The best interviews from CNA 938 on current affairs, health, entertainment and money, curated daily
The views and opinions shared during this podcast series are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mediacorp Pte. Ltd. or its group of companies.
The 2024 concerts in Singapore were a huge success, attracting over a million visitors and boosting the economy. Can we recreate it this year? Singapore Today’s Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out from Associate Professor Lau Kong Cheen, Head of Marketing Programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences, School of Business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The JB-SG RTS Link is on track to open by the end of next year. Will this bring in more tourists to Singapore and more Singaporeans across to JB? Singapore Today's Lance Alexander speaks with transport expert Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the School of Business at Singapore University of Social Sciences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Jonathan Hung, Executive Director at Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore about Singapore's new initiative to solve sustainability and humanitarian challenges in the region using remote sensing satellite technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What are the joys - and challenges - of pawrenting a senior rescue dog? Cheryl Goh speaks to furmama Elizabeth Neo on how her dog, Libby, has changed her life for the better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this age of retrenchments and job insecurity, how would approaching our work as a startup help us to future-proof our careers? Cheryl Goh speaks to Goh Shu Yi, founder of The Strengths Co consultancy to find out more about the ‘career startup’ mindset. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The search for the plane of the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has begun in the Indian Ocean, in what is likely the final attempt to find the aircraft that disappeared 11 years ago. Maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity has resumed the hunt for the missing plane. How different would this search be compared to the previous failed attempts? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman find out as they chat with Dr Gary Ho, Senior Lecturer for the Diploma in Aviation Management at Temasek Polytechn...
Scam victims in Singapore lost $1.1 billion in 2024, marking a record high amount of losses suffered in a single year. Almost 25% of this involved cryptocurrency, a surge from 6.8% of total losses in 2023. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak to Jag Foo, Partner of Safeheron and Chair of the Blockchain Security and Compliance Committee at Global Fintech Institute. They look at the possible reasons for the rise in cases, and the crypto landscape that makes it a hotbed of scams. See omnystudio.co...
Ukraine has agreed on the terms of a minerals deal with the United States and could sign it on Friday, February 28. This comes as it fights for Washington's support in its war with Russia. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak to Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Toronto. They find out if this move could be a stepping stone to ending the 3-year war between Russia and Ukraine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Singapore Post will move forward with the sale of its Australia business by holding an extraordinary general meeting on March 13 to seek shareholders' approval for the divestment. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak to Kelvin Law, Associate Professor of Accounting at Nanyang Technological University. They examine the impact of this sale on the company’s long-term strategy and its relationship with investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak to Rosie Ching, Principal Lecturer of Statistics from Singapore Management University, and Paulin Tay Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice), School of Social Sciences, from Singapore Management University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when family-run businesses fight internally for power? Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak to Professor Sumit Agarwal from the National University of Singapore Business School, and Ang Yuit, President of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do young people seem to be vulnerable to cryptocurrency scams? Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out from Sean Duca, Chief Technology Officer, Cisco. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with author, entrepreneur and consultant Gerry Oh, who wrote “The Power of Simple Aspirations”. Oh will talk about the book’s main highlights, filled with tips on how the reader can work towards achieving their life goals – from youth to later years. Oh will also talk about how to deal with failure, setting goals and daily tasks the right way, and tips to achieving good financial habits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro discovers the travel adventures of Duncan Craig co-founder of reXtore, a sustainable design and build company. Craig will recall how he - on a snowmobile - crossed Svalbard, north of the Arctic Circle and how he spotted polar bears and experienced snowstorms while doing so. He’ll also talk about a motorbike trip across Cambodia visiting remote temples; and how he crossed the Australian outback in a $100 car. Craig will also explain how his travels influe...
In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with bassist Isa Ong and guitarist Field Teo, members of the instrumental Singaporean rock band Amateur Takes Control. They will talk about the band’s new album ‘A Pale Decrepit Dot’ which comes nearly a decade after their previous full-length release. They’ll discuss the themes addressed in the 7-track album which include personal expressions of grief, confusion, anger and resilience. Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Amateur Takes C...
In ‘Made in SG’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Jasmine Ee, co-founder of Ombré, a local skincare and facials brand. Ee will talk about why she set up the brand with her co-founder and how she got a head start in the skincare business. She’ll also talk about the common skincare routines Singaporeans should consider and how popular the Korean 10-step routine is nowadays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A fitness membership that not only lets you work out, but also helps you to reconnect with yourself. Featuring Singapore’s very first Mind Body Therapy (MBT) wall and wellness spaces, Grand Vitality at The Grand Hyatt offers a sanctuary in the heart of the city to recharge from the stresses of life. Cheryl Goh speaks to Thea Wong, Director of Wellbeing and Jimin Choi - Pilates & Yoga Master Trainer, at Grand Hyatt Singapore to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...
If laughter over bottomless glasses of sake sounds like your idea of a good night out, Laughing Sake may be the intimate event for you. Goodwood Park Hotel has partnered with Singapore brand Sake Taberu and the renowned local comedian Hirzi Zulkiflie for a fun time. Cheryl Goh speaks with Sherrill Lee, Director of Marketing Communications at Goodwood Park and Hirzi himself to learn more about the One Night Only event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Last December, Singapore implemented the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, with three aspects: Flexi-Time, Flexi-Place and Flexi-Load. How well have com panies adopted these to their everyday operations? Cheryl Goh speaks with Dr. Victor Seah, Director of the Behavioural Insights Centre of Excellence (BICE) at SUSS and Principal Investigator of a study that studied more than 300 companies on their readiness for Flexible Work Arrangements. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...
In last week’s budget speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the government will study the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman speak with Dr Alvin Chew, Senior Fellow at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies for get a closer look at Singapore’s nuclear energy ambitions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following a tense weekend in the hostage-prisoner exchange, questions arise as to whether phase two of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas will happen. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman speak with Dr Simon Frankel Pratt, Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Melbourne to take a look at where the deal is at now and what to expect next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The conservative Christian Democrats Union and Christian Social Union have won the national election with 28.6 percent of the vote. But the election comes at a time where the German economy contracted for a second straight year in 2024. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman speak with Dr Frederick Kliem, Director, Southeast Asia, EICN, The Economist Group to find out what Friedrich Merz is in for as he takes office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Dr Ng Weiyi, Assistant Professor from the Department of Strategy and Policy at the NUS Business School on DBS Group's latest announcements on its plans to cut 4,000 contract and temporary staff over the next three years, amid an AI push. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore Today's Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Gaurav Kripalani, artistic director of the Singapore Repertory Theatre on the new SG Culture Pass announced during Budget 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re looking for a reset, you can choose to undergo detox and weight management programs, in a sanctuary of lush greenery located 90 minutes south of Manila in the Philippines. From guided fasts to mindful movement, get set for a time of healing and rejuvenation at the wellness sanctuary known as The Farm at San Benito. Cheryl Goh speaks to Dr. Marian Alonzo, Medical Chief at The Farm at San Benito about the experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nampla, which means “Fish Sauce” in Thai, is a restaurant with a day and night concept. It’s inspired by restaurants across Southern and Central Thailand, and night-time street markets in Bangkok. Cheryl Goh speaks with Chef Simon Wong and Chef Song Supansa, the chefs behind Nampla, who want to bring lesser known Thai dishes to Singaporeans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to ADP’s People at Work 2025 report, only 23 percent of Singapore workers feel equipped to progress in their careers. There may also be some friction in asking for opportunities for upskilling, or re-distribution of workload while an employee goes for an upskilling course. What can be done to build a supportive environment for workers to upskill? Cheryl Goh speaks with Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR APAC at ADP, provider of payroll and human capital management solutions. See omnystud...
In ‘Destination Anywhere’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out where Singaporeans can go to take part in “Bloom with Hope 2025”, an annual community event organised by local charity 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS). 365CPS’ Andrew and Joanna Ang, talk more about this two-day event that aims to celebrate the unity and unwavering spirit of the cancer fighting community. They’ll also list key activities like fun physical activities and healthy cooking demonstrations. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
In ‘Made in SG’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Jaslyin Qiyu, founder and managing director of Mad About Marketing Consulting - an agency and consultancy that leads marketing transformation strategies from the ground up. Qiyu will talk about how and why she founded her own firm after working for years at other companies and MNCs (Multinational Corporations). She’ll also give advice on how Singapore companies can drive marketing transformation and when they should use influencers vs Key Opinion Lea...
The defence ministers of Southeast Asian nations will gather in Penang for a scheduled meeting, with Malaysia as ASEAN chair. This is a curtain raiser of the retreat, with a comprehensive walkthrough of the agenda. For more, Andrea Heng and Susan Ng speak with Sharon Seah, Coordinator, ASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
