In Your Opinion

The Straits Times

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In Your Opinion

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Podcaster: Lynda Hong and ST journalists Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

FEB 11

Pet-care leave - do costs outweigh benefits?

Why are some Singapore companies willing to bear the expense to implement pet-care leave as a form of benefit? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. While fewer people are keen on having children, more are becoming pet owners, based on statistics from the Animal and Veterinary Service and an Euromonitor International report. But what happens if you have a full-time job and your pet is sick? Instead of requiring their employees to take urgent leave, some firms in Singapore have begun rolling out pet care leave, for "pawrents" who need to take their furkids to the vet. Only a small number of firms have started implementing it, but the response from employees has so far been overwhelmingly positive. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - journalist Aqil Hamzah - ask their two guests whether having a separate leave category the caring of pets is ultimately a good thing, and whether it’d affect the morale of those without pets. The two guests are: Emilyn Ang, founder of public relations and marketing agency Brave Communications, which provides three days of “pawrental” leave a year; and Diane Lee, a senior HR business partner for South-east Asia at recruitment firm Robert Walters. Highlights (click/tap above): 01:34 Considerations behind implementing pet care leave 06:45 Advantages of having pet care leave 09:12 Why employees with no pets shouldn’t feel resentment 14:30 Leave days as an expense, and how firms can balance out the cost 17:30 Are more Singapore firms ready to roll out pet care leave Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Aqil Hamzah’s articles: https://str.sg/Cc85 Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Aqil Hamzah Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 min
JAN 21

Is Singapore ready for more male pre-school teachers?

Can stereotypes of male pre-school teachers be reduced to ease more men into the profession that is seeing shortage in Singapore? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. There is less than one man for every 10 early childhood educators in Singapore - surprising given that the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) estimates the need for another 1,500 more educators to support the sector’s expansion in the coming years. As male pre-school teachers conventionally face more scrutiny, could MSF’s new set of guidelines spelling out appropriate boundaries help ease tensions? The new set of guidelines for primary caregivers include expression affection, bathing practices and exposure to nudity. Amid a spate of abuse cases at various pre-schools in Singapore being reported in 2024, these guidelines could help pre-school teachers and parents set their mind at ease, especially when it comes to male pre-school teachers, said guests in this episode. The two guests are: Sajit Sesikumar, 30, a senior English pre-school teacher, who shares his six-year experience at MindChamps Preschool; and Yeo Shufang, 42, a mother of four kids, with her youngest attending preschool at age 4. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and her co-host - STNow reporter Christie Chiu - ask their two guests whether setting guidelines can ease the tensions male pre-school teachers have to navigate at work, and encourage more to the early childhood education profession. Highlights (click/tap above): 6:50 How pre-schoolers can learn better from a diversity of teachers 11:24 How MSF’s healthy family guidelines can ease the work of pre-school teachers 13:25 How Sajid deals with physical affection from students 16:37 How Shufang teaches her children about personal boundaries 21:28 Is Singapore ready to normalise male preschool teachers and how can stereotypes be reduced? Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/LfQG Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Christie Chiu Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 min
12/10/2024

No deaths from Fukushima, but will SG ever accept nuclear energy?

It is safer to live near a nuclear power plant than to ride a plane, says an expert. Do we have a Not In My Backyard (Nimby) syndrome? Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Nuclear energy: Why not? That is the response from an expert on why Singapore is exploring it. The radioactive release from the Fukushima meltdown in 2011 did not kill anyone, but thousands of workers at coal mines die every year, says Dr Alvin Chew, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in NTU. Dr Chew’s research focuses on the usage of civilian nuclear energy. He was previously with the civil service, working on energy security and energy transition issues. “When you compare the (nuclear sector) to airline industries, there are more airline crashes and lives being lost. But yet, people are still flying,” he adds. Still, the horrors of nuclear disasters such as the meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima appear to have scarred mankind. To go nuclear or not is a highly polarising topic in many countries. To gain the public’s trust on nuclear energy in Singapore, Dr Chew emphasises the importance for authorities to explain a country’s need for nuclear energy, educate the people about radiation safety, and also ensure the population is prepared for a worst-case scenario. Most of the time, the best form of protection is to stay at home, shut the windows and wait for the authorities’ instructions, he adds. Singapore, like several other countries mired by the triple threat of climate change, energy security and rising electricity costs, is taking a hard look at a controversial energy source – nuclear power. The authorities have been exploring advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), that are promised to be safer. In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Shabana Begum find out what drives the fear of nuclear power. Will Singapore residents allow a nuclear plant to be built in their 'backyard'? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:32 No deaths from Fukushima meltdown itself, but more deaths from coal-mining 7:34 Evacuation is not the best protection from radiation leaks 9:36 Why small modular reactors (SMRs) are suitable for Singapore 17:00 Nuclear and the 'Nimby' syndrome 26:02 How nuclear waste becomes a social issue Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Shabana Begum’s articles:https://str.sg/LfQG Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Shabana Begum (nshab@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min
11/26/2024

Mandatory mediation over noise - neighbourly relations are still key

How Singapore intends to settle noise disputes more effectively. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Settling noise disputes will be easier with mandatory mediation as the Community Disputes Management Framework (CDMF) is enhanced, under the Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill. Involved with how the framework can be enhanced is grassroots leader Raymond Poh. In this episode, Lynda Hong and co-host Christie Chiu speak with him to hear about his 14 years of experience in dealing with noise disputes, and how mediation has been effective in resolving disputes between neighbours (with an 80 per cent success rate with voluntary mediation cases). Mr Poh also shares how the Community Advisory Panel’s (CAP) recommendations, along with the proposed CDMF enhancements, may help neighbours better understand one another and find middle ground. If the dispute remains unresolved after mediation with the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), neighbours may consider approaching the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) to file a claim as a last resort. This is equivalent to taking legal action against your neighbour, and parties involved are required to attempt mediation before filing a CDRT claim. The new laws will also mean that officers under the new Community Relations Unit (CRU) have powers to investigate and take action in disputes where a neighbour severely disrupts the peace, such as cases where the neighbour deliberately makes loud noise throughout the day. Officers can investigate, such as taking statements from neighbours, and with the resident’s consent, install noise sensors in homes to collect evidence. The authorities also intend to allow the Housing Board to consider compulsory acquisition of flats as a deterrent and “the absolute last resort for severe, recalcitrant nuisance-making”. This measure will be considered only when all other levers have failed, and acquisition is needed to protect the interests of other residents, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Law and Ministry of National Development said in a joint statement in August, adding that this will be similar to how HDB can consider compulsory acquisition of flats for those convicted of throwing killer litter under the Penal Code. This podcast is brought to you by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY): https://www.mccy.gov.sg Highlights (click/tap above): 1:25 CCTVs, house visits and detective work - a memorable dispute that Mr Poh had mediated 7:38 Different forms of mediation 8:17 The difference between the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) 11:37 Why settling neighbour disputes amicably is still a priority over mandatory mediation 12:40 How simple 'give and take' neighbourly acts can help avoid mediation as much as possible More on the Community Disputes Management Framework: https://go.gov.sg/cdmf-enhancements Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s articles: https://str.sg/3ESxU Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Christie Chiu (christiec@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 min
10/13/2024

Tan See Leng: How tough talks resulted in job seeker support

The SkillsFuture JobSeeker Support aims to help the retrenched tide over financially, while between jobs, after tough talks with unions, employers and the Government. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. As the global economy changes more rapidly and unpredictably, workers may face more risk from job loss despite best efforts. Yet, going out of a job can pose a hit to household finances. In an era of rising cost of living, lower- and middle-income workers are more likely to jump on the first job offer without considering their aptitudes. To give these workers more time to find the ‘right’ job for them, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will be launched in April 2025, with financial support structured to spur an active job search without incentivising prolonged unemployment. The scheme, estimated to cost the Government $200 million every year, comes as a result of tough talks among employers, unions and the Government. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and journalist Tay Hong Yi host Manpower minister Tan See Leng to learn how the scheme has taken shape behind the scenes. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:38 On the Government relooking its position on financial support for those who have lost jobs 11:11 On the scheme’s gestation: What took place behind the scenes 17:51 What are the safeguards in place for the scheme and why? 21:48 Eligibility criteria: Too complex to understand for job seekers? 25:36 Will the scheme help workers at higher risk? 28:58 How does this scheme reflect the 4G leadership’s approach to policymaking? Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Tay Hong Yi’s articles: https://str.sg/dSAE Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Studio+65 and Hadyu Rahim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 min
09/08/2024

BNPL: Buying power or financial trouble?

The 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) scheme allows for purchase on zero interest instalment plans with less credit requirement. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. In 2023, Singapore consumers spent $3.4 billion online and in-store using 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) services from third-party providers like Atome and Grab PayLater, banks and retailers - without the need for minimum income as required by credit cards. And members of Gen Z, those between 18 and 24 years of age, and young millennials between 25 and 34, were among the bigger users of this method, according to the Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report. With BNPL strengthening the purchasing power of youths, are there worrying social and financial implications from this new payment method, despite seemingly having more purchasing power? To discuss more about this, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong co-hosts with business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan to speak with their guests about the possible implications of the BNPL scheme on youths. Once in financial trouble with a $75,000 debt, Khairul Abbas Hamzah is now heading a consultancy to help debtors who are in the same boat - that he managed to get out of. Also on the show is financial literacy expert Aaron Chwee, head of Wealth Advisory at OCBC Bank. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:03 Instant gratification impulse among younger generation? 10:55 When BNPL becomes a slippery slope; what types of financial habits BNPL inculcates 21:18 Phantom debt and the recourse to get out of debt troubles 26:24 Abbas’ $75,000 debt trouble 32:14 Social implications from BNPL Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: https://str.sg/KpUx Hosts: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

36 min
08/11/2024

Are you paying too much for your resale HDB flat?

Two HDB resale flats had listing prices of $2 million in May, which were debunked by the authorities for being misleading and unrealistic. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. The authorities sat up and paid attention when a jumbo flat in Sengkang was put up for sale with an asking price of $2 million in May. Then there was a listing for a DBSS flat in Toa Payoh asking for $2 million. But with a record number of HDB transactions above $1million each - a phenomenon that started around 2012 - is a HDB resale flat with a price tag of $2 million permanently unrealistic? In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan look at the percentages and context of HDB resale flats in the market with Nicholas Mak, who is now chief research officer of property search portal Mogul.sg. He has over 25 years of experience in the Singapore and regional real estate markets. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 Why did the agents push these $2 million HDB resale listings, which have been debunked by the authorities as unrealistic or misleading? 3:30 Avoiding ripple effects and creating the wrong impression among other sellers and buyers 9:54 What should potential buyers do? 12:05 Can the government divert demand away from the resale market and delay reaching a $2m mark there? 16:35 How do buyers discern if a HDB resale listing price is unrealistically high? Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Sue-Ann Tan’s articles: https://str.sg/KpUx Produced by: Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg), Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 min
07/07/2024

Singapore’s worsening road culture: What’s behind it and what can be done?

The tension between drivers and motorcyclists in Singapore is longstanding, ugly and increasingly a fatality risk - but what lies at the root of this strained relationship? Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 54 people within the first four months of 2024. Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for more than half those deaths - a trend that continues from the previous year. With traffic accident fatalities in 2023 at an all time high since 2016, it’s time to ask what can be done to make Singapore’s roads safer. In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong and co-host and STNow reporter Christie Chiu speak with their two guests to find out if Singapore’s roads are truly as hostile as these numbers depict, and what factors are driving it. On the road for at least six hours a day with aspiring motorists, Aman Aljunied is an experienced motorbike and car instructor who previously taught at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre for nearly 40 years. Joining the discussion is Dennis Quah, who heads the Singapore chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners’ Group, a motorcycle club renowned for its safe riding practices. When he’s not riding motorcycles, Dennis drives on a daily basis. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:59 Is Singapore’s road culture uglier than other South-east Asian countries? How the effects of a high-pressure society bleed into our roads 7:54 “High cost of these toys called cars”: Are the stark differences in COE and ERP fees a main factor of hostility between motorcyclists and drivers? 11:40 The pros and cons of social media as a tool to circulate footage of road incidents 18:29 Why Aman thinks Basic Theory Course lessons should go back to in-person classes 24:03 Dennis and Aman on why speeding up, does not actually save motorists much time 37:04 The human touch that has been lost on Singapore’s roads Produced by: Christie Chiu (christiec@sph.com.sg), Lynda Hong (lyndahong@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read ST's Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Christie Chiu’s article’s: https://str.sg/3ESxU --- Discover more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40 min

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Podcaster: Lynda Hong and ST journalists Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

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The Straits Times
Years Active

2022 - 2025
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58
Rating

Clean
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© 2025 The Straits Times
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