This week, DPM Lawrence Wong took to social media to dismiss rumours that the government is bringing back Circuit Breaker to curb rising COVID cases, as well as deepfakes of him promoting commercial products. What companies were using his image to promote their products?  Elsewhere, a video of an SIA stewardess spoon-feeding a 5-year-old boy on a long haul flight has sparked mixed reactions online. Where is the line between good service and entitlement?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

Lawrence Wong Dismisses Circuit Breaker Rumour

• DPM Lawrence Wong dismisses rumour that govt wants to bring back Circuit Breaker as 'falsehood'
• MOH | COVID-19 Statistics
• More hospitalisations as Singapore’s Covid-19 cases hit record high for 2023
• 13 fake PAP MP Facebook profiles created in phishing bid

Debate Rages Over SIA Stewardess Spoon-Feeding Boy

• Video of SIA stewardess spoon-feeding boy, 5, on flight sparks debate online
• Heartwarming or entitled? Video of SIA flight attendant spoon-feeding child sparks heated debate

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by Apprehensive_Nail971
• Comments on YouTube for Ep467

One Shiok Thing

• Cybertruck beats Porsche 911 while towing a 911
• Jurassic Park: Survival | Announcement Trailer
• OD (Overdose) - Reveal Trailer (Hideo Kojima & Jordan Peele) | Game Awards 2023

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Soh Rui Yong is BACK and shares his honest thoughts about being axed from the Asian Games and how he coped with it. He talked about his interactions with ex-SNOC chairman  Tan Chuan Jin and the double standards involved. He also spoke about the challenges facing local sports, his first year as a married man and his plans for the future. He doesn’t hold back, so it gets pretty spicy. 

Heads up that this was recorded on 30 Nov 2023, a couple of days before he won the national title at the S’pore Marathon for the 4th year running. 

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

One Shiok Thing

• NBA proves an in-season tournament is viable, but it remains a work in progress
• The BEST moments from UCL Today! | Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, Kate Abdo & Jamie Carragher
• Soh Rui Yong wins 4th national title at Standard Chartered S'pore Marathon 2023

Find Rui Yong!

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram
• Facebook

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This is our most “transparent” episode ever! In the spirit of the year end, we’re doing a review of our most “triggering” episodes from 2023 that covered cases where businesses, brands and even individuals were not as upfront as they could be. All of them led to backlash and claims of poor accountability, but what has happened since then? From MBS to DBS and Cai Png cafes to food bloggers, brace yourself to re-live these issues :)

Our Sponsor, Lendela!

• Win a $50 shopping voucher by finishing a quick survey that’ll take less than 3 minutes to finish! 
• Click here for the survey!
• Lendela is a lending comparison service that “helps you find the best personal loan in Singapore”, tailored to YOU
• Lendela's been an awesome partner, so please show them some ❤️

Our Top 5 “Transparency” Episodes

• Episode #459 - Shanmugam Disputes ST Israel-Hamas Op-ed & MBS Launches $10K Taylor Swift Concert Packages 
• Episode #448 - DBS Services Down in Major Disruption & Flash Coffee Abruptly Quits Singapore
• Episode #434 - Kinderland and ECDA Address Alleged Child Abuse & Ho Ching Pitches Caning Diners Who Cheat
• Episode #462 - Long Island to Be Reclaimed off ECP & Cai Png Cafe Faces Backlash for Charging by Weight
• Episode #446 - SethLui.com Addresses Sponsored Review Drama & Arcade Prizes to be Capped at $100

One Shiok Thing

• KEEP THE METER RUNNING (@keepthemeterrunning) | TikTok
• Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Haresh Tilani & Terence Chia

Minister Shanmugam has been serving as Minister for Law since 2008 and Minister for Home Affairs since 2015. On his YLB debut, he shares his thoughts on the complicated nature of the conflict between Israel & Hamas, the balance between policy and public sentiment in view of the political controversies seen locally this year. He also talks about why POFMA has been useful from his POV, and what keeps him up at night about the future of Singapore.

(00:00) Intro
(01:39) What to Think
(06:57) Thoughts on Oct 7th
(09:25) Bilahari's Op-ed
(11:59) Singapore's Ties with Israel
(21:33) Gaza: Singapore of Middle East?
(23:59) Rallies & Social Media
(32:53) Misconceptions & Communications
(37:49) Anti-Singapore Rhetoric & impact
(47:11) Public Sentiment & Interest in Politics
(56:40) POFMA
(59:03) Disconnect btw Govt and People?
(01:04:32) Israel-Hamas: What Now?
(01:08:13) The Future of Singapore
(01:13:26) One Shiok Thing

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

One Shiok Thing

• It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work by Fried, Jason
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone | Trailer (2001)
• The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan | Trailer (2023)

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Terence Chia & Haresh Tilani

The teen behind the RIver Valley High School death was sentenced to 16 years’ jail, prompting debates online about the term and severity of the punishment. Was it a fair result? Elsewhere, country clubs in Singapore have come under scrutiny when it was announced that Raffles Town Club’s land lease will not be renewed beyond 2026. Are country clubs still relevant in 2023?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

River Valley High School Homicide Teen Sentenced

• River Valley High School death: Teen sentenced to 16 years’ jail for killing schoolmate with axe in 2021 | The Straits Times
• Teen sentenced to 16 years' jail for killing River Valley High schoolmate with axe - CNA
• River Valley High homicide: Parents of deceased boy wants him named for people to remember him - Mothership.SG
• [Feb 2023] Teen accused of murder at River Valley High School gets charge downgraded to culpable homicide - CNA
• [Jul 2023] Singapore jails Myanmar maid for life over murder of employer’s 70-year-old mother-in-law she stabbed 26 times | South China Morning Post
• Colorado mom who forgave son's killer celebrates 10 years of restorative justice

Are Country Clubs Relevant in Singapore?

• Country clubs in Singapore seek to refresh offerings as youths lose interest in prestige factor

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by internetlurker96
• YouTube comment by HelloEira

One Shiok Thing

• This London Bookstore Lets You Try the Recipes Before You Buy
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time x Studio Ghibli Inspired Fan Film

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit released a report that revealed Singapore to be tied for the world’s most expensive city alongside Zurich. Is this global #1 ranking worth celebrating? Elsewhere, Sembawang Town Council sealed off a void deck in response to complaints about kids playing football, triggering angry responses from some residents. What should they have done instead to curb the nuisance of kids playing football?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

Singapore Tied for World’s Most Expensive City

• Singapore ties with Zurich as world’s most expensive city to live while Hong Kong slips one spot to fifth in latest EIU study
• Worldwide Cost of Living: Singapore and Zurich top the ranking as the world’s most expensive cities - Economist Intelligence Unit
• Worldwide Cost of Living - Report Summary
• Singapore maintains spot as world’s most expensive city, tied with Zurich: EIU, International
• Big Mac index 2023 | Statista

Void Deck Sealed off to Stop Children Playing Football

• Sembawang Town Council seals off void deck to stop children from playing football

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by Apprehensive_Nail971
• Post about Spotify Wrapped

One Shiok Thing

• Henry Kissinger, War Criminal, Dead at 100
• Don Don Donki & Decathlon: What You Didn't Know About Megastores | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

The SG government announced that it is studying the feasibility of an ambitious new land reclamation project off the East Coast, named “Long Island”, which will change the face of East Coast Park forever. Do we really need that much more space? Elsewhere, a Chinese restaurant in Alexandra is facing backlash for charging for its cai png dishes by weight, leading to sticker shock from its patrons. Is there anything ethically wrong with their business model?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

“Long Island” to Be Reclaimed off East Coast Park

• Singapore to start technical studies into 'Long Island' off East Coast; reclaimed land could be twice the size of Marina Bay
• Reclaimed 'Long Island' will be about twice the size of Marina Bay, tripling length of existing East Coast waterfront: Desmond Lee - TODAY
• 'Long Island'
• Ensure Long Island project doesn’t harm marine life at East Coast, Southern Islands: Experts
• Reclaimed 'Long Island' off East Coast would likely house a mix of public and private properties: Analysts

Cai Png Cafe Faces Backlash for Charging by Weight

• 100g for $3.98: Chinese restaurant in Alexandra raises eyebrows for charging dishes by weight
• Hundred Grains: Pay-By-Weight Cai Png Cafe In Singapore | Eatbook.sg
• S$19.60 for this economy rice: Pick your own ingredients cai png at Alexandra Retail Center

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by yathen
• Comment by captainblackchest

One Shiok Thing

• I Spent My Life Savings To Travel In A Van
• Squid Game: The Challenge | Exclusive Clip | Netflix

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Last week, MAS moved to curb crypto speculation with a tightening of regulations around retail investors. Will this throw a spanner in Singapore’s plans of becoming a digital asset hub for the world? Elsewhere, 2 contestants from the reality TV show “Squid Game: The Challenge” are suing the Netflix production for inhumane conditions that allegedly led to them suffering hypothermia and nerve damage while filming. Is there any credence to their claims?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

MAS Tightens Crypto Regulations

• MAS to tighten crypto rules for Singapore retail customers
• MAS Strengthens Regulatory Measures for Digital Payment Token Services
• [Oct 2022] Retail investors to take risk test before cryptocurrency trading as part of proposed rules by MAS

“Squid Game” Contestants Allege Inhumane Filming Conditions 

• Squid Game: The Challenge players want compensation for injuries allegedly suffered on show

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by raidorz
• Comment from Mofsterboi

One Shiok Thing

• CM Punk IS BACK! See the epic Survivor Series return: Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 highlights
• Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun | Official Trailer

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This past week, Parliament debated and ultimately passed a law that allows the President and Ministers to hold international roles in their private capacity. They even backdated the law to Tharman’s inauguration date, prompting questions from Opposition MPs about the urgency of the constitutional change. Why the rush? Elsewhere, a private-hire driver clocked 22 hours of driving within a day to win a peer-organised competition. Can anyone be a safe driver after being on the road for 22 hours?

Find us here!

• YLB Subreddit
• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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 Passes Law for President to Hold International Roles

• Constitution amended to let president take global roles in private capacity if in national interest
• WP, PSP vote against Bill on President holding global roles; DPM Wong urges against opposing 'for the sake of’
• Govt changing Constitution in order to be 'upfront, transparent' about president's international roles: DPM Wong
• MPs' Q&A on constitutional changes allowing S'pore presidents to hold international roles in private capacities

Private-hire Driver Works 22 Hours to Win Challenge

• Backlash after private-hire driver spends 22 hours on road to win Facebook contest

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by fieryballss

One Shiok Thing

• Binance Fined $4.3 Billion, CEO Pleads GUILTY
• 54 dates in 8 months: How this 32-year-old single woman tackled her search for love and romance

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

A recent Straits Times op-ed on the Israel-Hamas war, written by retired senior diplomat Bilahari Kausikan, triggered a response from Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, who disagreed with Bilahari’s views, and also directed people to read another op-ed with a differing perspective. Why was there a need for a Minister to come forward and push back on a paywall-blocked op-ed accessible only to ST subscribers? Elsewhere, Marina Bay Sands is going all in on Taylor Swift mania with their VIP concert packages, with eye-watering prices ranging from $10,000 on the low end, to $50,000 for the “Wildest Dreams” package. We break down the packages, and discuss which one offers the best value for Swifties (who can afford it).

Find us here!

• YLB TikTok
• YLB IG
• YLB YouTube

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

Shanmugam Takes Issue with ST Op-ed on Israel-Hamas War

• Bilahari's ST op-ed doesn't emphasise Israeli govt's 'illegal actions' over many years: Shanmugam
• Hard truths about Gaza war’s cruel and complex dilemma (by Bilahari Kausikan)
• Israel’s actions in Gaza have been disproportionate (by Ahmad Firdaus Daud)
• Gaza war: Hard truths and humanitarian law (by Tommy Koh)
• Netanyahu asks Israeli government to back Hamas hostage deal

MBS Launches $10,000 Taylor Swift Concert Packages

• Taylor Swift The Eras Tour | Marina Bay Sands

One Shiok Comment

• Comments on SubReddit post for YLB #458
• Reddit post by internetlurker96

One Shiok Thing

• The Devil's Plan | Official Trailer | Netflix
• THE BOYS – Season 3 Official Trailer

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Desk from @castlerysg

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak