#559 ft. Lionel Lee - Why Singapore Needs More Bus Drivers Earning $5K - podcast episode cover

#559 ft. Lionel Lee - Why Singapore Needs More Bus Drivers Earning $5K

Aug 20, 20241 hr 32 minEp. 564
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Episode description

Our Sponsor: Octa!

Disclaimer: Trading involves risk. Please trade responsibly and read the full disclaimer here: Octa's Risk disclosure


Private bus company Westpoint Transit was recently in the news for its salary offer of up to $5,000 for bus drivers. The response to the recruitment drive was overwhelming, with over 1,400 applicants, and even 5 uni grads among the 30 drivers that were finally hired. Lionel Lee, director of Westpoint Transit, makes a stop at the YLB studio to tell us why they decided on this bold move, the challenges of navigating a family business, and why it’s crucial to encourage more Singaporeans to become bus drivers. Oh, we also nerd out on artisanal buses.

(00:00) Octa Trading App
(01:37) Intro
(06:38) Westpoint's Hiring Practices
(15:21) Is Transportation a Shrinking Industry?
(25:09) Why The Hiring Campaign Focused On Local Hires
(29:18) Even Bankers Are Looking To Be Bus Drivers
(38:26) How Many People Applied
(40:28) Business Owners' Responsibilities To Their Staff
(42:46) Why Do Bus Enthusiasts Love Buses So Much?
(48:25) Custom-built Buses Are A Thing
(01:07:03) Perceptions of Bus-driving As A Career (And How They Can Be Changed)
(01:16:32) One Shiok Thing

Find us here!


Reference Links


Find Lionel Lee and Westpoint Transit


One Shiok Thing


Mics and Headphones from @shure

Chairs from @ergotunechair


Edited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

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