Yah Lah But

★ Our GE2025 Plans!! ★
Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!

Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, joins us to talk about his new book on COVID’s lasting impact on China, the consequences of Donald Trump’s tariffs & counterintuitive facts about the global economy. And of course, with his decade’s long experience in the Singapore civil service, we also discuss the upcoming GE2025, and how voters should think about the candidates.

Find Donald Low at the links below:

• His book, The Price of Zero: https://thepriceofzero.org/
• Donald Low on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.l.fc 

(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans
(00:52) Intro
(05:14) Hong Kong vs Singapore COVID Response
(07:15) China's Pandemic Management
(12:28) Donalds Book: The Price of Zero
(25:41) Hong Kong Political Climate
(30:01) Resilience in Hong Kong and Singapore's Perspective
(32:43) Social Contracts and Expectations
(35:02) Trust in Government and Social Behaviour
(36:58) MNCs Shifting from Hong Kong to Singapore
(41:18) China's Economic Future and Global Impact
(49:20) Singapore's Domestic Consumption and Trade Dependency
(57:36) Economic Strengths and Trade Relationships
(58:08) China's Trade Surplus
(59:34) Singapore's Surpluses
(01:00:17) Economic Policies and Accumulation
(01:09:31) Economic Bans and Regulations
(01:15:38) Municipal vs National Issues in Elections
(01:21:52) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• Katy Perry back on Earth after reaching space
• I went to France because I’m bored and then went home
• The Rise and Fall of the EAST

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Mics and Headphones from @shure

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Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

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★ Our GE2025 Plans! ★
Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.yahlahbut.com to updates and to find out firsthand where we'll be during each day of the campaigning period. It's gonna be epic!

In this candid conversation that took place right after the Writ of Election was issued, former PAP MP and serial entrepreneur Inderjit Singh joins us to reflect on his time in Parliament, his business journey, and his outspoken and controversial views on key policies. And given the upcoming election, we tackle the big question about PAP MPs on everyone’s minds: is it possible to speak out from within? From calling out “growth at all costs” economics to clashing with Cabinet members behind the scenes, Inderjit reveals what it really takes to challenge the system from within. He also weighs in on the new candidates from both sides, Singapore’s evolving political culture, and why housing and cost of living will dominate election conversations.

(00:00) Our GE2025 Plans
(00:52) Intro
(03:33) Journey in Singapore Politics
(06:50) Challenges of Public Service
(10:09) Political Views and Decisions
(15:09) Social Media's Impact on Politicians
(27:21) Parliamentary Experience and Open Dialogue
(29:38) 2011 General Elections and Management Style Discussion
(35:15) New Ideas and Challenges in Policy Making
(48:22) Political Campaign Strategies and Voter Perception
(56:03) Leadership Challenges and Mandates
(58:21) Comparison of Political Eras
(01:01:50) Election Campaigns Inside Look
(01:06:26) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• The Prof G Pod – Scott Galloway
• The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi
• Gorillaz - Demon Days Live from the Apollo Theater, Harlem (Full Show)

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• Facebook

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

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Red Dot United’s Secretary-General Ravi Philemon opens up about why he left the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) to start Red Dot United just weeks before GE2020, and even more shockingly, contested against now-President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He shares how RDU is positioning itself differently from other opposition parties ahead of GE2025, why discipline and data matter for his team, and the challenges of building a new party from scratch. Plus, he lays out the reason why smaller opposition parties, or “mosquito parties”, as Bertha Henson puts it, need to exist in our democracy.

(00:00) Intro
(01:44) RDU's Volunteer Dynamics
(03:48) Formation and Growth of RDU
(07:34) Challenges in Start-Up Parties
(09:58) Transitioning between Political Parties
(17:44) Amiable Parting with PSP
(28:08) Background on RDU's Foundation
(29:54) Ravi's Political Passion and Activism
(34:05) Decision to Contest in Jurong
(35:41) Election Strategy and Challenges
(37:18) Campaign Experience and Public Perception
(39:32) Reflections on 2015 and 2020 Elections
(44:10) RDU Philosophy and Policies
(54:28) RDU's Vision and Future Plans
(58:29) Role of Smaller Parties in Political Landscape
(01:05:28) Non-Adversarial Politics and Dialogue
(01:07:00) Personal Reflection and Evolution
(01:09:51) Religion and Politics
(01:18:39) On M. Ravi and Activism
(01:24:25) Building a Political Culture
(01:30:00) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• ‘Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of’ | The Ezra Klein Show
• [Photo story] A Taiwanese collector's treasured photos of old Southeast Asia and Singapore
• The Pearl by John Steinback

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Find Ravi here!

• Facebook
• RDU Instagram
• RDU Website
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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM Lawrence Wong’s speech on US tariffs and global trade shockwaves didn’t just make headlines in Singapore - it went viral around the world, earning praise from political commentators and international audiences. But is it a true rallying cry that will inspire confidence? Elsewhere, the saga regarding former NMP Calvin Cheng’s comments about sending a group of activists to Gaza has triggered a series of negative reactions, with the latest one from PM Wong himself. Calvin Cheng has since apologised, but is it too little, too late?

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(01:00) Intro
(10:05) PM Lawrence Wong Goes Viral
(31:58) Calvin Cheng’s Gaza Comments Spark Backlash
(51:11) One Shiok Comment
(55:11) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• 2 brilliant goals earn lead! | Lion City (SGP) - Sydney (AUS) | Highlights AFC Champions League Two™
• Declan Rice’s 2 Free Kicks Against Real Madrid

Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!

• We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60
• You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same site
• Help us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!

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PM Lawrence Wong Goes Viral

• 'Very, very powerful': PM Wong's response to Trump tariffs strikes a chord with audiences worldwide
• World suffers if US-China relations fray with tariffs: PM Wong
• TRUMP RAMPAGE | How Far Can He Go?

Calvin Cheng’s Gaza Comments Spark Backlash

• Calvin Cheng's remarks 'completely insensitive, unacceptable'; Singapore must nurture and protect its cohesion: PM Wong
• Masagos, Shanmugam disagree with former NMP Calvin Cheng's views on Israel-Palestine conflict
• Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng 'deeply remorseful' over comments on pro-Palestine activists
• Vivian says he did not ‘like’ FB post offering to relocate S’poreans to Gaza; Meta investigating
• No intention of 'downplaying tariffs': PSP's Leong Mun Wai calls for new trade deal with US
• [2016] Police report filed against former NMP Calvin Cheng for controversial comments about terrorists' children

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Arguably the biggest catch of the upcoming election, Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh joins Yah Lah BUT for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. He reveals why an accomplished legal professional would join opposition politics under the Workers’ Party. He tells us about the instances in his life when he spoke truth to power, and what policies that he believes need to change to prepare young Singaporeans for the future. He also reflects on his infamous 1996 public exchange with Lee Kuan Yew and how a professional crisis was instrumental in shaping the Harpreet Singh of today. He also lays out his ideas on education reform, housing, and political representation that he will be talking more about in the upcoming few months. 

(00:00) Intro
(01:48) Political Journey & Volunteering
(09:55) Early Political Engagement
(17:33) Joining Workers' Party & Goals
(20:16) Policy and Ideals: Areas for Improvement
(25:39) Global Comparisons & Future Vision
(34:53) Reflections on Past Optimism
(37:08) Housing and Education Reform
(38:23) Challenges of the Current Education System
(41:24) The Need for Curriculum Reform
(54:56) Dealing with Professional Challenges
(01:04:21) Workers' Party Ideology
(01:20:38) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• Adolescence | Official Trailer | Netflix
• Big Wild (Analog Sessions)

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Find Harpreet here:

• Facebook
• Instagram

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Last Friday, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong released a video warning Singaporeans to brace for global economic instability in light of US-imposed tariffs. The 5-minute address sparked mixed reactions - some lauded the call for unity, others slammed it as vague and fear-mongering. We unpack what he actually said and how the opposition parties responded. Over the weekend, a community event in the East revealed a slew of new perks and grants available only to residents of the Marine Parade Cluster. Is this strategic support—or selective generosity in an election year? 

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:55) Intro
(11:00) Lawrence Wong’s Response to Tariffs “Overblown”?
(35:44) Marine Parade’s Benefits Under Scrutiny
(49:00) One Shiok Comment
(51:41) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• POV 🎙️📷 You Are a Referee at DER KLASSIKER in the Bundesliga
• Trump Tariff Cold Open - SNL

Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!

• We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60
• You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same site
• Help us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!

Comment on this episode!

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Lawrence Wong’s Response to Tariffs “Overblown”?

• Singapore must brace itself for more shocks following US tariffs: PM Wong
• US tariffs could set off global trade war, dampen S’pore’s economic growth: DPM Gan
• Opposition leader Pritam Singh echoes PM Wong's call for unity following US tariffs on S'pore
• Leong Mun Wai says Trump tariff fear is 'overblown', Tan Cheng Bock says govt warning is partly to 'instill fear'
• The bizarre way Trump’s team calculated reciprocal tariffs

Marine Parade’s Benefits Under Scrutiny

• GE2025: Up to S$1,600 in cash, Grab vouchers under new fund for caregivers in Marine Parade Cluster
• 17 HDB neighbourhoods across Singapore to be upgraded at cost of S$165 million

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We come full circle, as the Speaker who first introduced Yah Lah BUT to Parliament now comes to our studio as a guest! Seah Kian Peng shares his candid views about his role as Speaker, what he thinks about the recent kerfuffles in Parliament, and the biggest misconception about his longstanding MP role at Braddell Heights. This episode was recorded on 17 March 2025.

(00:00) Intro
(02:01) Background and Career
(07:16) Social Mobility and Inequality
(15:06) Role and Responsibilities
(24:52) Challenges and Reflections
(31:25) Our Podcast In Parliament
(32:02) Addressing Leong Mun Wai's Remark
(33:49) Parliamentary Process
(37:37) Speaking Dialect In Parliament
(50:16) Should Parliament Sessions Be Livestreamed?
(51:58) Ceremonial Practices
(01:02:13) Accountability
(01:03:26) GRC Changes Discussion
(01:06:44) Political Career Reflection
(01:08:23) Future of Politics
(01:10:09) Importance of Change
(01:14:31) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• Freakier Friday | Teaser Trailer | In Theaters August 8
• Hanumankind - Run It Up ( Prod. By Kalmi ) | (Official Music Video)
• Singapore Women’s Association Laughter Yoga Wellness Club

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Find Speaker Seah Kian Peng here!

• Facebook
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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) recently stepped down to join political parties, raising eyebrows about the role’s neutrality. Minister Shanmugam addressed the issue, clarifying that the Constitution allows it, and that it’s up to public judgment to assess the move. Meanwhile, Minister Tan See Leng’s comment that undergraduates should focus “exposure, not pay” didn’t go down well online. Or are we just a bunch of snowflakes? 

(00:00) Folklory
(00:55) Intro
(11:03) NMPs Joining Political Parties Scrutinised
(37:39) Tan See Leng’s ‘Exposure, Not Pay’ Remarks
(58:51) One Shiok Comment
(01:02:43) One Shiok Thing

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

• 攬佬SKAI ISYOUGOD【八方來財·因果】HD 高清官方完整版 MV
• Stephen A Smith vs Ben Shapiro

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NMPs Joining Political Parties Scrutinised

• Constitution provides for NMPs to step down to stand in elections: Shanmugam
• GE2025: Constitution ‘expressly provides’ for NMP to join a political party after stepping down, says Shanmugam
• Constitution of the Republic of Singapore - Singapore Statutes Online

Tan See Leng’s ‘Exposure, Not Pay’ Remarks

• Focus on exposure, not pay: Tan See Leng urges undergrads to prepare for skills-based job market
• For whom are we defending Singapore? Heng Chee How asks after Gerald Giam suggests changing NS allowance to NS salary

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s an internationally-renowned infectious diseases expert who became an opposition politician with the Singapore Democratic Party. In this candid conversation, Dr Paul Tambyah joins YLB to talk about the public healthcare system, his motivation for staying in opposition politics, and why Singapore’s response to the the global pandemic was surprising in many ways. Walking us through his days of activism to party politics to international COVID-19 crisis meetings, Dr Tambyah shares his unfiltered view of why politics is nothing but medicine writ large.

(00:00) Intro
(01:08) Infectious Disease Research
(04:16) Political Involvement and Healthcare
(06:53) SDP and Political Journey
(13:59) Healthcare System Insights
(25:04) Public Policy on Healthcare and Education
(28:08)  Healthcare Debate and Opposition Challenges
(33:27) Challenges in Healthcare System
(36:02) CPF and Trust in Government
(39:45) COVID-19 Pandemic Response
(43:00) Vaccine Skepticism and Social Media Impact
(44:47) Aligning with Opposition Parties
(54:45) Singapore's Housing Policies
(55:06) Ethnic Integration Program
(56:25) Socioeconomic Disparities in Education
(58:54) Public vs. Private Healthcare
(59:21) Political Criticisms of the SDP
(01:01:06) SDP's Policy Stance and Reforms
(01:02:41) Cultural and Political Polarizations
(01:08:42) Current Singapore Political Landscape
(01:10:23) Diversity and Representation
(01:13:12) COVID-19 Experiences and Insights
(01:20:51) Message to Singaporean Voters

One Shiok Thing

• Autopsy Simulator - Official Console Announcement Trailer
• Daisy Jones & the Six - Official Trailer | Prime Video
• The Price of Zero by Donald Low

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Find Dr. Paul Tambyah here!

• SDP website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singapore's Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung delivers a no-holds-barred conversation in this YLB episode - tearing into US-Asia power shifts, Singapore's healthcare time bombs, and his own political war stories after losing Aljunied GRC in 2011. He explains why he believes the Opposition isn't going anywhere, drops truth bombs about how char kway teow could sink his career, and reveals when government should - and shouldn't - step in. The discussion also turns personal as he reflects on the family conversations that shaped his decision to enter politics - offering rare insight into the human side of public service.

(00:00) Intro
(02:40) Transition to Minister for Health
(03:25) COVID Strategies and Challenges
(05:16) Vaccine Rollout and Impact
(12:50) The Aging Population Challenge
(14:15) Learning from Other Countries
(17:01) Health Advocacy and Social Media
(22:52) Political Journey and Personal Background
(29:50) Becoming a Civil Servant
(32:25) Political Journey and Views
(37:30) World Trade and Free Trade Agreements
(47:51) US Presence and Security
(52:46) Strategic Position of Singapore
(58:33) Global Interconnection and Decoupling
(59:10) Influence of Foreign Politics on Singapore
(01:00:30) Cultural Imports and Political Sentiments
(01:01:50) Changing Dynamics in Singapore Politics
(01:03:30) Singapore's Economic Role and Workforce
(01:07:10) Paradox of Meritocracy and Education
(01:10:54) Singapore-Malaysia Relations and Economic Integration
(01:15:08) Emerging Challenges and Global Concerns
(01:18:30) Impact of Technology and AI
(01:21:30) One Shiok Thing

One Shiok Thing

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Kobo or Kindle? 9 e-book readers in Singapore to shop now
• Dua Lipa - Training Season (Live from the Royal Albert Hall) [Official Performance Video]

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Find Minister Ong here!

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Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair

Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.