From 1st June, tray and crockery return will be more strictly enforced by enforcement officers in Singapore. What changes are expected, and will it make a material difference in making Singapore a more gracious society? Elsewhere, a migrant worker won a life-changing amount of money in a Squid Game-inspired company dinner and dance event. Why are there mixed feelings on the internet about the event? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory If you’re looking for a meanin...
Jun 01, 2023•57 min•Ep. 407
This week, President Halimah Yacob announced that she will not stand for re-election in the 2023 Presidential Election. What does this mean for the presidential race ahead? Elsewhere, it was also announced that all national servicemen in the Singapore Armed Forces, Police Force and Civil Defence Force will receive an increase in their National Service (NS) allowance. Was this increase warranted, and more importantly, is it enough? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklor...
May 30, 2023•55 min•Ep. 406
On the back of announcing record annual profits, Singapore Airlines is reintroducing elements of its in-flight dining experience, such as appetisers for economy class meals and hot towels, which were removed during the pandemic. Why the sudden change of course? Elsewhere, the Football Association of Singapore acting president made a number of announcements that underline the necessity for change in the country’s most popular sport. While these changes won’t reverse the national team’s abysmal sh...
May 27, 2023•56 min•Ep. 405
This past week, a COVID-stricken PM Lee ordered an independent review of the Ridout Road situation to address the allegations that have arisen over the matter. How did a blogpost by an opposition politician escalate to this? Elsewhere, a Singaporean influencer has drawn flak for uploading a video showing how to manipulate IKEA’s ice cream machines to dispense more ice cream than the usual portion. Why has this “hack” drawn such strong reactions? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB ...
May 24, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 404
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke to students and staff at Raffles Institution’s bicentennial lecture this week, and emphasised that RI has a duty to bring others along and let more benefit. We break down the speech and why it’s representative of the times we live in. Elsewhere, Protected Area signs in Singapore will be getting a facelift, with a new silhouette that more accurately represents what a guard looks like. Why the sudden change? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB ...
May 17, 2023•53 min•Ep. 403
Last Friday evening, the Singapore Land Authority responded to a series of blogposts from opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaratnam that questioned how Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan came to occupy two huge state-owned colonial bungalows on Ridout Road. We break down SLA’s response, and examine why this house rental issue is generating a lot of buzz on social media. Elsewhere, many Blackpink fans were left disappointed with their concert experience on the Singapore leg of the band’...
May 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 402
Singapore won its first SEA Games e-sport gold medal, but the win was mired in controversy. We break down the spat between the Singapore and Indonesian teams, and discuss if there could have been any other outcome. Elsewhere, a man took to social media to call out a bazaar stall that hired a tudung-wearing employee, but was selling pork satay, even prompting MUIS to respond to the issue. Is the anger directed at the stall justified? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Singa...
May 12, 2023•54 min•Ep. 401
This week, NCMP Leong Mun Wai proposed that the government set aside $1 million for a parliamentary research department, among other proposals for more resources to help parliamentarians. While the idea was shot down, were there any merits in his suggestions? At the same parliamentary session, MP Edwin Tong also defended the need for buskers to undergo live auditions annually. Why is this a big sticking point for the busking community? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Fo...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 400
King Charles’ coronation, a historic moment for the British monarchy, was the talk of the town this past weekend, but much of the attention was directed at Prince Harry and his demeanour at the ceremony. What stood out, and do people actually care about the royal family? Closer to home, people also scrutinized an exhibit at the National Gallery that featured live chickens, asking about the welfare of the animals involved. Does this exhibit run a-fowl of any ethical considerations? Find us here! ...
May 08, 2023•52 min•Ep. 399
IN DPM Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally, he spoke about how Singapore can prevail in a changing world, and also touched on the hot topic of rising housing prices. How did he fare in his first May Day Rally as PM-in-waiting? Elsewhere, some condos have banned or restricted access to delivery riders. Is this a trend that will continue even as deliveries become part and parcel of daily life? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory Get 30% off with code “MOTHERSDAY30” on Folk...
May 04, 2023•56 min•Ep. 398
This past week, popular GP tutor Brooke Lim was revealed by an anonymous TikTok account to have plagiarised others’ content for a blogpost she wrote. This has led to an apology video, international news coverage, and a firestorm of vitriol directed at her. Why has this issue become such a big deal ? Elsewhere, Netflix has also drawn the ire of Egyptians, with the revelation that the historical figure Cleopatra will be played by a black actress in an upcoming Netflix documentary. Why the outrage?...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 397
Last week, only 30 names were put up for consideration for Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) positions, the lowest number since 2001. Why are so few people applying for this prestigious parliamentary position? Elsewhere, a dispute between an LA party organiser and a Singapore venue management company has made international news, as the plug was pulled on an LGBT party that was scheduled for May at the Capitol Theatre. We break down the controversy, and discuss whether it was a clear-cut case ...
Apr 24, 2023•53 min•Ep. 396
This past week, the Charles & Keith girl had to post a video refuting the claims that she’s been less than honest about her family’s financial background. Why was it necessary? Elsewhere, a Singapore company sued an engineer who quit after getting his bonus, looking to claw the money back. While they ultimately won the case, we debate whether it’s fair for the company to resort to this legal action. Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory Get 30% off with code “MOT...
Apr 21, 2023•53 min•Ep. 395
Performer and writer Jo Tan comes by our studio to spill the beans about her brief stint as a DJ on SPH’s Kiss92 FM radio station. Why did she jump into it, despite her reservations? What made her quit? And what does she want to say about the experience via her new play, Happy Place? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com ! One Shiok Th...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 394
Son of Ex-Changi Airport Group Chairman Jailed for Lying Karl Liew, son of ex-Changi Airport Group chairman, gets jail for lying to judge in Parti Liyani's trial No apology from Karl Liew or his family, says Parti Liyani who 'lost reputation and money' after false theft claims - TODAY Statement From Parti Liyani Singapore jails son of ex-Changi Airport boss for lying to judge that family’s helper stole his clothes | South China Morning Post Timeline: How former maid Parti Liyani was acquitted of...
Apr 17, 2023•55 min•Ep. 393
Dee Kosh finally released a 51-minute tell-all video in which he finally talks about his conviction for sexual offences. Reactions on social media have mostly been positive, but some have also called him out for jumping back onto social media so quickly. Why the mixed reactions? Elsewhere, a 12-year-old boy was caught after allegedly stealing a private bus and taking it for a joyride over 100km around Singapore. The reaction from the bus operator company, however, was surprising. Find us here! Y...
Apr 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 392
The Dalai Lama is facing a huge backlash after a video of him kissing a child on the lips and telling him to “suck my tongue” at a public event went viral. Was it really just a playful gesture, or does it point to something more sinister? In Seoul, Singapore livestreamer Kiaraakitty was stopped by Korean police for “having her boobs out”. Was she really breaking any laws with her provocative outfit? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Links for “She’s a Terrorist & I Lo...
Apr 12, 2023•53 min•Ep. 391
Marathoner Soh Rui Yong is back to represent Singapore at the upcoming Sea Games again! He talks about how he stayed motivated in the past few years, the difference between sports in Singapore and the UK, as well as what he hopes to do after his running career comes to a close. Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Links for “She’s a Terrorist & I Love Her” Full series on YouTube Reddit AMA Liquidation Lethargy: The Local Filmmakers HOOQ Abandoned In Debt Filmmakers trapp...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 390
This week, Donald Trump was indicted in a Manhattan court with 34 felony charges in a historic move that has polarised the nation. We discuss the ramifications of the American justice system starting criminal proceedings against an ex-president. Closer to home, a survey has found that a higher percentage of Singapore residents now return their trays after finishing their meals at food centres, and not just because of the new fines that were implemented last year. Are we really becoming a more co...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 389
A recent CNA poll revealed that 80% of 500 Singapore-born citizens surveyed were in favour of an English test being part of the country’s citizenship application process. As this was the core of one of our more contentious YLB episodes in recent memory, what are our thoughts about this new poll? Also, we answer the burning questions on Reddit that listeners had about our recent revelations about the HOOQ liquidation, and how it’s affected us since. Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG Y...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 388
On Wednesday, FIFA stripped Indonesia of their hosting rights of this year's Under-20 World Cup, after a series of protests against Israel’s participation in the tournament, and several government officials’ refusal to welcome the Israeli football team. How did the situation reach such a breaking point? Closer to home, Minister Sim Ahn was criticised for disrupting a live music performance at the Esplanade when she entered the venue and started greeting people in the audience. Was she really bei...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 387
This past week, the organisers of a Ramadan bazaar in Woodlands had to step in to stop the sale of pork at some of its stalls. Is it really that big of a deal that there were non-Halal stalls selling pork at a pasar malam? Elsewhere, the city of Amsterdam launched a campaign to discourage rowdy tourists looking for drugs, alcohol and parties from visiting their city; the campaign is literally named “Stay Away”. Will this campaign help to change the image of Amsterdam as Europe’s party central? F...
Mar 29, 2023•53 min•Ep. 386
This past week, jobs portal Indeed announced that they would be cutting 120 employees from their Singapore office. One of their laid off employees then filmed himself on TikTok raiding the pantry’s snack shelf on a ‘final office snack run’, which won him supporters and detractors in equal measure. Who’s right? Also, on the 3-year anniversary of the HOOQ liquidation, we’re finally going public with the details of what happened to us and our TV show, “She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her”. This is as ...
Mar 27, 2023•54 min•Ep. 385
This week, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, testified before US lawmakers, putting himself in the line of fire over the platform’s content moderation, data security, and links to the Chinese government. How did this Singaporean born and bred fare on the world stage? Closer to home, there was a big online hooha when a user on TikTok highlighted that a can of Coke has a better Nutri-Grade rating than a can of Milo. Is it true that Coke is healthier than Milo? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 384
This week in Parliament, Minister Edwin Tong answered questions about the Dow/SportsSG shoe recycling fiasco that was brought to light by a recent Reuters investigative report. Are the current measures against greenwashing in Singapore able to prevent incidents like that from happening again? Elsewhere, a stall vendor at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar revealed that his rent rose from $10K to $18K in recent years, leading food critic KF Seetoh to label it the “world’s most expensive pasar malam...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 383
A government survey revealed that more than 70% of Singapore residents felt that their overall quality of life was the same or better in post-pandemic 2023, compared with 2019 before COVID-19. With inflation, layoffs and a war going on, is this survey an accurate reflection of sentiment on the ground? Elsewhere, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra phone has come under scrutiny for its AI-driven image enhancement technology which allows it to zoom in and capture detailed pictures of the moon. Why are peop...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 382
Researchers from the Institute of Policy Studies revealed that they surveyed over 800 food establishments across Singapore to study whether food prices have increased in hawker centres, kopitiams and food courts. While the results between different regions of Singapore have sparked debate, the survey also angered some people. Why so? Elsewhere, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh made history by being the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for best actress for her performance in “Everything ...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 381
Last weekend, the seismic collapse of Silicon Valley Bank threatened to spread as a “contagion” through the US financial system and send it into a tailspin. We break down what happened, and why the biggest bank collapse since 2008 is giving us feelings of déjå vu. Closer to home, Paralympian Sophie Soon was caught in a social media firestorm when she posted a video shaming Rocky Master’s staff for denying her indoor entry into their Hougang cafe with her guide dog. While we agree that Sophie Soo...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 380
Two days ago, DPM Lawrence Wong released the COVID-19 White Paper as Singapore’s report card on how it handled the pandemic. Was this report just a case of “ownself check ownself”, or was it actually more objective? Also, a new species of cockroach was discovered in Singapore, and it’s officially been named after a Pokemon. Is this Singaporean cockroach someone we can be proud of? Find us here! YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IG YLB YouTube Folklory If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d lov...
Mar 10, 2023•56 min•Ep. 379
Minister of Education Chan Chun Sing recently announced major changes to A-Level exam scoring for Junior College students in Singapore; for example, the Project Work module will become a Pass/Fail subject. While these changes are meant to benefit students by partially relieving their exam stress, some have said it could have the reverse effect. How so? Elsewhere, certain residents have complained about the bold red facade of a new Tampines BTO block lobby, likening it to a red-light district or ...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 378