Best Chan Tells It Podcasts (2024)

1
S1E12: What makes a National Day song a classic? Tell us your favourites 5:09

13m ago5:09

5:09

What gives a NDP theme song real staying power? Is it catchy lyrics, a snappy beat, or is there something else that captures the Singaporean heart? Why do some songs, basking under the golden glow of nostalgia, come back year after year, and why do others fade from the public consciousness once their time has passed? In this new episode of The Usua…

1
S1E35: Micro-drama boom: In this town, Chinese youths chase their showbiz dreams 13:04

7h ago13:04

13:04

Hengdian, in Zhejiang province, is booming as the location set for two-thirds of China’s period dramas. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. They come with stars in their eyes, hoping to become the next Fan Bingb…

1
S1E15: Why Singaporeans should expect a lot from the transport system 20:51

1d ago20:51

20:51

From the evolution of MRT lines to buses, wider cycling paths and committing to being “car-lite”, our veteran transport reporter tells all. Synopsis: The Straits Times offers expert insights if you are in the market for a new vehicle or are tracking transportation trends. In the second part of the conversation, COE Watch host Lee Nian Tjoe hosts lo…

1
S1E111: Why Myanmar’s crisis scuppers India’s Act East Policy 29:24

6d ago29:24

29:24

Hear why this policy is in jeopardy on several levels, including the risk of being outmanoeuvred and encircled by China in its near east. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. It may have been called a “forgot…

1
S1E14: Why non-drivers are also paying the price of high COEs 37:27

8d ago37:27

37:27

A veteran transport reporter tells us what can be done to bring down COE prices and how to buy a new car. Synopsis: The Straits Times offers expert insights if you are in the market for a new vehicle or are tracking transportation trends. In the first of a two-part conversation, COE Watch host Lee Nian Tjoe speaks with Christopher Tan, senior trans…

1
S1E13: Hongjoin - Komorebi (Live) 4:18

22m ago4:18

4:18

Hear home-grown singer-songwriter Hongjoin's intimate live studio take of the title track from his sophomore album released recently, Komorebi. Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio. Listen to Hongjoin talk about his musical jour…

1
S1E13: How young Singaporean singer Hongjoin aims to make his mark in the US 29:32

22m ago29:32

29:32

Hear how Spotify's Radar programme has helped expose home-grown singer-songwriter Hongjoin. Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In the 13th episode of Music Lab, ST’s music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts Singaporean singer-songwriter Hongjoin. The 22-year-old, whose music…

1
S1E127: Every tool in the climate shed: How CO2 removal is a step towards net-zero 25:44

2d ago25:44

25:44

As more carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere, the urgency is growing for safe and sustainable methods to remove this main greenhouse gas from the air to limit the impact of climate change. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to c…

1
S1E34: Japan fights to save its beloved bookshops 19:27

18h ago19:27

19:27

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry wants to take action to get people to return to brick-and-mortar stores. Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe, about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. The Japanese are sent…

1
S1E11: The FOMO over old buildings in Singapore 41:58

14d ago41:58

41:58

Is our celebration of old buildings, or even old-school businesses, a little too late? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. In the last few months before Peace Centre closed in 2024, people flocked to the Sophia Road mall to soak up the vibes. Golden Mile Complex in Beac…

1
S1E26: Analysing Catalist: A segment of the Singapore market 13:03

4d ago13:03

13:03

What are the strengths and weaknesses as of today, since the Catalist board was set up in 2007? Synopsis: Senior columnist Ven Sreenivasan offers you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven hosts Ong Hwee Li, the chief executive officer of SAC Capital. SAC specialises in areas like investment banking, corporate merger…

1
S1E32: ‘Judo, botox and yoga’ – what’s Putin up to in Asia? 30:10

2d ago30:10

30:10

Analysing this is our guest - Ambassador Peter Tesch, the veteran Australian diplomat and policy strategist. Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent. In this episode, Ravi speaks with the eminent Australian diplomat Peter Tesc…

1
S1E10: Which old building or space in Singapore would you not want to see go? 4:27

23d ago4:27

4:27

As we say goodbye to old buildings, spaces, and businesses in Singapore like the Golden Mile Complex and Peace Centre, how do Singaporeans feel about these places? Many young people often revisit spots that hold a special connection for them, places filled with fond memories from their childhood. How would they feel if these cherished locations wer…

1
S1E18: Why are the Olympics so special? 41:59

4d ago41:59

41:59

Singaporeans who have been to Olympics tell us why it is so important. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month. Whether you are an athlete or a sports enthusiast, it is clear that the Olympics hold a special place in hearts worldwide. From historic achievements to record breaking feats, th…

1
S1E44: Singapore’s worsening road culture: What’s behind it and what can be done? 39:52

6d ago39:52

39:52

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 first Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at social issues of the day with guests. Traffic accidents claimed the lives of 54 people within t…

1
S1E16: Would you be an intern for 2 years? 28:26

6d ago28:26

28:26

Long internships are just one form of the many talent schemes that are accepted by employers. Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. The job search is getting increasingly complex as the range of options broaden. Employers are also placing increasing focus on gro…

1
S1E126: Managing climate driven migration demands a new paradigm 18:58

7d ago18:58

18:58

Humans can and must cooperate to manage climate-driven mass migration, as a heating planet forces the poor and vulnerable, particularly in the global south, to move in order to survive. Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. The co…

1
S1E9: How do you translate "tumpang" into standard English? 2:07

28d ago2:07

2:07

Do you know what the Singlish word is for "afraid to lose out"? Are there direct translations of Singlish to standard English? Here's a little bonus clip from our latest episode of The Usual Place. Check out the full episode here: https://str.sg/c2sY Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Host: …

1
S1E8: Standard English vs Singlish: Is the lingual tug-of-war over? 40:18

29d ago40:18

40:18

The kind of English we speak in Singapore has long been a discussion point. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Throwback to 1999 when then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong urged Singaporeans to start using standard English instead of Singlish. These days though, we fiercel…

1
S1E125: Why babies and toddlers do not need screen time 37:51

11d ago37:51

37:51

Excessive screen time can lead to speech delays, autism-like symptoms in children. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. My 18-month-old loves viewing videos on my phone; why is he not talking? Screen time can help children develop social, creative, communication and …

1
S1E31: Who wants to be a public servant? We ask Chan Chun Sing 24:50

13d ago24:50

24:50

The iron rice bowl is still sturdy, but demands on Singapore's public service have changed. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. With 152,000 employees across 16 ministries and more than 40 agencies, the public service is the biggest depart…

1
S1E110: Looking back at 'pageantry' of Trump Presidency: A ringside view 19:27

16d ago19:27

19:27

Our guest expert offers a striking insider look at what it was like to cover Donald Trump’s presidency, and lessons learnt from it. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Notwithstanding a conviction, and other…

1
S1E13: Get into an 'Airbnb' for cars 52:09

17d ago52:09

52:09

This car-sharing service managed to convince the government to allow them to match private car owners to hirers. Synopsis: The Straits Times offers expert insights if you are in the market for a new vehicle or are tracking transportation trends. Car-sharing causes traffic congestion because the cars are more heavily used; the cars tend to be abused…

1
S1E7: Singaporeans can code-switch. Sure anot? 2:21

1M ago2:21

2:21

Can you differentiate between the ways to use "can"? How good are you translating Singlish into standard English? Join The Usual Place as host Natasha hits the streets of Singapore to ask the locals. Do you know what the singlish word is for "afraid to lose out"? Are there direct translations of Singlish to standard English? Check out the full epis…

1
A Very Short Pep Talk From Me to You 2:23

18d ago2:23

2:23

Trying to move forward but feeling sloggy or stuck? 1. Do something easy. 2. Do something nice. 3. Do something hard. And repeat until unstuck. Would love to know if you try this out...!By Kara Cutruzzula

1
S1E12: Shazza & Umar Sirhan - Rain In Manhattan (Live) 6:18

18d ago6:18

6:18

Hear home-grown singer-songwriters Shazza's and Umar Sirhan's intimate live studio take of their latest single, Rain In Manhattan. Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio. Watch the special live performance and video podcast versio…

1
S1E12: Meet Shazza, the Singaporean singer whose music has the attention of Coldplay’s Chris Martin and PM Wong 31:00

18d ago31:00

31:00

Home-grown singer and songwriter Shazza is the 12th guest in this music channel. Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In the 12th episode of Music Lab, ST's music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts Singaporean singer and songwriter Shazza. The past year has been quite eventful…

1
S1E30: Budget 2024: Mid-year check for SMEs in Singapore 22:10

19d ago22:10

22:10

How is the government's $1.3 billion budget working for SMEs so far? We invite them on the show. Synopsis: Every first Monday of the month, listen to the Work Talk podcast to help you work smarter, think deeper and get ahead in your work life. It is June, the mid-point of 2024. Join Krist Boo and her co-host Timothy Goh on Work Talk to hear how Sin…

1
S1E2: Visit to East Coast: How reclamation will shape up against rising sea levels 38:59

23d ago38:59

38:59

While the future Long Island will guard against sea level rise, the trade-offs to marine life and the East Coast’s character must be addressed, stakeholders told host Shabana Begum. Synopsis (headphones recommended): By end-century, Singapore’s mean sea level is expected to rise by up to 1.15m. Now a top attraction in the area, East Coast Park woul…

1
S1E6: Eat, shoot and post: What makes a good food reviewer? 37:31

23d ago37:31

37:31

Scroll social media and you’ll likely be served a food recommendation or review, often one that’s either enthused or a takedown of sorts. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. If someone takes videos of their food and serves them with a side of honest opinions, does that ma…

1
S1E25: Halfway mark of 2024: Our expert offers top stock picks in Singapore 19:55

27d ago19:55

19:55

"Why invest in Singapore, when you can invest in the US?" Our guest expert counters this argument with facts and his opinion. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, senior columnist Ven Sreenivasan offers you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, Ven hosts Thilan Wickramesinghe - regional head of research at Maybank…

1
S1E125: South-East Asia’s carbon storage dreams: Visionary climate solution or folly? 31:12

28d ago31:12

31:12

South-East Asia has big plans to become a regional carbon storage hub. Can it work or are the risks too great? Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. For years now, we’ve heard a lot about carbon capture and storage as on…

1
S1E31: Could China, India go to war again? 24:39

30d ago24:39

24:39

Our expert guest on what to expect on the external front from Modi 3.0, India’s challenges, and options. Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent. In this episode, Ravi speaks with the eminent foreign policy thinker C Raja Mohan, the noted scholar and c…

1
S1E17: Raising an Olympian in Singapore 43:16

1M ago43:16

43:16

What does it take for parents to nurture an athlete who wants to reach sport’s pinnacle? Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month. The Olympics is just around the corner and come July, several Team Singapore athletes will fly the flag for the Republic in Paris. Two of them, kitefoiler Maxim…

1
S1E15: Chip in to shape Singapore’s semiconductor ambitions 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

Robust job prospects amid artificial intelligence race, despite trade tensions Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times helps you put your career on the right footing from the outset. The semiconductor industry has been a fixture of Singapore's advanced manufacturing space since 1968. The industry has grown from strength to str…

1
S1E43: Is parenthood a sacrifice young Singaporeans aren’t willing to make? 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

Children can invoke feelings of joy, gratitude and fulfilment, but also thoughts of fatigue, financial stress, and lack of personal time? Synopsis: Every second Monday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at social issues of the day with guests. For the first time ever, the resident total fertility rate (TFR) dropped below 1, hitting 0…

1
S1E33: Hong Kong's vanity car plates a creative outlet as freedoms narrow 18:15

1M ago18:15

18:15

The affordable luxury of personalised car licence plates are proving an enduring and endearing avenue for self-expression in a changing Hong Kong Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times chats with ST’s correspondents in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Europe, about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling cris…

1
S1E5: Are young people breaking up with dating apps? 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

Swiping for love used to be the way for millennials to find a connection, but there seems to be growing dating app disillusionment among the young. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives. Bernice Fong, Dhareeni Shanmugam and John Lim are three under-30s who have had different…

1
S1E124: Did you know that vapes can expose you to toxic metals? 33:16

1M ago33:16

33:16

Vape users inhale not just harmful chemicals, but toxic metals into their lungs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. E-cigarettes or vapes can contain less chemicals than cigarettes, but did you know that the former can expose users to toxic metals? Is vaping safer …

1
S1E124: Why the warming Himalayas are a water crisis for half of Asia 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

Local solutions are critical for vulnerable millions as the scorching heat rapidly melts snow and ice across the fragile "third pole". Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. As the planet warms, with north India’s plains …

1
S1E109: Why war 'by design' over Taiwan is unlikely: Bilahari Kausikan 17:19

2M ago17:19

17:19

South-east Asian countries appreciate there is no strategic balance in the region without the US, so they will find ways to deal with whoever is in the White House. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. How So…

1
S1E2: The story of Kangxi Coming, the little Taiwanese talk show heard around the world 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

How a variety talk show with one of the oddest hosting pairings became one of the most successful in the Chinese language entertainment scene. Synopsis: How Did We Get Here is a new scripted series under the #PopVultures banner, which will take a look in each episode about a celebrity, a band or the cast of a movie or film that made an impact on As…

1
S1E12: Why COE bidding gives this seasoned motor dealer a heartache 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

A seasoned motor industry insider says the COE system is bad for health because of the stress that comes with not knowing “the full picture”. Synopsis: The Straits Times offers expert insights if you are in the market for a new vehicle or are tracking transportation trends. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore seems to be tracking w…

1
S1E16: Singapore EPL fans, sports presenter John Dykes debate a thrilling season 1:02:57

2M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Join in this passionate post mortem of the recently concluded 2023/24 English Premier League season. Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month. As the dust settles on another thrilling English Premier League (EPL) season, the post-campaign analysis has begun at the Hard Tackle. ST Sports rep…

1
S1E11: rhyu - It's fine (Live) 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Home-grown singer-songwriter rhyu's intimate live studio take of It's fine, a song first released in 2023, which has a million streams on just Spotify alone. Synopsis (headphones recommended): This Music Lab playlist features the full live performance of music acts invited by The Straits Times to its podcast studio. Watch the special live performan…

1
S1E11: Newcomer rhyu - Singapore’s answer to Laufey? 28:45

2M ago28:45

28:45

Home-grown singer and songwriter rhyu is the 11th guest in this music channel. Synopsis (headphones recommended): Each month, The Straits Times invites music acts to its podcast studio. In the 11th episode of Music Lab, ST's music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi hosts home-grown singer and songwriter rhyu. The newcomer’s arresting vocals and origin…

1
S1E24: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and their growth in Asia 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

Hear why active ETFs are becoming more popular. Synopsis: Every third Monday of the month, hosts Lee Su Shyan and Ven Sreenivasan - both senior columnists at The Straits Times - offer you an extra edge in managing your hard-earned money. In this episode, J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Apac head of ETF - Philippe El-Asmar - discusses the growth of E…

1
S1E123: Climate talent scout: Meet the investor backing cutting-edge green tech 20:06

2M ago20:06

20:06

Investors are on the hunt for companies that not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also transform industry and society. Synopsis: Every first and third Sunday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change. There’s growing investor interest in companies at the cutt…

1
S1E4: Titus Low: From SG's most famous OnlyFans creator to real estate agent? 26:17

2M ago26:17

26:17

Singapore’s most well-known OnlyFans creator Titus Low is slowly moving on from the platform that has brought him fame, money and drama. Lots of it. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ Natasha Ann Zachariah explores contemporary societal choices and youth perspectives and digs deeper into issues of the day. Sitting down with The Usual Place’s host Natasha…

1
How to Ensure Successful Game Projects from Start to finish with King Montecillo of FizzBuzz Inc. 13:57

2M ago13:57

13:57

In this session, King Montecillo, Managing Director of FizzBuzz Inc., brings their A-game and gives us some hard advice on creating project scopes and employing good project management skills to ensure project success and client satisfaction - all while keeping your team happy. Creating a Bible: The importance of documentation to protect all partie…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chan Tells It Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide