The Weekly Wrap-Up

August 2023 has seen the rental markets for both condos and HDBs in Singapore go through a significant shift.  We analyze these statistics and look ahead for potential future movements for the rest of the year with Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer, Mogul.sg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An overhaul of the classification system for mature and non-mature estates and a new retirement support package for workers born in 1973 or earlier are among the key announcements in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech last weekend.  Were there any topics that should be covered but were not? What reactions are we getting from the ground so far? Paulin Tay Straughan, Professo...

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will deliver his 2023 National Day Rally speech at 6.45pm this weekend. But after all the political roller coaster Singapore has gone through the last few months, how would the tone of this National Day Rally be like?  Dr. Felix Tan, Political Observer, Nanyang Technological University shares his views.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has given a ministerial statement to address concerns over the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau’s (CPIB) investigation into Transport Minister S Iswaran and the resignation of Members of Parliament (MPs) Tan Chuan Jin and Cheng Li Hui. But were all the burning questions answered in his statement?  PN Balji, Political Commentator & Veteran Journalist shares...

Divorce statistics showed that the highest proportion of break-ups came between the 5th and 10th years of marriage. What factors are contributing to this and is there anything that these couples can do to face this issue? We speak to Paulin Tay Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice), Singapore Management University more about this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent resignation by a few members of parliament over their extramarital affairs, there is doubt cast upon the trustworthiness of our political leaders. However, should we be judging these politicians based on their personal affairs this harshly even though they dutifully carry out their responsibilities as members of parliament? We speak to Dr. Felix Tan, Political Observer, Nanyang Tec...

Transport Minister S Iswaran is assisting the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) with an investigation into a case uncovered by the agency. These investigations invoke doubts about Singapore's incorruptibility. Moreover, Mr Iswaran's involvement would make the PAP need to reassess his role in the upcoming election as the MP of West Coast GRC. We speak to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor...

Malaysia will be holding its elections in six states on August 12. The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) have decided not to contest the upcoming polls. Lastly, how will the outcome of the election affect the Malaysian public's view of PM Anwar? We speak to Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs more about this. See omnystud...

On 27 June, a nature enthusiast spotted mass oil slicks on the shores of East Coast Park. In Singapore, where shipping is an essential part of economy, this occurrence is not completely avoidable. There are already measures put in place to reduce the chances of this happening but what more can be done? We speak to Kua Kay Yaw, Former chairman of Marine Conservation Group, Nature Society (Singapore...

With big headliners making their way to our shores, ticket scalpers are back in ‘business’. Can ticket scalping be an issue we will ever overcome? Could legislation be put to play in this instance?  Khelvin Xu, Partner, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP shares his views on this.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A battle of CV’s? On what basis are we looking at to elect our next president? Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Mr George Goh look like the two most promising candidates for the upcoming election. However, without a savvy media team Mr Goh would have trouble putting his name forward and ensuring eligibility for running. Moreover, should we keep an eye on ‘hopefuls’ such as former secondary school tea...

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has offered himself as a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. This will also mean he will stand down from his government positions including Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore on July 7. But with a political heavyweight like Mr Tharman running for the presidential election, will it deter o...

Singapore sports scene has evolved a lot over the last few decades. We have seen the country winning various major medals including an Olympic gold medal with Joseph Schooling. But why are we not supporting our own athletes more?  Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs shares his views.  See omnystudio....

As announced late on Wednesday night, foreigners buying any residential property in Singapore from yesterday (April 27) will have to pay an additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) of 60 percent after it was doubled from 30 percent. While Singaporeans buying their second residential property will pay an ABSD rate of 20 percent, up from 17 percent, while those buying their third and subsequent resident...

Grab Singapore has introduced a feature on its app that allows passengers and the driver to record audio for safety purposes. But how would such a feature help passengers and drivers in any dispute? Privacy out of the window?  Jeremiah Chew, Associate Director, Ascendant Legal shares his views.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore transitions into a new endemic Covid-19 normal, the government has released the White Paper on Singapore's response to Covid-19. But was there a need to release such a white paper? Does the paper strike a balance between being both candid and self-critical? Dr. Felix Tan, Political Observer, Nanyang Technological University shares his views.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

People will soon be paying for plastic at more places, with most supermarkets set to charge at least five cents per bag from July 3.The move, part of a bid to reduce the use of disposables in Singapore, comes in tandem with efforts to ramp up recycling efforts in homes. But is this enough? What more can be done to ramp up recycling efforts in Singapore?  Tan Huileng, Executive Director. Zero Waste...

Over the past few weeks, some residents of a Bishan HDB estate scrambled to find ways to shield themselves from attacks from crows. And to counter that issue, the National Parks Board (NParks) has said it is working with the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council to reduce the crow population. Tan Gim Cheong, Bird Group Chairman, Nature Society (Singapore) shares with us his views on how such instances can...

Green is the new orange and we are back at Dorscon green! From February 13, commuters will no longer have to wear masks when taking public transport as community regulations are progressively lifted. But are Singaporeans ready to go back to 'normal'?  Dr Asok Kurup, Infectious Disease Expert, Mount Elizabeth Hospital shares his views.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has lost its top spot for being the most Instagrammable place in the world and taking the top spots are Milan, London and Paris. Dr Kevin Cheong, Managing Partner, Syntegrate (he was formerly Chairman, Association of Singapore Attractions) shares his views on what can be done for Singapore to come back on top.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.