Yah Lah But

Donald Trump wastes no time in blaming diversity policies for a deadly air crash, doubling down on claims that hiring standards have fallen. His controversial remarks have sparked outrage—are they grounded in fact or just another political distraction? Meanwhile, in Singapore, a self-styled ‘road vigilante’ has been fined for modifying his car with emergency lights and a stretcher to respond to accidents. Is he a misguided hero or a public safety risk? We break down Trump’s latest controversy and Singapore’s bizarre roadside first responder.

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:50) Intro
(11:40) Trump Blames Diversity for Air Crash
(29:00) Vigilantes on SG Roads?
(43:50) One Shiok Comment
(55:01) One Shiok Thing

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Trump Blames Diversity for Air Crash

• American Airlines plane crash near D.C. kills 67 people in deadliest US air disaster
• Combative Trump blames DEI policies after air tragedy
• President Trump orders FAA to move away from DEI in hiring
• Fact check: Trump’s FAA used the same language about hiring people with disabilities he’s now blasting
• FAA left rudderless after former chief quit post 10 days before DC plane, helicopter crash
• 
  

Vigilantes on SG Roads?

• 'I have a clear conscience': Man fined for installing warning lights on his car
• 'I want people to see me and slow down': Man drives 'polite car' resembling police vehicle

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by furby_bot
• Comment by internetlurker96

One Shiok Thing

• Highlights of Singapore team at Bocuse d’Or 2025 and Singaporean chef Mathew Leong is Asia No 1 and world No 6 in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or
• SINGLE'S INFERNO SEASON 4 | Official Trailer

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On this episode, we chat with Mr. Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of NTUC Income and NTUC Enterprise. Suee Chieh was a key voice raising concerns about the Income-Allianz deal when it first broke, and we’ve been trying to get him on the show since last October. After some scheduling delays, we finally made it happen in December 2024, and it was a super insightful conversation, where he talked about what it takes to build an exceptional culture, why he took the step of going public with his views about the deal, and why he believes we need to “reimagine” Singapore. If you have questions for him or want him back for more on this topic, drop a comment below!

(00:00) Intro
(01:51) Tan Suee Chieh's Background
(04:40) Career at Prudential
(09:10) The Income-Allianz Deal
(16:53) Clarifying Misunderstandings
(22:21) Parliamentary Discussion
(31:28) Intro to Capital Lock-In
(33:20) Shareholder Dilution and Trading Issues
(39:01) Social Justice and Actuarial Ethics
(44:54) Enterprise & Capital Injection
(49:02) Income's Social Role
(54:46) Pluralism In Business Models
(59:16) Commitment to Shareholders
(01:02:53) Importance of Exceptional Culture
(01:04:00) Role of Government Ministries
(01:08:47) Challenges of Silo Thinking
(01:10:57) Leadership and Future Vision
(01:13:50) One Shiok Thing

Find Tan Suee Chieh here! 

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One Shiok Thing

• "SURELY You Can See This is Wrong?" Neil deGrasse Tyson on Elon Musk, Mars, Trans Sports & More
• Reflections on Palantir
• Wicked - Official Trailer

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Donald Trump is officially back as the 47th President of the United States, and his inauguration speech felt more like a Game of Thrones coronation than a traditional ceremony. With Elon Musk and America’s billionaires front and center, we break down the key takeaways from Trump’s big return. Meanwhile, a scholarship ad by Hwa Chong International School sparked online outrage after netizens spotted the student in the ad wearing $1,690 Christian Dior sneakers. Is this an out-of-touch flex, or are we all overreacting?

(00:00) Tell You First
(01:47) Intro
(11:23) Trump’s Inauguration
(52:13) Hwa Chong Student’s $1,690 Dior Sneakers
(01:08:57) One Shiok Comment
(01:12:31) One Shiok Thing

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Trump’s Inauguration

• Analysis: The promise and peril of Trump's inaugural speech
• Donald Trump’s Second Inaugural Speech, Annotated
• What is an executive order? How they differ from proclamations
• What is an executive order, and what orders did Trump sign on day 1? | Donald Trump News

Hwa Chong Student’s $1,690 Dior Sneakers

• Hwa Chong Student Wears $1.7K Dior Sneakers In School Scholarship Poster

One Shiok Comment

• Comment from captainblackchest

One Shiok Thing

• Podcasting Politics in Singapore: Hegemony, Resistance, and Digital Media
• Boom XB-1 pushes the sound barrier before supersonic flight

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The Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut 

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In a recent speech, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh made a bold call for one-third opposition representation in Parliament and for unity amongst Workers’ Party cadre. What does this mean for WP’s GE2025 strategy? Elsewhere, Pakistan International Airlines just had the PR fail of the year— its celebration of the resumption of flights to Paris ended up looking way too much like 9/11. How did this get passed?

(00:00) Folklory
(00:45) Intro
(10:30) Pritam Singh’s GE2025 Strategy
(29:16) Pakistan Airlines’ PR Disaster
(38:57) One Shiok Comment
(42:30) One Shiok Thing

Folklory

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Pritam Singh’s GE2025 Strategy

• Pritam Singh warns Workers' Party members: Unity essential to achieving one-third opposition in parliament
• WP did its part as 'loyal opposition' in parliament, will work to win voter support ahead of GE2025: Pritam Singh
• ​[2019] WP aiming for a third of parliamentary seats in medium term: Pritam Singh
• Workers’ Party: Members’ Forum 2025 – Onward to GE2025 – Office of the Leader of the Opposition

Pakistan Airlines’ PR Disaster

• Pakistan International Airlines says sorry over Eiffel Tower advert marking return of flights to Paris
• PIA (@pakistanintairlines) on Instagram
• Dismay, ridicule over Pakistan Airlines 'tone deaf' ad campaign for flights to France

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by @Curious-n9y
• Comment by junglejimbo88

One Shiok Thing

• Thian Hock Keng
• Why are Leica cameras so expensive?

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As GE2025 looms, a Blackbox Research survey reveals Singaporeans’ biggest concerns—cost of living and jobs, not political scandals. What does this mean for campaign strategies? Plus, surprising Singaporean sentiment on Donald Trump’s re-election. We dig into the data, the vibes, and the unexpected trends shaping Singapore’s political landscape. Meanwhile, a Singaporean climber raised a political flag at Everest Base Camp, sparking debate about devotion, ball-carrying, and whether this was a flex too far.

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:54) Intro
(07:40) GE2025 Survey Drops
(30:20) PAP Flag Reaches Everest
(51:00) One Shiok Comment
(53:40) One Shiok Thing

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
• Nominate someone by clicking here, and we’ll be in touch with you to get more information!

Folklory

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GE2025 Survey Drops

• Cost of living tops Singaporeans' concerns ahead of GE, 1 in 4 voters undecided on who to support: Survey
• Countdown to GE2025: Sensing Singapore’s Mood — Blackbox Research
• SensingSG: What Matters to Singapore: Jan 2025 (Latest Data)

PAP Flag Reaches Everest

• S'porean man, 55, brings PAP & Marine Parade flags up to Mount Everest base camp
• Everest Base Camp Toilets: What You Need to Know Before You Go
• 
  

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by LYSG18

One Shiok Thing

• Burnley threaten records by keeping it tight to eye Premier League return
• The podcast we recorded with Sean Bai of Burnley F.C.
• Mark Zuckerberg's Conservative Evolution is so EMBARRASSING

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The Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut 

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This week, Meta makes waves as CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces the end of third-party fact-checking in the US, shifting responsibility to users through “community notes.” President Joe Biden isn’t pleased, calling the move “shameful.” We unpack the implications for misinformation and free speech. Closer to home, a survey reveals Singapore’s most loved and hated corporate jargon, from “double confirm” to “pang gang.” What do these buzzwords say about workplace culture and Singaporeans’ command of English?

(00:00) Tell You First
(01:30) Intro
(09:30) Zuckerberg Flip-Flops on Meta’s Fact-Checking
(44:17) Singapore’s Corporate Jargon Decoded
(58:00) One Shiok Comment
(01:02:14) One Shiok Thing

Our New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRST

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Zuckerberg Flip-Flops on Meta’s Fact-Checking

• Biden blasts 'shameful' Meta decision to scrap US fact-checking
• Meta, Facebook to drop fact-checkers: What does this mean for social media?
• [2021] How Meta’s third-party fact-checking program works
• International Fact-Checking Network - Poynter
• Do Community Notes work? | Impact of Social Sciences

Singapore’s Corporate Jargon Decoded

• Cringe Singaporean corporate lingo that every Gen Z needs to know before entering the workforce
• Singapore’s most annoying corporate jargon

One Shiok Comment

• Comment from junglejimbo88
• Comment from nicrome

One Shiok Thing

• Joe Rogan and The Black Keys Diorama
• Mirumi is a furry little companion bot that imitates a shy infant

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The Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut 

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We dive into the ICA’s suspension of its online address change system after 80 unauthorized attempts exploited a glaring loophole. How is this connected to the recent NRIC unmasking drama, if at all? Meanwhile, SM Lee Hsien Loong’s speech on immigration and integration at a SINDA dinner sparks online debate. From balancing foreigner inflow to fostering inclusivity, we discuss the tension between cultural adaptation and xenophobia in Singapore.

(00:00) Folklory
(00:50) Intro
(13:09) Scammers Target ICA’s Online Service
(31:06) SM Lee Warns Against Nativism
(56:49) One Shiok Comment
(01:00:00) One Shiok Thing

Folklory

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• Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.com
• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/
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Scammers Target ICA’s Online Service

• ICA temporarily suspends e-service after 80 unauthorised attempts to change residential addresses
• ICA suspends online service after 80 cases of unauthorised change of address using compromised Singpass accounts
• ICA Press Release - Suspension Of ICA’s Electronic Change of Address Service

SM Lee Warns Against Nativism

• Singapore should help immigrants, foreign workers adapt to country's social norms: SM Lee
• Speech by SM Lee Hsien Loong at the Indian Community Appreciation Dinner
• S’pore must manage new arrivals with utmost caution, but also stand firm against nativism: SM Lee
• Community Integration Initiatives by People’s Association

One Shiok Comment

• Comments on #608

One Shiok Thing

• All That You CAN Leave Behind
• Escape from the terrordome: how Netherlands panopticon prisons are being reborn as stunning arts hubs

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The Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut 

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This week, we unpack the exchanges in Parliament about the recent case of unintentional NRIC unmasking by ACRA. Minister Josephine Teo and Minister Indranee fielded a bevy of questions from both sides, but some questions still remain unanswered. Is the public overreacting? Elsewhere, a political confrontation between PSP and PAP volunteers at Bukit Gombak escalated into what is now a police case. What triggered the clash, and what does it mean for Singapore’s election culture?

(00:00) Words of Wisdom
(00:50) Intro
(06:30) NRIC Unmasking Saga Laid Open in Parliament
(34:00) Political Showdown in Bukit Gombak
(51:57) One Shiok Comment
(56:45) One Shiok Thing

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
• Nominate someone by clicking here, and we’ll be in touch with you to get more information!

Find us here!

• Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.com
• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/
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NRIC Unmasking Saga Laid Open in Parliament

• NRIC numbers remain personal data, should not be widely circulated: Josephine Teo
• Opposition MPs raise questions including why NRIC unmasking issue was not brought to parliament earlier
• Private firms using NRIC numbers as authentication, default passwords should stop as soon as possible: Josephine Teo

Political Showdown in Bukit Gombak

• PAP volunteer releases footage of altercations with PSP during Bukit Gombak walkabout
• PAP's Low Yen Ling responds to PSP harrassment allegations in Bukit Gombak, says her volunteer was slapped

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by TangeloOk9358
• Comment by OriginalGoat1

One Shiok Thing

• 2 passers-by rescue girl, 17, from Punggol multistorey car park 5th floor ledge
• Why Life Really Begins at 40

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This past November, the topic of saving hawker culture was fiercely debated in Parliament, and while we discussed it in YLB 588, we wanted to hear directly from an actual hawker who knows the issues on the ground. And we got more than we bargained for, in this deep dive with Faye Sai, a THIRD-generation young hawker running the chain Coffee Break. We got answers to all the burning questions that left us vexed before, like: why aren’t we doing more to train young hawkers? Who bids $7000 for a hawker stall (she did)? We also learnt why we only have ourselves to blame for the death of hawker culture… with some important caveats!

(00:00) Tell You First
(00:56) Intro
(03:16) Hawker Business Journey
(05:23) Family Background and Business Involvement
(21:41) Discussion on Hawker Economics
(26:39) Structural Issues and Solutions
(27:22) Hawker Centers vs. Private Coffee Shops
(37:10) Passion and Relationship in Hawker Culture
(45:25) Foreign Influence and Evolving Food Culture
(54:35) Government and Hawker Centers
(56:15) Social Responsibility
(01:02:37) The Narrative Around Hawker Life
(01:11:17) Coffee Break's Business Viability
(01:12:17) Youth Perspectives on Hawker Life
(01:22:11) Social Media and Content Creation
(01:23:22) One Shiok Thing

Find Faye and Coffee Break here! 

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Our New Podcast, TELL YOU FIRST

• Check out our new edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we cover the whirlwind 6-day extravaganza in 2024 that was the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Singapore… but with a focus on the $$$ behind the madness!
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One Shiok Thing

• Yo- Yo Ma Performs at the Re-opening of Notre Dame de Paris
• r/WatchPeopleDieInside
• Transform Your Keyboard with Akko’s Bun Wonderland Keycap Set! | Easy Install Tutorial

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A recent study revealed that Singapore’s adult literacy proficiency is below the OECD average. This raises concerns about the competitiveness and employability of Singaporean workers, especially older ones whose language mastery may have atrophied over their lifetimes. What can be done to stem this decline? Elsewhere, an expat tech executive was featured in the news for doing food delivery outside of his working hours, and subsequently donating his earnings to charity. Why are some online celebrating and calling him a “role model”? Is there more to this curious side quest of his?

(00:00) Folklory
(00:40) Intro
(11:07) Do Singaporeans Speak Bad English?
(39:21) Expats Now Doing Food Delivery
(59:58) One Shiok Comment
(01:02:58) Expats Now Doing Food Delivery

Folklory

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• Our Website: https://www.ministryoffunny.com
• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/
• Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcast
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbut
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yahlahbut

Do Singaporeans Speak Bad English?

• Singapore adults' ability to read or write in English is below OECD average. What's the problem?
• Do Adults Have the Skills They Need to Thrive in a Changing World? | Report by OECD
• Singapore improves in OECD ranking of adult skills, but atrophy in literacy a concern
• Singapore students rank top in maths, science and reading in OECD study

Expats Now Doing Food Delivery

• The expat who raised S$7,000 in 11 months doing food deliveries in his free time and donated it all to charity

One Shiok Comment

• Comment by cryizzle
• Comment by Lawrenc139

One Shiok Thing

• Tim Urban: Why I Brought My Toddler to Watch SpaceX’s Flying Skyscraper
• Brisbane Roar FC v Canberra United FC - Shark Highlights | Ninja A-League 2024-25 | Round 10

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The Meat Club: Use the code “YLB20” for $20 off your order at https://themeatclub.com.sg/yahlahbut 

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