Also Consider This

Singapore’s birth rate has been falling for years. Policies have been introduced, incentives have been increased, and yet the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) continues to decline to worryingly low levels. But behind the numbers, there are still individuals and couples who choose to have children. In this episode, we speak with millennial dads at different stages of fatherhood. From those preparing for...

Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to historic lows, raising urgent questions about the country’s future. Despite decades of policies, incentives, and support schemes, birth rates remain stubbornly low — so what’s really going on? In this episode of Also Consider This, we break down the deeper drivers behind Singapore’s declining birth rate. Is it the cost of raising children, workp...

“What does ‘we-first’ actually mean in Singapore?” The phrase sounds right, but people hear very different things. Some think it’s civic responsibility. Others think it’s exclusionary. And in the absence of a shared definition, competitive instincts fill the gap. In this episode, we unpack the confusion around “we-first”, why debates about inclusion may be premature, and how sinkie-pwn-sinkie beha...

Why has school food in Singapore become so controversial? The backlash over school canteens points to deeper questions than taste or price. In this episode, we look at recent reactions to centrally prepared meals and hybrid canteen models, and why school food has become such an emotionally charged issue. We move beyond complaints about quality to ask a more fundamental question: what are school ca...

There is more football than ever before, yet many fans are watching less of it. In this episode, Alastair and Guo Feng reflect on how packed calendars, expanding tournaments, and modern life have reshaped the way fans engage with football. Rather than blaming fatigue or apathy, they explore why being selective has become a reasonable, even necessary, response. This conversation is about attention,...

Food articles are supposed to add clarity. Instead, many now prioritise outrage, punchy headlines, and simplified narratives that spark anger but explain very little. In this episode of Also Consider This , we examine recent food and hawker-related coverage and ask what we lose when articles are written to provoke reaction rather than provide depth. We discuss how shallow framing fuels public ange...

What in 2025 really changed about how we think? In the final episode of Also Consider This for 2025, we step away from external topics and spend time reflecting inward. Using six structured reflection questions adapted from a Mel Robbins podcast, we look back on the year and use it as a grounding point to think about how we want to approach 2026. We talk candidly about burnout, mental health, care...

Was Singapore really built by one man, or have we simplified a much bigger story about the people who shaped the nation? Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy looms large in Singapore’s national story, and rightly so. But over time, the way we remember history can become simplified, turning a collective effort into a single name. In this episode, we ask whether Singapore has lionised LKY too much, and why that li...

In a system where complaints often lead to results, the incentive to complain becomes hard to resist. Why complaining works in Singapore, and why that’s a problem. From MRT breakdowns to scheduled maintenance shutdowns, complaints about public services in Singapore often lead to quick responses and visible action. That effectiveness raises an uncomfortable question: if complaining works so well, h...

Why do sports in public spaces keep sparking complaints, and what does it say about how we coexist in a dense city? Pickleball complaints have sparked heated reactions in Singapore, but they are part of a much bigger pattern. In this episode, we use pickleball as a starting point to explore why sports like football, basketball, and cycling keep running into conflict in public spaces. We unpack the...

Is hiring local talent really the best way forward for Singapore football? In this episode, we dive into the debate around local versus foreign coaches, and what those choices say about trust, development, and expectations within Singapore football. We discuss why criticism emerges so quickly, whether scepticism is justified, and how much patience is actually required when building a long-term sys...

4 things worth watching this week, from emotional deep dives to clever creators, plus two Today I Learnt moments. This week’s edition of "Also Consume This" features four pieces of content that genuinely caught our attention. From strange internet rabbit holes to historical storytelling, and from surprisingly emotional videos to small creators doing clever, meaningful work, we break down...

Are Singaporeans really indifferent to our national football team or have we just forgotten how to believe? Singapore football has history, heartbreak, and moments of glory, but why does it feel like no one really cares anymore? In this episode, Alastair and Guo Feng question whether Singaporeans are truly unexcitable people, or if our relationship with the national football team has just been slo...

Are rents truly the reason why so many F&B businesses are closing in Singapore? This week, we welcome our friend Tim, who works in the food and beverage industry, to break down the various challenges F&B businesses face, including rent, labour, material costs, and increased competition. Rent is a visible factor, but Tim shares a different perspective that goes beyond rent, and that there a...

This week we’re taking a breather and talking about what we consumed. In this episode Alastair and Guo Feng walk through four pieces of media that stuck with them: Item 1 — 99% Invisible - Life and Death in Singapore (How cemeteries are making way for living in Singapore) https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/singapore/ Item 2 — Twenty Thousand Hertz - SM7: The mic that shaped sound and culture h...

Everyone’s angry. Trains break down — angry. Hawkers get reviewed — angry. A tragedy hits the news — furious. In this episode of Also Consider This , Alastair and Guo Feng ask: Why are we all so quick to outrage these days? They trace the emotional fatigue behind Singapore’s growing anger — from burnout and empathy overload to the way social media turns frustration into fuel. Featuring reflections...

When a TikTok food vlogger started “Exposing Michelin Hawkers” it triggered angry responses. Lucas the Boss says he’s just being honest about his food experiences. But many felt he crossed a line by being negative. So where’s the balance between honesty and empathy? In this episode of Also Consider This , we dive into: The Lucas the Boss saga and why it struck such a nerve What makes a food review...

In this explosive episode of Also Consider This (ACT #5), hosts Alastair and Guo Feng dive into the massive controversy surrounding illegal cross-border private hire vehicles (PHVs) and the chaotic Singapore-Malaysia Causeway crossing. The problem runs deeper than simple supply and demand. We break down the multiple layers of conflict, from the outdated regulations that frustrate commuters to the...

Welcome to Also Consider This, the podcast where we value nuance, perspective, and knowledge so that we can all be clever thinkers. In this episode, we tackle the debate surrounding the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. While the race puts Singapore on the map for the world’s wealthy, we ask: Who is F1 really for? We break down the controversies of the F1 weekend, from the MRT post-concert chaos tha...

In this episode, we ask if nostalgic merchandise is truly meaningful, or just a cash grab by companies and scalpers taking advantage of our soft spot for the past? We dive into the world of nostalgia and collectibles, discussing everything from iconic brands like Adidas and their history to cherished childhood franchises like Pokemon and Power Rangers. We explore how these items, though now someti...

Do you realise you pay money to access everything, from music to games, movies, and TV shows, but pretty much own nothing for that payment? Perhaps holding on to old-school physical media like records, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray isn't that silly after all. We discuss why choosing between streaming and discs is not as straightforward think, why we still own and even acquire new physical media, and w...

In our very first episode, we discuss launching our new podcast focused on sharing knowledge and exploring topics in-depth. We talk about our approach to discussions, ranging from politics to technology, emphasising values like respect, curiosity, and good faith arguments while avoiding oversimplified "10-word answers" to complex issues. Also Consider This is hosted by Alastair and Guo Feng.