CNA Special

Singapore’s split from Malaysia is often told as a political story of a short-lived union. But in the background was another, quieter partnership - between Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo. What role did the famously private Mdm Kwa play? In this special standalone episode, we hear her for the first time in her own words, through recently released oral history tapes.Credit: From the oral history interview of Kwa Geok Choo (Accession No 000118, Track No 32), oral history interview of Devan Nair (Accession Number 000049, Track 25) and oral history of Lee Kuan Yew (Accession Number 000080, Track 82), Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified is a permanent exhibition at Level 10 of the National Library Building. Admission is free but visitors have to make a booking at https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s sudden independence on Aug 9,1965 shocked the nation - but Dr Goh Keng Swee’s “Albatross File” shows the split had been taking shape for months. Newly released oral history interviews with key figures, including Singapore’s first Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, give an intimate look on what unfolded behind the scenes. Producers Peh Yuxin and Clarisse Goh speak with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information Senior Adviser Janadas Devan to trace the political pressures and turning points that led to separation - all to tackle the big question: Was Singapore pushed out, or did it choose to leave?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, hopes were high. But a secret file kept by then-Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, code-named the “Albatross”, reveals a far more fragile union. CNA producers Peh Yuxin and Clarisse Goh sit down with Janadas Devan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to unpack the historical reasons, political tensions, clashing economic visions, and rising racial politics that pulled the merger apart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the call that all parents dread – news that his 17-year-old son took his life. Five years on, “Sean” still grapples with the reasons why. The reality is that one in three young people in Singapore experience significant mental health challenges. What’s driving these numbers? Crispina Robert goes in search of answers and speaks to people living through their own darkness and professionals on the frontlines.   WHERE TO SEEK HELP   If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello@youthline.sg. Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat@sos.org.sg. Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week.   National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sneha left the hospital after her suicide attempt, she returned to a reality she loathed. But that proved to be a critical turning point and set her on the road to recovery. With the national infrastructure ramping up to help young people cope with their mental health challenges, other deeper shifts in their personal lives deserve attention too. But who holds the key to tackling these? In part two, Crispina Robert investigates the crucial ingredients to combat this mental health scourge.  WHERE TO SEEK HELP   If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello@youthline.sg. Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat@sos.org.sg. Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week.   National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xander traces Chia’s final moments before his arrest, uncovering the ridiculous amounts he was betting. As Chia’s debts grow and cheques bounce, the consequences catch up. Was he ever in control?  Directed by Ken MinehanWritten by Juliana SeahProduced by Savitha Arumugam and Toh SherminSound Design: GrydExecutive Producers: Audrey Anthoney and Jeevan NathanCommissioning Editor: Shamala Rajendran This podcast series is produced by Protagonist by M for CNA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xander finds out more about the women in Chia’s life: true love or part of his scheme? As his fraud and bets escalate, he’s trapped in a cycle of deception. How much longer can he play this game?  Directed by Ken MinehanWritten by Juliana SeahProduced by Savitha Arumugam and Toh SherminSound Design: GrydExecutive Producers: Audrey Anthoney and Jeevan NathanCommissioning Editor: Shamala Rajendran This podcast series is produced by Protagonist by M for CNA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xander uncovers how Chia Teck Leng began his scheme, using APB’s name for loans, stealing funds, and silencing doubters. As he gains trust, foreign banks fuel his fraud. How far will he go to hide it?  Directed by Ken MinehanWritten by Juliana SeahProduced by Savitha Arumugam and Toh SherminSound Design: GrydExecutive Producers: Audrey Anthoney and Jeevan NathanCommissioning Editor: Shamala Rajendran This podcast series is produced by Protagonist by M for CNA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast host Xander investigates Chia Teck Leng’s 20-year-old case, uncovering the truth behind the man and his first taste of gambling. Was Chia a skilled player, or just a man chasing a losing hand?  Directed by Ken MinehanWritten by Juliana SeahProduced by Savitha Arumugam and Toh SherminSound Design: GrydExecutive Producers: Audrey Anthoney and Jeevan NathanCommissioning Editor: Shamala Rajendran This podcast series is produced by Protagonist by M for CNA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the ashes of the devastation wrought by the 2004 Boxing Day Asian tsunami, emerges a precious chance for peace, change and growth. In the second of a special two-part CNA podcast, survivors talk about overcoming trauma, and how future generations are being prepared for the next natural disaster. This podcast is adapted from the CNA documentary “The Waves that Changed Us”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The devastating Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 swallowed entire communities. Twenty years on, survivors share how the enduring grief lingers on in their lives. In the first of a special two-part CNA podcast, we tell the stories of those whose lives are forever changed. This podcast is adapted from the CNA documentary “The Waves that Changed Us”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting confined was a shared experience in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, as many as 300 million people across 70 cities were in some form of a lockdown under the government’s strict zero-COVID policy. But imagine being trapped in a place you can’t leave. In the second of a two-part special, CNA correspondent Wei Du hears the heartbreaking stories of two people who found that the longest journey in the world, was the one to get back home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"There were only two things on my mind, to find food and to not go crazy.” For millions of residents in China, the mandatory lockdown in mid-2022 still lingers like a recurring nightmare. In the first of a two-part special, CNA correspondent Wei Du traces the steps of people whose lives were upended by China’s zero-COVID policy and who are still grappling with the sudden end of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second of a two-part special, Singaporean swindler Jerald Low tells his version of the story from behind bars and the interview raises the question: Can you believe every word he says? Singapore’s first criminal forensic psychologist weighs in and gives us a peek into the mind of a serial swindler. For its insightful look into criminal psychology, this narrative podcast won Gold for Crime & Mystery at the w3 awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of a two-part special, the Serial Swindler dives into the crimes of 27-year-old Jerald Low, arguably Singapore's most prolific serial scammer. To some of his victims, he’s a shrewd investor who is always on the lookout for the next business opportunity. To others, he’s searching for the love of his life. Who is the real Jerald Low? And how does he convince so many people to believe his web of lies? For its insightful look into criminal psychology, this narrative podcast won Gold for Crime & Mystery at the w3 awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physical injuries are par for the course for any professional athlete. Yet, behind their blood, sweat and tears to achieve sporting success, another foe lurks – an insidious adversary existing in their minds. In this special CNA podcast, national swimmer Quah Ting Wen and mixed martial arts fighter Angela Lee-Pucci share why it took them so long to talk openly about their mental health struggles and how they have learnt to tame their minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The horrific case of a 5-year-old boy who was scalded and abused to death at the hands of his parents has led some people to ask - how can anyone be so cruel to their own child. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Jaydip Sarkar who assessed the boy’s mother and Cindy Ng-Tay, director of Melrose Home, give some answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.