Tell You First

In 1994, Singapore went toe-to-toe with the United States… and didn’t lose. American teenager Michael Fay was apprehended for vandalising several cars and properties here, and sentenced to six strokes of the cane. Then-President Bill Clinton himself even got involved, personally reaching out to Singapore’s leaders to appeal the decision. A massive backlash from American media erupted, painting Sin...

You think you know your local  kopi , but not like this! We go beyond the usual configurations of  kopi-O, kopi-C  and  kopi siu dai  to bring you an in-depth look into the origins of Singapore’s staple beverage. Where did it originate, and how did it become localised? We look at the art of brewing  kopi , from the kind of beans used, and the giant sock filter–and how it differs greatly from weste...

How well do you know your fish head curry? It isn’t Singapore’s national dish, but after this episode, you may wonder why it isn’t! With 987 DJ Gerald Koh, we discuss its preparation, variations, and how we basically attack the whole thing, eyes, cheeks and all. We trace its origins to a Sophia Road stall in colonial Singapore, and its enigmatic creator because yes, unlike many other local dishes,...

They say we’re all the same deep inside. In this episode, we put that to the test! We look at the nature of DNA, how it’s passed down through generations, and how much the racial groups of Singapore have in common with each other, according to science. What studies have been done on Singapore’s gene pool, and what do they say about us? Follow us on this investigation that goes back tens of thousan...

Okay, you got us. We recorded this episode before the 17 September Sumatra Squall squashed Singapore. So you already know what it’s called. But you can still learn what drives this force of nature, and what other weather systems rule our skies. Listen as Haresh sciences the heck out of our monsoons, uncovering the method behind their madness. There’s a lot more going on that just “sunny” and “rain...

At its peak, Zouk was Singapore’s party central, and Mambo Jambo was its hottest ticket. Terence takes us back to the glory days at Jiak Kim Street, where every Wednesday night, the club dropped its cutting-edge cool and embraced cheesy retro goodness. Reminisce about the playlists and shameless dance moves, and learn why despite winning the hearts of Singapore’s partygoers for two decades, Mambo...

We don’t talk about Comrade Bala, because he was a cult leader in South London who convinced women he had supernatural powers, and held them captive for decades while sexually assaulting them. Yet, what many probably don't know is that this enigmatic figure was actually once a Singaporean citizen, educated here in the 1960s. In this episode we look into the formative years of a monster, what led t...

How well do you know Deepavali? Haresh takes a deep dive into the origins of the Hindu festival with Class 95 radio DJ and musician Rai Kannu. Hear them test each other’s knowledge of the ancient texts and meaning behind the rituals. Learn how Deepavali is celebrated across the diverse regions and religions of India, as well as Singapore. The differences may surprise you!   Credits :   Hosted by H...

Today Singapore has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world, but it all had to start somewhere! Haresh and Terence take a good look at the nation’s browser history, reminiscing about what it felt like to access the Internet in its early days, before the dizzying advent of social media and smartphones. Who received the first ever email sent to Singapore? What did our choice of In...

We uncover the fascinating story behind Singapore's world-famous Night Safari, the OG of night zoos in the world. Now in its 30th year of existence, we go deep into how this groundbreaking attraction came to life, and highlight the challenges, innovations, and vision that transformed a gimmicky idea into a must-see destination for tourists in Singapore. We talk about the earliest zoos in Singapore...

We explore the bizarre incident that is the Koro Crisis of 1967, when a widespread panic over shrinking genitals gripped Singapore. Delve into the psychological, cultural, and social factors that fueled this mass hysteria, turning an old wives’ tale into a national crisis. We’ll unpack the strange phenomenon, its impact on the population, and how it was eventually quelled. Tune in for a fascinatin...

Was there a better time for English language Singapore TV than the 1990s? Masters of the Sea, Rollin’ Good Times, Happy Belly, The Ra-Ra Show, Pyramid Game and much more appeared on our screens all at once. We reminisce with radio deejay Vernetta Lopez, who was there when it all happened, playing Denise in the hit show Under One Roof. Hear us discuss why that era was so special and productive, deb...

We’re all familiar with Tiger Beer and other craft beers that were created here, but what do we really know about the history of beer brewing in Singapore? In this refreshing episode, we dive into the rich history of beer brewing in Singapore, and how the origin story of Tiger Beer is closely intertwined with it. Discover how Tiger Beer journeyed from its humble beginnings in the 1930s to become a...

Did you know that long hairstyles on men were banned for a brief period in Singapore? In this episode, we delve into the unique and controversial Long Hair Ban in Singapore from the 1960s. Discover why the government decided to target men with long hair, the social and cultural implications of the ban, and the public reaction. We'll explore the quirky enforcement methods and how hairstyles became...

The Pope is coming to Singapore! But did you know that the Pope already did visit SIngapore once, nearly 40 years ago? Join us in this enlightening episode as we recount the events of the first Papal by Pope John Paul II on 20 November 1986. Was there a buzz in the air? Who did he visit in his short stint? What did he say to the 70,000 Catholics who were gathered at the National Stadium for his se...

In this somber episode, we delve into the chilling story of the “Slayers” Suicide Pact that happened right here in Singapore in 2008. We go through the disturbing chain of events that led a group of young individuals to make a tragic pact, and examine the psychological, social, and cultural factors that played a role. We’ll also discuss the aftermath and the lessons learned from this heartbreaking...

Go, go, Power Rangers! Get ready for an electrifying episode as we delve into the vibrant and multicultural origins of the legendary Power Rangers. Discover how this iconic franchise morphed from its Japanese roots in Super Sentai to become a global phenomenon with a theme song that echoes in the hearts of every millennial. Of course, we’ll have to talk about the business side of things, where the...

We travel back to the high-stakes drama of 1613, when a Game-of-Thrones-like struggle for dominance led to Singapore being attacked and engulfed in flames. We uncover the key players, historical context, and motivations behind this fiery assault that forever altered the island's destiny. Along the way, we dive into the rich history of ancient Singapore, revealing stories and anecdotes rarely found...

Dive into the fascinating origin story of Singapore's iconic National Day Parade! While today it's a beloved staple on the nation's calendar, the early years were filled with challenges and uncertainty. Discover the untold hurdles and dramatic moments that shaped the NDP into the grand celebration it is today. In this episode, we’re joined by Mediacorp radio DJ and personality Hazelle Teo, who bri...

A lesser known local legend is that of the Tiger of Raffles Hotel - in which a Tiger is said to have invaded and terrorized patrons - but how did it actually happen? In this episode, we delve into the history of this bizarre and fascinating story - from startled guests to a trigger-happy school principal, discover the humourous and thrilling events that turned this encounter into a beloved piece o...

Get ready for a rollicking ride through the “uniquely Singaporean” experience of wedding gatecrashing! In this episode, we explore the games and challenges that grooms face in order to win the bride. Sometimes humiliating, often outrageous, but always hilarious, we discuss why this quirky custom has become a celebrated and unforgettable part of the Singaporean wedding experience! Tell You First is...

Buckle up for this episode where we dive into the baffling world of eye-wateringly high car prices in Singapore. Why does buying a car here feel like you’re buying a spaceship? From Certificates of Entitlements, our infrastructure and other policy considerations, we unravel the factors that make driving in Singapore feel like something out of Crazy Rich Asians. Join us for a joyride through the ec...

Singapore’s Prison island on Pulau Senang was an experiment in 1960 that was ahead of its time, and attracted global attention for all the right reasons. The first 3 years were billed as a success, until an uprising led to deadly riots that saw 4 people killed and 18 people sentenced to be hanged for murder. We cover the bare facts, but also look into the factors that led up to the experiment, the...

Join us in this premiere episode of Tell You First, as we deep dive into the colourful world of Parrot Astrology with our special guest, 987FM Radio Producer/Presenter Joakim Gomez! We discuss the intriguing history and quirky charm behind this unique form of fortune-telling, including the sensational story of Mani the parakeet from the 2010 World Cup. Whether you're a sceptic or a believer, this...