Era FM is one of Malaysia's biggest radio stations, so what happens when their DJs come under fire for mocking Hinduism? Back home in Singapore, electoral boundaries are up - and many have raised eyebrows. What's going on? (00:30) GE2025’s Electoral map is out! (08:15) Is Roti John from Malaysia? (14:45) Era FM’s DJs’ mocking the Hindu religion (27:20) More on Singapore’s religious harmony laws (37:30) Case of Sarah Yasmine and her alleged relationship with Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz (49:40) R...
Mar 13, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 772
This week, we’re back to talking about ChatGPT - who’s actually paying for it when Deepseek is free? Plus, the Trump-Zelensky showdown everyone’s buzzing about and why JD Vance’s NATO speech is shaking up global politics. And… could our year-end retreat take us to China? Tune in to find out! (00:55) Paying for ChatGPT?! (04:45) Trump and Zelensky’s showdown in the White House (13:35) JD Vance’s NATO speech (21:55) Growing crisis of modern slavery? (26:15) Rahman’s theory on online propaganda, sp...
Mar 06, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 771
As GE2025 nears, many new faces have been spotted at party walkabouts across the country. Sani Ismail is one of them, being spotted in Chua Chu Kang GRC with PSP and being featured on their Facebook pages. Why did he choose to join opposition politics? And why is the issue of transnational marriage important to him? (01:45) Introducing Mr Sani Ismail, the new face seen on PSP walkabouts (08:40) Why politics? (11:20) How Mr Sani stays connected to Singapore despite studying abroad (18:25) Reasons...
Mar 06, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 770
Imagine being forced to stand all day at a stall - while pregnant. That’s exactly what Noorman Mubarak’s wife faced after the NEA gave them a warning for not being physically present at their Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang stall. In a viral complaint, Noorman called out the unfair regulations that require hawkers to be on-site no matter the circumstances. But is the system punishing hawkers, or are these regulations necessary? (01:08) Background of case (03:40) Welcome Noorman Mubarak, Co-founder of N...
Feb 27, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 769
Who said politics in Singapore is boring? This week’s biggest news all came straight from Parliament - from the Leader of the Opposition’s guilty verdict for lying under oath, to 2 Nominated Members of Parliament resignations that got rumours spreading, to the unveiling of Budget 2025, what is going on? And what does viagra have to do with any of this? Tune in to find out! (03:45) Rahman's hell week (10:20) Pritam Singh's verdict (19:30) Is the East Coast plan real? (22:00) Key issues that could...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 768
When Jeremiah Lim decided to support his friend who worked at Studio Kalasan, he never expected to lose $130,000. After making police reports and engaging lawyers to see justice served, he decided to go public with his story. Were there red flags in the company's transactions? Jeremiah and Syahiran, an industry veteran, join us to discuss and share some valuable insights (00:35) Backstory of this interior design scam case (06:25) We talk to Jeremiah Lim, the victim behind the viral post (10:00) ...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 767
Is a morning shower truly essential? And why is the US setting its sights on Singapore over the Deepseek-Nvidia chips? Last week was eventful, including our visit to Hui Hui Cultural Association's CNY event, and we're here to talk all about it. Plus, there might be a surprise potential addition to our podcast team. Don’t miss it by tuning in to find out! (0:40) Our visit to Hui Hui's CNY event (03:35) See you at our Open House on 9 Feb! (07:25) A 4th podcaster? (08:30) Shower or not to shower in...
Feb 06, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 766
Pregnancy can be tough. From choosing the right foods to keeping your body healthy and strong, there are plenty of questions and misconceptions about what pregnant women and new mothers should do to maintain their well-being. That's where Nevena, the personal trainer behind @fitmum.sg, comes in by offering pregnancy-focused fitness programs, expert tips, and even nutrition recommendations. Tune in to this week's podcast for some valuable insights! (0:40) Stop by our new office during CNY! (2:50)...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 765
From Donald Trump's inauguration and the Israel-Hamas ceasefire to Singapore's upcoming elections, we've got this week’s top stories covered, plus a bit of lo hei to celebrate the upcoming CNY. Don’t forget to join us for our Open House on 9 Feb—snap some pics in our new office and meet the Plan B family! (01:00) Elon Musk's Nazi salute (09:35) Donald Trump's Inauguration (11:35) Israel-Hamas ceasefire (17:00) Trump's first executive orders (22:15) Trump's "2 genders" policy (27:00) Establishmen...
Jan 23, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 764
In today’s globalized world, more people are pursuing their dreams beyond their home countries. And there’s no greater expert on expat life than Max Chernov, the YouTuber who has garnered over 288,000 subscribers by connecting with expats worldwide. We explore how Max built his life in Singapore and how he’s making the expat experience easier for everyone. (01:15) Introducing Max Chernov (02:18) How long Max has built his audience on YouTube (02:55) Max's motivation to explore diverse perspectiv...
Jan 19, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 763
There was a time when Singapore aspired to achieve the "Swiss standard of living", but decades later the tables seem to be turning between Asia and Europe. We speak with Marion Müller, a Swiss native famous for her content about sunny Singapore. Why does she seem to love Singapore so much when so many Singaporeans seem to want out so badly? (03:42) We welcome Marion to the studio! (03:58) Why Marion chose Singapore (04:52) First reason she fell in love with Singapore: Security (06:45) Second rea...
Jan 09, 2025•40 min•Ep. 762
It's the first episode of 2025! We capped off 2024 with some amazing interviews, but the last month of the year was filled with other dramatic events. From an NRIC saga to plane crashes, we bid farewell to a crazy year and welcome 2025 with bigger and better things to come. (01:00) The New Year’s Anthem, Auld Lang Syne (02:48) Parents’ emotions when sending primary school kids on their first day (05:45) Dzar shares his personal experience from his radio days (09:43) Plan B recap on interviewing ...
Jan 02, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 761
Why does Malaysia still have race-based policies in 2024? We speak with Ibrahim Sani, CEO of Yayasan Peneraju, a federal agency that empowers Bumiputera talents in Malaysia. Why are Bumiputera policies still relevant in Malaysia in 2024? How did he bounce back and rise to become CEO? Should more Singaporeans find opportunities in Malaysia? Tune in to find out. (01:30) Introduction to Ibrahim Sani and Yayasan Peneraju (03:10) Defining Bumiputera and its purpose (12:00) Upscaling Bumiputera (21:30...
Dec 23, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 760
We had the privilege to host Mr. Lawrence Wong, Singapore's Prime Minister, for his first podcast interview. We discussed a range of topics, from redefining success in today’s world, the unique challenges faced by minorities, to Singapore's contributions to Palestinian statehood. Are younger Singaporeans really becoming less hardworking? Are Singaporeans really better off going overseas to find opportunities? Are we ready to find our place in a chaotic world? Tune in to find out. (01:14) Rahman ...
Dec 18, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 759
Also known as KJ, we had a great interview with the distinguished Malaysian politician who also served as a Minister for almost a decade. As Minister of Health during the early post-Covid era, he played a role in the reopening of borders between Singapore and Malaysia. From Malaysia's so-called "Green Wave", to the evolving role of new media in politics, to Singaporeans' "sharp elbows", KJ shares his candid views on a variety of topics, including his future in politics. (04:10) Origins of Keluar...
Dec 16, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 758
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol shocked his country and the world when he suddenly declared martial law, then was forced to reverse it hours later. What is martial law? Could it also happen elsewhere in the world? (01:03) A recent accident involving a 12-year-old Quran reciter (02:20) We have moved to a new studio! (03:55) Rahman’s flight to Krabi (08:28) A reminder about our KL meet-and-greet (10:07) South Korea declared martial law (15:08) North Korea no longer seeks reconciliation with t...
Dec 08, 2024•33 min
His kunafas catapulted the craze for the dessert in Singapore, but his journey to viral success was not always sweet. Mangobossku talks to us about family, the challenges of the business, and the recent debate about education and capability. (00:48) We are moving to a new studio (02:21) Rudy Marican’s viral post (06:07) Mangobossku’s thoughts on the post (11:40) How content creators are changing marketing (13:15) Business owners using Mangobossku’s name for “cheap marketing” (16:12) How importan...
Nov 27, 2024•34 min
The recent stabbing of a Catholic priest during mass in Singapore has shocked the nation and prompted the police to step up security in places of worship. The police were quick to make clear that the assailant is Christian, a move that raised many eyebrows. Should we be worried about Singapore’s safety and stability? (01:10) Dzar’s return from hiking Mount Rinjani (03:42) Preparing for the hike (05:56) Climbing the summit (06:34) The “Hill of Regret” (10:18) The stabbing at St Joseph’s Church (1...
Nov 13, 2024•24 min
America voted for another Trump presidency, but this time with an overwhelming mandate. Not only did he sweep all the swing states, he also won the popular vote this time - but what does this mean for the rest of the world? (00:45) Dzar is away on a trip (02:27) Rahman’s experience hiking in Makkah (04:06) Donald Trump won the US election (06:03) Netanyahu’s response (07:14) Will Trump bring peace? (09:51) Trump’s tech bros (10:58) Has Trump’s rhetoric changed? (17:13) Singaporeans’ reactions (2...
Nov 10, 2024•34 min
You may have seen him, or heard his voice, in our street interview videos. Fadzli Jani is not only Plan B’s street interviewer, but a man of many hats. We speak to Fadzli about his fascinating career journey, from joining a reality TV show to training to become an architect. (00:53) Introduction to Fadzli (01:49) Competing on Elit Suria (03:55) Becoming an architect (06:27) How do you become a registered architect in Singapore? (09:10) What overseas landmark design is overrated? (10:23) What’s a...
Oct 30, 2024•34 min
The past two weeks saw a lot of political drama in Singapore. We discuss the revelation that Lee Hsien Yang sought and was granted political asylum in the UK, and controversial moments from the Pritam Singh trial. (00:33) The Lee sibling rivalry (01:35) The Faraid law system (03:40) The 38 Oxley Road saga (05:03) The value of preserved historical sites (07:54) How does one obtain political asylum? (12:07) Did Lee Hsien Yang face persecution? (17:19) The Pritam Singh trial (23:49) Loh Pei Ying’s ...
Oct 27, 2024•37 min
After 2 weeks of absence, Dzar returns and shares what he’s been up to - becoming an amateur bodybuilder - and his next adventure - climbing Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani. (00:54) Dzar’s upcoming trip to Lombok (02:41) Hiking Mount Rinjani (04:45) Dzar’s bodybuilding journey (07:59) Routines and self-discovery (09:28) Rahman on turning 40 (12:23) The importance of stage presence
Oct 27, 2024•16 min
The Singaporean community has contributed more than $17 million worth of donations for Gaza, and now Rock untuk Rakyat 2 aims to raise another $150,000. We speak with Ms. Mariam Jaafar, MP and advisor to Woodlands GRO, and Ms Deanna Manto, Chairperson of the Suara Utara committee about why they decided to bring together the pool of talented local Malay performers for this rock concert for charity. Get your tickets here: go.gov.sg/rur2 Check out more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DA-I...
Oct 16, 2024•23 min
After Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore would officially recognise the State of Palestine in due time, Lepak Conversation published an open letter asking for the government to do so immediately. We speak with Dr. Walid Jumblatt, one of over 60 signatories to the letter, about what that really means. (00:45) - Plan B had a long day covering event (01:32) - Dr Walid Jumblatt, resident political expert (02:15) - Lepak Conversations open letter (07:00) - Government ...
Oct 16, 2024•40 min
When most people think about Singapore, Muslims aren't top of the list. But for Dr. Baptiste Brodard, a sociologist and researcher in Islamic Studies from Switzerland, Singapore's Muslim community is one of the most successful in the world. We speak with both Dr. Baptiste and Dr. Syed Harun Taha Alhabsyi, President of LBKM, about the role of leadership in the evolving Muslim community. (01:05) - Recording from ICCOS 2024 (01:40) - Introduction of Dr. Baptiste Brodard and Dr. Syed Harun Taha Alha...
Oct 16, 2024•29 min
Ex-Minister S. Iswaran has begun his 12-month jail term and indicated he would not appeal the sentence. Normally, this would be the end of the matter, but the media storm followed him all the way into prison. Has public interest turned vindictive? (00:30) - Dzar prepares for his upcoming competition (02:11) - S. Iswaran surrenders himself (05:46) - Plan B reacts to footage of Iswaran’s arrival at the State Court (07:30) - Statement from S. Iswaran via Facebook (11:05) - Did he abuse his power? (...
Oct 09, 2024•19 min
We speak with Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Sun Xueling, about the latest reports on domestic abuse in Singapore. As life becomes more and more stressful for the future sandwich generation, will there be more violence at home? What kind of support is available for those who need help? (01:10) - Topic on Domestic Violence (02:40) - What Counts as Abuse or Domestic Violence? (05:50) - Domestic Violence Awareness (10:35) - Does Abused Children Adopt Similar Violence? (15:08) ...
Oct 09, 2024•39 min
People even queued outside the court, anticipating a legal battle of legendary proportions. But then the announcement came that Iswaran would plead guilty - what does this mean, and why the sudden u-turn? (00:40) - What’s happening in the news lately? (01:10) - Israel attack news (03:01) - Suni and Shi’a (08:24) - Iswaran’s Trial (15:11) - Billionaire gave stuff too? (17:16) - When is Elections? (18:27) - Pritam’s charges (19:35) - Tickets to watch Iswaran’s trial (23:25) - Opposition party
Sep 30, 2024•26 min
The East-West line MRT disruption has been one of the most severe in Singapore’s history, so what exactly happened? We look at the SMRT statement and spoke with Allan (not his real name) from the SMRT safety and security team to figure out the mess. (00:32) - MRT disruption (02:35) - Video of Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat (06:00) - Reactions to the video (10:22) - On call with SMRT personnel (11:58) - What actually happened?
Sep 30, 2024•22 min
We speak with TikTok celebrity chef Ammar Al Ali of Lamb Shank fame about all the happy accidents that led him to where he is today. Tune in to listen to his heartfelt stories, from his grandmother's humble kitchen to Malaysian TV star (01:10) - Introduction of guest (03:31) - Controversy surrounding food pricing (03:55) - Origin of Künefe (11:15) - Chef’s family background (13:27) - Ended up in Malaysia mistakenly (16:10) - Hotel Industry (23:23) - TV industry as Celebrity Chef (26:10) - 10 rin...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
