The Straits Times Podcasts

The Big Story Ep 39: Automating Covid-19 nasal swabbing to be faster and more comfortable  2:33 mins Synopsis: This is a special episode of The Straits Times' video series The Big Story. A robot that carries out nasal swabbing to diagnose Covid-19 has been developed by clinicians who say the automated procedure is safe, faster and more comfortable when compared with manual swab tests. The mad...

The Big Story Ep 37: Government to conduct review to tackle women's issues in home, workplace, community 9:17 mins Synopsis: This is a special episode of The Straits Times' video series The Big Story. A comprehensive review of issues affecting women is being undertaken, with the aim of bringing about a cultural and mindset change on values such as gender equality and respect for women. Minister of...

Recording & interview originally published: Jan 12, 2020 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 22: "I was a late bloomer," says Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki 3:35 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Robert Kiyosaki was 50 in 1997 when his self-help book Rich Dad Poor Dad was published. Its ideas defied conventional wi...

#GameOfTwoHalves Ep 101: EPL round-up, and success in elite sport with unconventional methods 19:17 mins Synopsis:  #GameofTwoHalves is The Straits Times' weekly sports podcast that is out every Tuesday. This week, Money FM's Howie Lim hosts ST assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath and sports correspondent Sazali Abdul Aziz and the trio talk about the English Premier League action over the w...

Recording & interview originally published: Dec 29, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 21: From one spa, Cynthia Chua now has a $100m lifestyle empire 3:55 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Entrepreneur Cynthia Chua has always been able to smell The Next Big Thing, whether it's Brazilian waxing, Tiong Bahru or farm-to-...

Recording & interview originally published: Nov 3, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 20: Not yet 30, Rimowa CEO Alexandre Arnault is on a roll re-inventing the German luggage brand 3:27 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Alexandre Arnault's style as chief executive of Rimowa is to be participatory. "I try to have every...

Portraits Of Purpose Podcast Ep 2: NamZ - making people healthier one meal at a time 8:13 mins Synopsis: This is the second episode of The Straits Times' Portraits Of Purpose podcast series brought to you by DBS Bank. In this series, we speak to social entrepreneurs making a difference. Nothing shines brighter in the midst of adversity than light born of hope, courage, perseverance and generosity....

Recording & interview originally published: Oct 20, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 19: "To solve a problem, build trust and relationships first," says Desmond Lee 3:55 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Mr Desmond Lee is part of the 4G - fourth generation - leadership that is taking shape to lead Singapore. No matte...

Bookmark This! Ep 16: The Discomfort Of Literature 22:16 mins Synopsis: A monthly literary podcast by The Straits Times featuring titles in the headlines and sizzling reads. Literary discomfort is having a winning streak of late, from Marieke Lucas Rijneveld's unsettling Dutch novel The Discomfort Of Evening snagging the International Booker Prize and Marylyn Tan becoming the first woman poet to s...

Recording & interview originally published: Oct 6, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 18: Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi on how 'immigrant's fear' made her succeed 2:38 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. In the world of C-suiters, former PepsiCo CEO and chairman Indra Nooyi is something of a legend and certainly an insp...

Asian Insider Ep 40: Myanmar's NLD still likely election winner amid conflict and Covid-19 14:56 mins Synopsis: Every Friday, together with our stable of 30 correspondents based around the world, The Straits Times gives an Asian perspective on the global talking points of the week. As Myanmar goes to the polls, Aung San Suu Kyi's popularity with the Bamar Buddhist majority will prevail, analysts R...

Green Pulse Ep 30: What has Covid-19 taught Singapore about sustainability: Desmond Lee 12:58 mins Synopsis: Green Pulse is an environmental podcast series by The Straits Times which analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.  Minister for National Development Desmond Lee speaks with ST's environment correspondent Audrey Tan on his vision for a...

Recording & interview originally published: Sept 29, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 17: Motorsports supremo Jean Todt on living life in the fast lane 3:04 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Motorsports supremo Jean Todt talks about his love Michelle Yeoh, the greatest Formula One driver ever and using his name to do...

Recording & interview originally published: Sept 22, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 16: Andrew Kwan on building brands that nourish the world 3:31 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. From the Pastamania chain to farming barramundi, Andrew Kwan hothouses local food brands and helps them grow. Read Sumiko's full story...

Recording & interview originally published: Sept 8, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 15: Manpower Minister Josephine Teo on politics, career and family 3:41 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. In a world of politics where remarks are often filtered, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo remains refreshingly frank. Read Sumik...

#GameOfTwoHalves Ep 100: Lions skipper and Liverpool fan Hariss Harun reviews Leeds goal fest 12:20 mins Synopsis:  #GameofTwoHalves is The Straits Times' weekly sports podcast that is out every Tuesday. The English Premier League returned over the weekend, and defending champions Liverpool were given a scare by newly-promoted Leeds United before winning 4-3. Money FM's Rachel Kelly hosts ST...

#PopVultures Ep 32: All You Need To Know About #FreeBritney 34:54 mins Synopsis: A podcast by The Straits Times that examines all the ins and outs of pop culture, be it Asian entertainment or Hollywood. Oops!...The #PopVultures did it again this week with yet another action-packed episode, this time on the #FreeBritney movement that has taken social media by storm. Hosts Jan and Sam Jo Break The I...

Recording & interview originally published: Aug 25, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 14: Philip Jeyaretnam on work, public service, politics and life with his late father 3:46 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. If life were a book, Philip Jeyaretnam is now at a happy chapter, finding purpose in work, public service -...

Recording & interview originally published: Aug 11, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 13: CEO of online food firm Grain is hungry for success 3:07 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Yong Yi Sung is co-founder and CEO of Grain, which describes itself as an "online food company that believes in improving lives through me...

Portraits Of Purpose Podcast Ep 1: Boxgreen - a profitable business nuts about doing good? 06:58 mins Synopsis: This is the first episode of The Straits Times' Portraits Of Purpose podcast series brought to you by DBS Bank. In this series, we speak to social entrepreneurs making a difference. Nothing shines brighter in the midst of adversity than light born of hope, courage, perseverance and gener...

Recording & interview originally published: July 14, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 12: Keeping a 108-year-old family business alive 3:08 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. The Eng siblings - Kenny, Andy and Shannon - are doing their darnedest to help re-invent their 108-year-old family business, one among a small g...

Asian Insider Ep 39: India & China edging towards more serious conflict in the Himalayas? 15:47 mins Synopsis: Every Friday, together with our stable of 30 correspondents based around the world, The Straits Times gives an Asian perspective on the global talking points of the week. ST's US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh hosts Hudson Institute South Asia expert Aparna Pande, and ST's global affairs c...

The Big Story Ep 37: Singapore risks returning to Covid-19 circuit breaker if F&B outlets remain errant  10:16 mins Synopsis: This is a special episode of The Straits Times' video series The Big Story. This past weekend, seven F&B outlets in popular nightspots were found not complying with safe distancing measures. Each outlet has been fined $1,000. Why are F&B outlets bending the...

Recording & interview originally published: June 16, 2019 Lunch With Sumiko Ep 11: "I do it as long as it's the right thing to do", says Shanmugam 4:11 mins Synopsis: The Straits Times' executive editor Sumiko Tan gets up close with newsmakers over lunch - and a selfie. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam isn't one to shy away from tackling the hard issues of politics and policies. Read...

The Big Story Ep 35: Expert says more awareness needed for eGSS 4:41 mins Synopsis: This is a special episode of The Straits Times' video series The Big Story. For the first time in 26 years, the Great Singapore Sale will be largely online this year, and many retailers will be using live streams in a bid to boost sales. Singapore Polytechnic's School of Business' senior lecturer Amos Tan breaks do...