Talkback

Nvidia lost around US$190 billion in market value on Monday (9 November), amid controversy over CEO Jensen Huang's admission of an extramarital affair. Separately, the company is investigating whether he was targeted by foreign intelligence operatives. How much can a leader's private conduct really cost a company, and why do some businesses suffer from leadership scandals while others weather the...

Have you given your AI agent full access to your emails, personal files and even banking details - and could that put you at risk? Daniel Martin finds out from Associate Professor Goh Weihan from the Infocomm Technology Cluster, SIT, how to take back control, and why simply revoking access may not be enough to keep your information safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent public consultation on COE matters resulted in a majority supporting a proposed 'feebate' scheme, with most respondents favouring a five-band system to distinguish between mass-market and luxury cars. In light of that, could it look more likely that the future roads of Singapore will see a wave of similar low-cost cars being driven, and could that result in certain trade-offs? Daniel Mart...

Heard about the Manpower Ministry (MOM) probing around 45 firms operating at Changi Airport over suspected work pass offences? But when businesses rely on contractors and subcontractors to get things done, could they end up assigning foreign workers roles they’re not authorised to perform? Daniel Martin discusses further with Associate Professor Geoffrey Chua, Nanyang Business School-Di...

After more than a week of improved air quality, is Singapore finally seeing the end of the haze? On TalkBack, Daniel Martin spoke to Professor Matthias Roth, Provost’s Chair Professor at the Department of Geography, NUS, about whether haze could return, what the inter-monsoon period will bring, and whether we should prepare for hotter days and heavier rain. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

With forest and peatland fires linked to palm oil plantations in Indonesia contributing to the ongoing haze, you might want to boycott palm oil products… But when they’re found in everything from biscuits to shampoo, is avoiding them even possible? Daniel Martin discusses further with Professor Roman Carrasco, Deputy Head of Department (Research) in the Department of Biological Scienc...

Singapore and Indonesia have had to deal with matters ranging from transboundary haze to cuts in gas exports, and both have drawn reactions on social media. But, when we weigh in on issues involving another country, are we simply sharing our views, or could our online comments and reactions be making matters worse? Daniel Martin discusses further with Associate Professor Natalie Pang, Departm...

Singapore is bringing forward plans to raise the retirement and re-employment ages to 65 and 70 by 2029. It's part of six recommendations announced by the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment today, including more flexible jobs and financial support for older workers. Daniel Martin discusses further with Hao Shuo, CEO, Singapore National Employers Federation. See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

As smartphones get more expensive, a NielsenIQ study found that new phone sales in Singapore fell nearly 14 per cent between 2023 and 2025, while retailers reported a rise in repairs. On TalkBack, Daniel Martin spoke to Johar Alkhatib, Owner of Pronto Arigato Repair Hub, about how easy it is to repair today’s smartphones, when repairs are worth the cost, and whether Singapore needs stronger...

The Ministry of Health has released N95 masks from its stockpile to retailers amid increased demand, despite earlier warnings about the risk of haze. On TalkBack, Daniel Martin spoke to Dr Rayner Tan, Assistant Professor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Vice-President of the Society of Behavioural Health Singapore, about why people may wait...

A man was charged after allegedly using a concealed device to obtain customers’ bank card information at Mustafa Centre. Daniel Martin spoke to Professor Zhou Jianying, Centre Director of the iTrust Centre for Research in Cyber Security at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, about whether someone nearby can scan information from your wallet or phone, and how to protect yoursel...

The National Wages Council has recommended pay increases of 6 to 8 per cent for lower-wage workers, even as growth remains uneven across industries. Daniel Martin spoke to Associate Professor Ong Ee Cheng from the Department of Economics at NUS about whether businesses can afford these increases, and what the recommendations could mean for workers and employers. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

With N95 mask distribution kicking off, could fears of another haze crisis trigger a repeat of the panic buying and hoarding we saw in 2013? Daniel Martin discusses further with Professor Leonard Lee, a behavioural scientist at the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR), a research institute at NUS, and at NUS Business School, on how Singaporeans can be encouraged to take only what...

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has raised concerns about AI potentially replacing entry-level jobs. We discuss what happens if the bottom rung of the career ladder disappears, and how Singapore can preserve opportunities for those entering the workforce. Daniel Martin discusses further with Terence Ho, Executive Director, Institute for Adult Learning, SUSS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

The Singapore Grand Prix drew over 301,000 spectators this year, the second-highest attendance on record. That was despite the PSI hitting 192 during the race weekend, the highest reading of this year’s haze season. So how much did the haze actually affect the F1 experience? And beyond the race itself, how did Singapore fare on the crowds, concerts, costs and overall visitor experience? Dani...

Amid the ongoing haze situation, Education Minister Desmond Lee says schools are prepared, with closures and exam postponements to be considered if air quality reaches hazardous levels. But with N-, O- and A-Level exams underway or coming up, are parents and students ready for possible disruptions? Daniel Martin discusses with Dr Wong Hwei Ming, Senior Education Research Scientist and Assistant Ce...

The Land Transport Authority has launched a public consultation on proposed COE changes, including merging Categories A and B and introducing a fee-and-rebate system based on car values. Daniel Martin spoke to Say Kwee Neng, automotive industry veteran and consultant, about how the proposed “feebate” system could affect car prices, affordability and the range of models available in Sin...

The issue of people rummaging through rubbish bins for refundable containers came up in Parliament, with Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu setting out what is and isn’t allowed. Daniel Martin spoke to Chan Mun Wei, Founder and Principal Consultant of SustainableSG, about what to do if you come across it, and the possible issues around litter and hygiene. See omnystudio.com...

More than 5,000 people turned up when part of Joo Chiat Road went car-free for six hours. Daniel Martin spoke to Djoko Prihanto, Director of DP Urban and former President of the Singapore Institute of Planners, about where else a car-lite approach could be considered, and the practical trade-offs for residents, businesses and motorists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With haze affecting visibility on Singapore’s roads, how should motorists adjust? Daniel Martin spoke to Clifford Chow, Founder of automotive news channel Asphalt Singapore, and Desmond Chan, Growth and Revenue Strategy Manager at Sgcarmart, about staying visible and safe on the roads, reducing exposure to haze, and looking after cars and motorcycles when air quality worsens. See omnystudio....

In Part 2 of our discussion on easing the move from Primary 6 to Secondary 1, we ask whether competition for the same popular schools is adding to the pressure. Daniel Martin spoke with Howard Yu, Founder and Principal of 1Academy and a former MOE primary school teacher, about school choice, affiliations and what could make the transition less stressful. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Second Minister for Education David Neo says MOE will study public feedback on the primary-to-secondary school transition, where young students face the most acute pressure. Daniel Martin speaks to Assistant Professor Cheung Hoi Shan from NIE’s Psychology and Child & Human Development Department about what else could make the transition smoother, beyond changes to the PSLE and DSA. See o...

Bus and rail fares will rise by 7 per cent overall from 26 December. Daniel Martin spoke with Professor Raymond Ong, Transport Analyst and Deputy Head of Research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NUS, about what’s driving the increase and what commuters should expect in return for paying more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s air quality has fluctuated between moderate and unhealthy levels in recent days. Daniel Martin spoke to Assistant Professor Yu-jie Dong from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information about whether we should adjust our daily routines as conditions change, and what influences our decision to take precautions – or carry on as usual. See omnystudio.com/lis...

A new Institute of Policy Studies study finds parents are placing more emphasis on character, wellbeing and learning from failure, even as education stress and tuition spending rise. Daniel Martin spoke to Dr Mathew Mathews, Head of the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab and Principal Research Fellow at NUS, about whether parents’ views on education have really changed. See omnystudio.co...