Send us a text Dan and Vanan sit down with Minister K Shanmugam to talk tariffs, financial markets losing trillions, and how Singapore can thrive in such muddy waters. Plus, how to keep making long term plans when there's more political contestation and how does Min Shanmugam deal with people who dislike him? 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follow us for exclusive updates: 🎙 Podcast: www.majulah.co/lokalpolitics 🎥 TikTok: @majulahpresents 📷 Instagram: @maj...
Apr 26, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text It’s a Majulah Presents crossover! Singapore Confidential co-host Benjamin Chiang joins forces with Vanan on this special General Elections series of Majulah Presents Lokal Politics. Dive into the highlights from Nomination Day where 206 candidates will be vying for 92 seats across 32 constituencies. Tune in as we track every twist in this race! 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follow us for exclusive updates: 🔴 YouTube: @majulahpresents 🎥 Tik...
Apr 23, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Send us a text What’s the purpose of a PAP team in an opposition stronghold like Aljunied GRC? In this episode of Lokal Politics, Vanan grills Faisal and Dan (surprise!), who are part of the newly-unveiled PAP team going up against the Worker’s Party for Aljunied GRC in the upcoming General Elections. What does this mean for Aljunied residents and opposition supporters? From policy improvements to going up against the Leader of the Opposition, they lay out their vision and ask Singaporeans about...
Apr 15, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text Are manipulated videos swaying opinions ahead of GE2025? Should volunteers be protected, or are they fair game? Join Dan and Vanan in this episode of Lokal Politics as they discuss the controversy surrounding the Marine Parade viral video, the doxxing incident that followed, and the wider implications of politically charged videos in Singapore. Plus! Trump's tariffs have finally hit Singapore. What are the implications for our economy? 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed...
Apr 04, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text How do you find humour in politics? And how can a comedian walk the thin line between humour and being cancelled? Dan and Vanan sit down with comedian Rishi Budhrani to unpack the power of political humor. From navigating censorship to almost getting banned in Malaysia, Rishi shares what it takes to make people laugh—without crossing the line. Plus, why satire matters and how comedy shapes public discourse. 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follo...
Mar 19, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text Navigating change, a life-changing lunch, and the future of this podcast. Join Dan and Vanan as they address the real reason why Lokal Politics has been on a break and the impact of the Budget 2025. Plus, a deep dive into Pritam Singh’s ‘turbocharging inflation’ statement - when the government is criticised for having a budget surplus. 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follow us for exclusive updates: 🎙 Podcast: www.majulah.co/lokalpolitics 🎥 T...
Mar 15, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text What’s next for the People’s Action Party? Can they continue to win over Singaporeans in an evolving political landscape, or is it time for change? Join Dan and Vanan in this episode of Lokal Politics as they discuss the PAP70 event and explore whether the party can continue to maintain its influence in a rapidly changing political landscape. Plus, don’t miss the fun Q&A session where they answer listener questions about coalition governments and more! 👀 Stay tuned and make s...
Dec 04, 2024•39 min
Send us a text How does tiny Singapore keep getting a seat at the table in global meetings? And how do we keep pushing for free trade when barriers are rising all over the world? Join Vanan and Dan in this episode of Lokal Politics as they delve into Singapore's geopolitical advantages and the significance of events like APEC and the G20 Summit. Don't miss this insightful discussion on trade, diplomacy, and the interplay of local and global politics! 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed...
Nov 25, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text What strategic missteps of the Democratic party lead to Trump’s victory? How did unexpected voter engagement shift the election? And how will a second Trump term impact global politics? Join Vanan and Dan in this gripping 🚨 Emergency Podcast 🚨 episode of Lokal Politics as they dive deep into this monumental election, unpacking its implications for the U.S. and on the international stage. ( 00:00 ) Teaser ( 00:09 ) Intro ( 00:42 ) Where in the world are Dan and Vanan now? ( 02:14...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text Is Lee Hsien Yang Too Privileged For Political Asylum? Are his claims of persecution genuine? And what message does this send? Join Vanan and Dan in this week’s episode of Lokal Politics as they dive into the ongoing Lee Hsien Yang saga. Plus updates on Pritam Singh's ongoing trial and its implications for Workers’ Party morale, along with key insights into the upcoming U.S. elections. Singapore government’s response to the Guardian regarding Lee Hsien Yang: 👀 Stay tuned and make...
Oct 26, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text It’s another big political story in Singapore this week with the start of Pritam Singh’s court case. Join Vanan and Dan in this gripping 🚨 Emergency Podcast 🚨 episode of Lokal Politics as they unpack the latest developments!
Oct 16, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text It’s a deep dive into political scandals and gift giving for public servants, here on Lokal Politics! With former Minister S. Iswaran reporting for jail, Dan and Vanan revisit the facts of the case. What is Section 165 of the Penal Code, and why is it criminalized in Singapore? And why are UK and US politicians entangled in scandals for accepting gifts? Join Vanan and Dan on another exciting episode of Lokal Politics! 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notification...
Oct 08, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text Former Minister S. Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months jail! How did the judge come to this decision? And what is next for S. Iswaran? Join Vanan and Dan on an 🚨 Emergency Podcast 🚨 Episode of Lokal Politics as they digest the court judgment, and what this means as a precedent for the future. 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follow us for exclusive updates: 🎙️ Podcast: www.majulah.co/lokalpolitics 🎥 TikTok: @majulah.presents 📷 Instagram...
Oct 03, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text Do unions in Singapore really fight for workers' rights? Should they be independent? What is the relationship really like between the NTUC and the PAP? Join Vanan and Dan, as they grill Mike Thiruman, General Secretary of the Singapore Teachers' Union, on life as a unionist. A deep dive into the role of unions in Singapore, on a very special episode of Lokal Politics! CHAPTERS (00:00) Teaser (00:12) Intro (03:56) The goal of unions is long-term job security. (06:57) We've had stri...
Sep 20, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text 🔥 From colonial police chasing illegal hawkers, to UNESCO Heritage status, dive into Singapore's hawker history! In this episode, Vanan and Daniel chat with Ryan Kueh, the author of "From Streets to Stalls", a history of Hawker Culture in Singapore. Discover the fascinating evolution of hawker culture — and uncover the surprising ways politics and policies have shaped the way we eat! 🍜🇸🇬 Let's dig in! Check out his book: https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/13...
Sep 03, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text 🎙️ Dive into this week's Lokal Politics, as Dan and Vanan debate unemployment insurance, and whether it truly prevents joblessness. Plus, Dan was at the National Day Rally! We break down the NDR crowd’s reaction to 10 extra weeks of parental leave, and find out if the Hainanese curry rice catered at the event really hit the spot! 🇸🇬🍛 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed with notifications on! Follow us for exclusive updates: Podcast: www.majulah.co/lokalpolitics 🎥 Ti...
Aug 22, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text 🔥 HOW FAIR ARE OUR ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES, REALLY? 🔥 Vanan and Dan have spent some sleepless nights reading every report from the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee. And they've also battled sleepiness watching all two hours of the Parliamentary debate on Electoral Boundaries! All this, just to give YOU the clearest analysis of our electoral boundaries. You could say they've been pushing each other's boundaries for far too long! 👀 Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed wit...
Aug 18, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text The lads are back with a (not so) new show. The Lokal Dispatch is now Lokal Politics by Maju Lah Media. In the first episode back, Dan and Vanan examine how the current escalating crisis in the Middle East has important public policy implications for Singapore.
Aug 12, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text This week the lads are back to discuss PAP's succession plan, and the potential 'Prime Ministership' of Finance Minister Lawrence Wong. Dan and Vanan discuss how he became the chosen 4G successor, what works for and against him and if Singapore is ready for a new PM. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokaldispatch @DanLiu66 @Saravanans9 Email: thelokaldispatch@gmail.com...
Apr 24, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text Vanan got married! And so we thought the best way to celebrate was to get some public policy practitioners who flew in for the wedding to discuss the value of Trust in democracy. This week we are joined by groomsmen Mark, Toby and Oliver! Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokaldispatch @DanLiu66 @Saravanans9 Email: thelokaldispatch@gmail.com...
Apr 12, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text The lads welcome Ukraine's ambassador to Singapore, Kateryna Zelenko onto the pod. Madam Ambassador gave her insights on the question that is on everyone's mind - "Why is this war happening?". She also touched on what her country's interests are, and what a peaceful resolution might look like. She highlighted why this conflict represents an existential struggle between democracy and tyranny and why a global response is the only solution! Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Fo...
Mar 16, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text With the budget debate coming up this week, the lads wanted to talk to someone actually taking part in it. This week, Dan and Vanan talk to legendary Singapore activist-turned-politician Louis Ng. Aside from his budget speech, the lads discuss how he balances his activism with politics, and some of the key areas he is looking to address during this year's committee of supply. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch F...
Feb 27, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text Dan and Vanan are back for emergency use of the podcast to quickly react and reflect on the committee of privileges final report on Raeesah Khan's lie before the report goes for debate in parliament next week. Things take a tangent when the lads discuss not just the responsibility of parliamentarians, but the how political activists can behave better to foster better political debates. Link to the first episode on Raeesah's lie. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JUs0VTSMV9BOLO7TCa...
Feb 12, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text A Chinese New Year treat: The lads discuss the current state of Money in the year of the Tiger. Also, Dan and Vanan try to understand how MAS (Singapore's central bank) tries to fight inflation, and how pulling policy levers in this fight may destabilise other parts of Singapore's economy. All in prep for the upcoming debate speech in parliament soon Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokal...
Feb 02, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text Happy New Year Everyone! The lads are back for the new year and the first instalment of their new monthly segment #ParliMates (name not fixed) - where they each cover a topic that resonated during the previous parliamentary session. This week Dan talks about changes to the Women's charter and how it impacts married couples and divorcees. Next, Vanan walks us through the adjournment motion on building a Green Economy in Singapore. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us ...
Jan 23, 2022•36 min
Send us a text It is the most wonderful time of the year! This week, Dan and Vanan wrap up 2021 by revisiting some of the biggest political and policy stories of the year. The lad's also look ahead to 2022 and each predict a significant trend bound to capture Singapore's attention. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokaldispatch @DanLiu66 @Saravanans9 Email: thelokaldispatch@gmail.com...
Dec 23, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Due to semi-popular demand, the lads do a special pod to summarise and give a timeline of the Raeesah Khan - Pritam Singh - Workers’ Party - COP saga. It is easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of information, so Dan & Vanan lay out the facts and try to give context to events thus far. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheLokalDispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokaldispatch @DanLiu66 @Saravanans9 Email: thelokaldispatch@gmail.c...
Dec 16, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text This week Dan and Vanan talk to Karen Lee, a mental health activist, who recently authored an op-ed chronicling her own mental health journey as a teenager in Singapore. Karen leads a fascinating discussion with the lads on understanding mental health, what the triggers are, and what the policy gaps in Singapore seem to be. She even shares a few interesting facts on mental health and underscores why mental health is not just a 'mental' issue. You can find Karen’s op-ed here: https...
Dec 04, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text With renewed scrutiny over the management of the Singapore football ecosystem, Dan and Vanan invite former sports journalist and football insider Jose Raymond to give the 'juicy insights' and "unleash the roar". The lads discuss all things Singapore football (or soccer), from the current state of the game to the national team's next run at the World Cup and why its a no-brainer to invest more in women's football Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokald...
Nov 24, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text Days after one of the biggest storms in Singapore, Dan and Vanan are joined by sustainability advocate and practitioner - Kavic, to discuss the ongoings at #COP26 in Glasgow. Aside from Dan's personal climate crisis learning journey, the lads talk about why COP26 is happening during such a pivotal moment for humankind, why Singapore has a role to play, and how we can and should be better global citizens. Follow us on Instagram @thelokaldispatch Follow us on Twitter @Lokaldispatch ...
Nov 15, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 10
