• Reddit thread by TrueNeighborhood3540

One Shiok Thing

• High Performance Podcast
• Steven Tyler, Slash, and Train “Dream On” at the Howard Stern Birthday Bash (2014)

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

The 2023 suicide case of police officer Uvaraja Gopal and related discrimination allegations were addressed by Minister Shanmugam in Parliament this week, prompting a question by NCMP Leong Mun Wai about whether the case warranted a Committee of Inquiry. Does his point have any merit? Elsewhere, NTU announced that it will be imposing a fee on tourist groups coming to their campus in response to an influx of visitors in recent months. Will this really help to mitigate the issues of security, privacy and overcrowding?

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Folklory

• If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com

Does Police Officer Suicide Deserve Inquiry

• Police officer suicide: Workplace racism allegations in SPF will be investigated as disciplinary breaches, says Shanmugam - CNA
• Internal investigation, not inquiry committee, held for SPF officer's death to protect morale: Shanmugam
• Cop who made discrimination allegations faced 3 investigations at time of death: Shanmugam | The Straits Times
• SPF went to ‘considerable lengths’ to help late sergeant Uvaraja Gopal through health, family issues: Shanmugam - CNA
• [2007] Second reading speech on Inquiries Bill by DPM Prof S Jayakumar

NTU is Now a Tourist Attraction?

• NTU imposes fee on tourists amid influx to university campuses which students say is disrupting classes, crowding canteens

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by VICSHAQ
• Comment by OriginalGoat1

One Shiok Thing

• Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee and Jessica Wongso | Official Trailer | Netflix
• Miley Cyrus at the Grammys 2024

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Last week, a Singaporean businessman, Phillip Chan, became the first person to be designated a “politically significant person” under the recently implemented foreign interference law. Is this a valid use of this law? Elsewhere, Hong Kong football fans were left raging when Lionel Messi sat out of an exhibition match between Inter Miami and a local team due to injury. Is the fans’ anger valid?

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Folklory

• If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com

Foreign Interference Law Invoked Against Businessman

• Singaporean businessman the first person to be served 'notice of intended designation' under foreign interference law
• Who is Philip Chan, the man against whom S’pore has invoked its foreign interference law?
• The case of Philip Chan: Beijing steps up efforts to co-opt diaspora to ‘tell the China story well’
• [Dec 2023] Anti-foreign interference law to come into full force on Dec 29 after provisions on local proxies take effect - TODAY
• [Sep 2022] Maruah, Think Centre criticise draft foreign interference law, raise concern about uncertainty over their activities - TODAY

Hong Kong Left Outraged by Messi

• Messi sits out Hong Kong friendly; government may cut support funding
• Tatler XFEST - Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF | February 4, 2024
• Lionel Messi angers Hong Kong after sitting out match

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by Kcplsky
• Comment by kaliwalihabibi

One Shiok Thing

• the thing no one will say about Apple Vision Pro - by Casey Neistat

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak