Tell You First

Singapore has no space agency, rockets or astronauts, yet it is quietly carving out its role in the global space race. From quantum satellites and blockchain in orbit to students sending experiments to the International Space Station, Singapore has become a hub for space innovation. In this episode, we uncover how startups in Jurong are building satellite engines, why the UN is looking to Singapor...

Why are Chinese people burning paper Teslas, Netflix subscriptions and even COVID vaccines for their ancestors? In this episode, we dive into the bizarre and booming afterlife economy, where temples now accept QR code offerings, and lawyers step in to prevent copyright infringements! Follow us as we explore how a centuries-old ritual has morphed into an industry worth hundreds of millions of dolla...

In the 1960s, Singaporeans queued with ration cards as dry spells crippled water supply. Fast forward to today, and the island has transformed its biggest vulnerability into one of its proudest triumphs. Join us as we dive into the many ways Singapore's reservoirs help to protect the nation from floods, sustain daily life, and teach the world how to thrive under water stress.   Tell You First...

Dengue cases were once at an all time high, but now a new ally has emerged: Wolbachia mosquitoes. Released by the millions, these insects use biology to stop their wild cousins from reproducing. In this episode, we’re joined by science educator Biogirl MJ as we explore the science, safety, and real-world impact of this groundbreaking project.   Tell You First is an original podcast prod...

Singapore once crowned beauty queens with national pride. Then came Ris Low, whose reign stirred controversy, conversation, and a cultural shift. From mental health to media pressure, this episode examines how her experience exposed the cracks in the pageant system and left the industry forever changed. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoff...

It may be smaller than a football field, but Pedra Branca has been the subject of colonial confusion, a fierce legal battle, and tense standoffs at sea. In this episode, we unpack how one lonely granite island became the focus of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between Singapore and Malaysia.   Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoffu...

Back in the ’90s, speaking Singlish in the media wasn’t the norm, but this track broke all the records and the rules. We sit down with musician and Mediacorp Class 95 radio DJ Rai Kannu to revisit the hilarious lyrics, the story behind its creation, and how "Why U So Like Dat?" helped kickstart a wave of Singlish-inspired comedy. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediac...

What does a Studio Ghibli forest, James Cameron’s Avatar and the SuperTrees of Gardens By The Bay have in common? We trace the fantastical inspirations behind the Supertree Grove, from ancient cedar forests to futuristic designs that won global awards.    Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry of Funny (@ministryoffunny).   Credits:   Hos...

In 1994, former Solicitor-General Francis Seow published "To Catch A Tartar", a memoir that sparked widespread debate. In this episode, we explore the story behind one of Singapore’s most banned books: why it was written, what it says about the political climate of the time, and why it still gets people talking today. Tell You First is an original podcast produced by Mediacorp and Ministry o...

On 25th May 1961, a devastating fire wiped out an entire kampong, leaving 15,000 homeless—but was it just a tragic accident or a hidden turning point for Singapore? Discover how the Bukit Ho Swee fire sparked a housing revolution, birthed the HDB, and transformed the nation overnight. From conspiracy theories to political miracles, this is the untold story of the fire that changed Singapore...

In this episode, we discover how ancient Feng Shui principles shape Singapore’s modern skyline - from Marina Bay Sands’ asymmetrical curves to Suntec City’s wealth-retaining "hand-shaped" towers. We learn why the Singapore Flyer spins clockwise for luck, how Boat Quay’s peculiar shape attracts prosperity, and the urban legend of the "dragon vein" beneath Singapore’s s...

// Thank you for supporting and listening to this first season of Tell You First. If you've enjoyed the podcast, please leave a comment to let us know which episodes you liked the most, the most interesting thing you’ve learnt from us, or what topics we should cover in the future. We hope to share more with you again soon! // We’ve all seen the headlines and history books, but what was daily life...

This festive season, as you gather to toss Yusheng high in the air, have you ever wondered: where did this beloved CNY dish really come from? In this episode, we dive into the tangled, messy origins of Lo Hei/Yusheng—a delicacy that sparks both unbridled joy and fierce debate among Singaporeans and Malaysians. Join us as we trace the history behind each symbolic ingredient, and get a taste of the...

Everyone celebrates Chinese New Year, but how many truly understand the ancient Lunar Calendar that shapes its traditions? In this episode, we uncover the fascinating origins of the Lunar Calendar and try to answer why people still follow it today — aligning weddings, business deals, and even travel plans with its auspicious dates. Why does this thousands-year-old system still hold such sway in ou...

Many may know about Singapore's difficult period during the Japanese Occupation, but how much do you know about the Sook Ching Massacre? And about how close Lee Kuan Yew was to being captured? Join us as we delve into this forgotten chapter, where a single act of courage from a humble rickshaw puller saved Lee Kuan Yew, and altered Singapore’s destiny forever.   Credits :   Hosted...

Did you get a ticket for any of Taylor Swift’s six Singapore concerts in 2024? While we normally focus on historical trivia and nostalgia here on Tell You First, we’re confident that Tay Tay’s record-breaking run in Singapore will be remembered and talked about for years to come. We relive the mania of that week in March with 987 DJ Ann Nicole and look at Swift’s impact on the economy, the social...

// Thank you for tuning in to Tell You First. We will be taking a couple weeks' break to recharge and will be releasing episodes again in the new year. Until then, have a Merry Christmas and happy new year! // Singapore’s time doesn’t actually make sense! Officially GMT+8, our sunrise and sunset differ from other Southeast Asian cities on the same longitude. In this episode, we travel...

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...