Yah Lah But

The latest paper from the Ministry of Finance shows Singapore’s wealth inequality exceeds income inequality, while median household incomes continue to rise. Elsewhere, a cleaner was dismissed by BreadTalk after a viral video showed them cleaning store shelves with a broom. 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 Check out the second season of our edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics...

We get Singapore’s favourite funnyman, comedian Rishi Budhrani as a guest host on this episode! You’ll be surprised where we go, as we start with 2 everyday news topics, but end up going deep into what it means to lead a life of meaning. In the first topic, Singapore’s plastic bag charge has raised millions of dollars, but how supermarket chains use the proceeds is drawing scrutiny after they all...

Mark Tan of Rice Media joins us in the YLB studio to debate retrenchment benefits, after SMS Koh Poh Koon defended keeping retrenchment payouts non-mandatory, while WP’s Pritam Singh suggested differentiated rules for bigger firms. We also cross the line to talk about Amos Yee’s letter to the Singapore government to oppose his impending deportation back to Singapore, and public reactions to his po...

There’s been a lot of renewed interest in gold, so we got Allen Kuo, Chief Investment Officer of Singlife, to walk us through everything we need to know about the asset. He goes deep into the philosophy and history of gold, explaining its value as a riskless benchmark, and more poignantly, what its price can tell us about geopolitics today. We also make a detour into 90s nostalgia and shared cultu...

Half a year into her sojourn into politics, MP Jasmin Lau joins YLB to discuss parenting tradeoffs, tuition culture, and why policy change is hard in Singapore. She also addresses educational reform, and how online clips can distort public perception - in particular, her recent exchange in Parliament with an opposition MP about the characterization of TraceTogether as a “fiasco”. Find Jasmin Lau h...

Scams are getting increasingly common, and we are all at risk. In this episode, we chat with Aaron Chiew, Group Head of Digital Channels, Institutional Banking Group at DBS Bank, who explains why modern scams are less about hacking and more about manipulating trust and routine processes, powered by AI and better “research” on targets. We also explore practical countermeasures companies and employe...

Kian Boon from Red Dot Perspective steps in as a guest host to discuss the spiciest topics of the week! First, we break down Gan Kim Yong’s comments at an IPS’ Singapore Perspectives 2026 conference that our “We First” motto could include foreigners. Elsewhere, we cut through the noise of the PropertyLimBrothers alleged cheating scandal that has been living rent-free in Singaporeans’ minds for the...

Childhood myopia is rising at an alarming rate in Singapore. The good news is it is not inevitable. We sit down with Dr Au Eong Kah Guan to unpack why myopia is so common, why it matters to slow it down early and how parents can take practical, science-backed steps to delay its onset and progression. Dr Au Eong also explains why myopia is increasingly seen as a preventable condition, not just a ge...

WP rejects PM Wong’s request to nominate a new Leader of the Opposition, and PMO says the LO office will stay vacant. Elsewhere, there’s huge backlash over 3 polytechnics using AI-generated open house posters, similar to what PUB did for a campaign poster at Chinatown MRT. 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 Check out the second season of our edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics y...

Note: This was recorded at 11am on Wed, 21 Jan 2026, before WP’s statement rejecting the LO nomination. As the Workers’ Party weighs who should replace Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition, Singapore also responds to a surprising US invitation to join Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace”. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (𝙎𝙄𝙁) 𝘚𝘐𝘍 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴, 𝘪𝘥𝘦...

Ruth Saw, an adult professional trainer, reflects on her personal journey of confidence and growth, and how lived experience shaped her approach to learning and leadership. She also discusses why SkillsFuture often faces scepticism, how her own perspective on SkillsFuture changed, and what accredited trainers have to go through that helps separate real capability from just certification. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙨...

Tensions were rife as Parliament backed a motion expressing regret over Pritam Singh’s conduct, deeming him unfit to continue as Leader of the Opposition. Elsewhere, Bayfront MRT frosts mirrors at a popular dance spot. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Terence: Jay Chou brin...

MOS Jasmin Lau and WP MP Kenneth Tiong spar in Parliament over an amendment that will allow public sector data to be shared with trusted external partners. Elsewhere, a Singaporean F&B solopreneur in London faces a trademark dispute with Warner Bros over “Crazy Rich” branding. 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 Check out the second season of our edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of...

Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, files a motion to consider Pritam Singh’s suitability as Leader of the Opposition, while Hwa Chong addresses claims surrounding student meals and disciplinary action over the recent food controversy. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Tere...

Amalina Nasir, a youth leader and advocate for interfaith work in Singapore, shares her work bridging young Singaporeans with global communities. Drawing on her professional experience in big tech and her time as a former member of the Board of Governors of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), she reflects on online discourse, youth engagement, and how perspectives shaped through regional...

A photo of an Incoming NMP, Dr Haresh Singaraju, wearing a PAP shirt sparks renewed debate over the scheme’s neutrality. Elsewhere, “cookhouse-style” meals at Hwa Chong leads to backlash and a petition calling for changes to school food providers. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵! 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘱 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 5...

The Singapore MFA expresses “grave concern” over US intervention in Venezuela, but what does it mean for regular citizens like us? Elsewhere, the new batch of 9 Nominated Members of Parliament have been announced. 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 Check out the second season of our edutainment podcast that dives into a fascinating array of topics you never knew you needed to know! This week, we talk about S...

PM Wong delivered his New Year’s message, highlighting Singapore’s 4.8% economic growth over 2025, while also calling for a refreshed strategy going into 2026. We also review the messages from the opposition parties. Elsewhere, a STOMP article got backlash for their article complaining about a $9.20 bowl of yong tau foo, which left the family of the stallowner hurt after it went viral. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂...

After an epic trip to the UK in early December, we reflect on the whole experience, discussing football & sporting culture in the UK vs Singapore, class and race dynamics, our first ever International YLB Live Show and how Singapore is viewed from abroad, alongside the personal moments and observations that shaped the journey.  𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀!  Kitman Adam Photographer Sharon Ar...

Recorded onsite in London, we speak with Cliff Tan, architect and creator of Dear Modern, on how a “very Singaporean” path led him to global fame. Cliff breaks down his passion for feng shui without the mysticism, how COVID quarantine sparked his content breakthrough, and explains the ins and outs of his current business which includes online consultations, books and much more. So now you know! (0...

Recorded onsite at Burnley FC, we speak with Sean Bai, Chief of Staff of Football about Singapore’s AFC Asian Cup qualification, belief under pressure, and lessons from inside an English football club. He also shares his experience of being the only Singaporean in a UK football club, and how the “kampung” spirit is alive in Burnley. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗖! Burnley FC’s website Burnley FC on Instagra...

It’s the first-ever SINKIE AWARDS! This is the inaugural version of our own Yah Lah But Year-end Awards, and it’s unlike any Singaporean award show you’ve ever seen. “Sinkies” will be given out across 6 categories that involve defining news stories and newsworthy individuals. Follow along, and let us know if you agree or disagree. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆 If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help...

Singapore won 52 gold medals at the SEA Games, but during a review, Mark Chay, Secretary General of SNOC, criticised football and badminton performances. Separately, an influencer came under investigation over alleged conduct involving her pet dog, drawing widespread attention and official scrutiny.  𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮 Check out the second season of our edutainment podcast that dives into a f...

Bertha Henson returns to talk to us about her reflections on GE2025, how the senior and new ministers have been faring, as well as her latest book: “How To Be A Singapore Election SUPERSTAR“. We also discuss the role of Singaporean voters, how media is evolving (sometimes not for the better), and the recent controversy involving Pritam Singh and CNA. (00:00) Words of Wisdom (00:45) Intro (01:27) B...

A shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach prompted global scrutiny and increased police patrols in Singapore, alongside statements condemning hate-based violence. Separately, a Bras Basah food court stall drew attention for charging a flat S$2 for all hot coffees and teas. 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧: 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳...