Political Prude: The Podcast

Welcome to Season 4 of Political Prude: The Podcast! We begin our season with a sit-down conversation with Professor Tommy Koh, exploring Singapore’s political landscape through one of the most unique vantage points possible. As a diplomat, lawyer and public servant who worked closely with Singapore’s First-Generation leaders, Professor Koh offers reflections that help us understand our nation’s political development in a far more textured and human way.In this conversation, we unpack the principles that shaped his approach to public service, what he learnt from leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S. Rajaratnam, and why relationship-building, or what he calls “makan diplomacy”, remains essential in politics today. Drawing from stories in his new memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, we also hear about the defining moments he witnessed and the values he hopes younger Singaporeans will carry forward.If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode02:54 Why Call Prof. Tommy Calls Himself an "Ordinary Man"05:12 Memories of Pre-War Singapore 09:00 Predicting Singapore's Survival as an Independent Nation11:02 Challenging Lee Kuan Yew 13:03 Navigating Difficult Situations13:55 Being Genuine and Speaking Up15:22 Influence of Parents & Love for the Arts 17:29 Working with Singapore’s Founding Fathers 19:02 The Private Side of Lee Kuan Yew 20:30 Singapore’s Culture of Excellence21:07 Dr. Goh Keng Swee Singapore’s Most Valuable Player 25:19 Lessons from S. Rajaratnam 28:05 Key Lessons from Working in Early Singapore28:22 Pioneering Singapore’s Foreign Service at the UN31:03 How to Navigate Delicate Situations & Professionalism35:56 Makan Diplomacy39:01 Three Critical Lessons and Reflections41:02 Not Taking Singapore’s Independence for Granted42:12 Not Taking Racial Harmony For Granted43:10 Importance of Social Equity44:02 Tommy Koh on Sustaining Optimism45:18 Closing Remarks46:49 End of Episode

We're ending our GE2025 series on a high, with a guest we're so honoured to have back on the show! Join us for a special results analysis episode with none other than Singapore’s beloved diplomatic veteran, Professor Tommy Koh. Professor Koh is currently a Special Adviser at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore and has been the Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His remarkable career as a diplomat, lawyer, professor, and author, in addition to serving as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1968 to 1971, is a testament to his extraordinary expertise, and we’re so deeply honoured to have him back again as our guest on this episode.The results were surprising for some. What drove the GE2025 results? In this episode, we dive deep into it, and explore the reasons behind the PAP's increased support, how various opposition parties performed, and what the results signal for the nation. We also break down the key lessons learned and look at what the next five years could hold for Singapore's political journey.Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode00:35 Introduction02:30 Thoughts on GE2025 Results03:04 Reasons Behind PAP’s Success04:21 PM Wong’s Popularity06:13 What Makes PAP a Safe Choice?06:53 Extent of “Negative Politics” in GE202507:34 Cleaner Politics in GE202510:23 Foreign Interference and Unity Against It12:21 Why Did Rally Attendance Not Translate to Votes14:00 Rise of Casual Political Discussion14:30 Performance of New Candidates15:58 More Female Candidates Stepping Up17:22 Treatment of Women in Politics18:35 Income-Allianz Deal21:09 The Workers' Party (WP) Performance22:17 Other Opposition Parties' Performance24:15 Independent Candidates’ Performance25:25 Future of Independent Candidates27:02 Biggest Lessons from GE202528:30 Call for Unity from President Tharman30:17 Conclusion30:56 End of Episode

Your votes are in! GE2025 is over, but the fun isn't! Welcome to the first-ever PRUDE AWARDS by Political Prude: The Podcast! 🏆Join Joel Lim, Fauzi Aziz, Daisy Mitchell, and Megan Chia as they roll out the red carpet and dish out accolades for the most unforgettable moments of Singapore's General Election 2025. From Best Vocal Performance that hit all the high notes (and some low ones!) to the Best Rally Speeches that fired up the crowds, the most Viral Social Media Moments, head-turning Newcomers, and the coveted GE2025 Main Character Award, we cover it all!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Daisy Mitchell - @daisyannemitchellFauzi Aziz - @mynameisfauziMegan Chia - @meggychiaaaaChapters:00:00 Start of Episode00:48 Show Introduction01:31 Start of show02:05 Category 1: Best Vocal Performance06:12 Category 2: Best Rally Speech10:38 Category 3: Best Campaign Slogan15:18 Category 4: Best Social Media Moment21:44 Category 5: Best Newcomer Award28:12 Category 6: GE2025 Main Character Award34:05 Quality of Opposition Representation35:10 Importance of National vs Municipal Issues36:50 Significance of Election Results38:26 Concerns with Singapore’s Electoral System39:35 PM Wong’s Style of Politics41:15 Wrap Up43:04 End of Episode

We are all familiar with the PAP brand, but how much do we understand the PAP of today? Joining us this episode is Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Assistant Secretary General of the People's Action Party, who will help answer questions on the reasoning behind the policies and the trade-offs involved. He will also give us some insight into the 4G leadership, and their vision for Singapore moving into the the nation's next chapter.If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode01:06 Show Introduction & PAP Focus01:51 Introducing Chan Chun Sing02:17 What Does the PAP Stand For?05:04 4G Leadership vs. Past Generations06:29 Is the New PAP Team Ready and Equipped for What’s Next?15:32 PAP Candidates vs. Opposition New Faces18:02 Same Mold? PAP’s New Faces and the Groupthink Question23:52 PAP’s Approach: Remedying Mistakes and Tackling Issues26:38 PAP's Greatest Strength for GE202528:11 Tackling Policy Criticisms35:46 PAP’s Approach to Low Birth Rates & Population37:07 Immigration Concerns43:57 Advice to Voters: Key Considerations45:45 Why Young Voters Should Consider PAP46:04 Closing Remarks46:38 End of Episode

This episode, we’re joined by Spencer Ng, Secretary-General of the National Solidarity Party (NSP). The NSP is one of Singapore's longer-standing opposition parties, advocating for a multi-party system that balances economic progress and nation-building.This episode is part of our GE2025 special, spotlighting various political parties. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode00:42 Introducing the National Solidarity Party (NSP)01:30 NSP’s History and Values: Past and Present04:38 What Sets NSP Apart from Other Opposition?06:04 Profile of NSP Supporters: Rational Moderates07:45 NSP’s Core Values: Service & Loyalty08:28 NSP's Centrist Approach & Balancing Act09:16 NSP’s Analysis of the HDB Issue11:31 Candidate Qualities: Passion & Sincerity13:05 NSP as a Starting Ground for Prominent Politicians?15:39 Young Candidate Spotlight: Zee (Tampines GRC)17:39 Nicole Seah: Seeking the Next 'Star Catch'?19:32 How is NSP Reaching Young Voters?22:27 NSP’s Slogan and Goals: “Your Future, Our Priority”25:12 Opposition Unity a Fantasy? NSP On Multi-Cornered Fights31:15 Sembawang GRC History & NSP's Entry33:04 NSP’s Compromises Made for Opposition Unity34:48 NSP’s Strategy in Multi-Cornered Fights36:46 NSP Policy: Cap GST at 9% & Improve Investments39:16 Appeal to Swing Voters: What Can NSP Bring To Parliament40:29 NSP's Vision for Singapore40:58 How to Learn More About NSP41:26 NSP Manifesto Key Points Summary42:15 Why Young Voters Should Consider NSP43:33 Closing Remarks44:07 End of Episode

This episode, we’re unpacking the Singapore Democratic Alliance’s (SDA) big dreams for Singapore: reviving trust in politics, bringing diverse voices to Parliament, and ensuring the average Singaporean isn’t left behind. We’re joined today by Chairman Mr Desmond Lim as well as former Most Valuable Party (MVP) candidate Chia Yun Kai, who has since joined the SDA as a candidate. This episode is part of our GE2025 special, spotlighting various political parties. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode01:03 Introducing the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA)01:44 What is the SDA? Formation and Coalition02:36 Chia Yun Kai: From MVP to SDA03:53 SDA's Core Values & Mr. Chiam See Tong's Legacy05:27 SDA vs. Other Alliances: Focus on Action05:58 Why the Colour Green? Announcing a Change to Navy Blue07:22 Chia Yun Kai On Reaching Out To Other Parties08:13 SDA's Target Voters: Inclusivity09:08 SDA Values: Service Before Self & People First10:35 Key Issues & Campaign Slogan11:18 Policy Focus: Human Resources & Affordable Housing12:29 Contesting in Pasir Ris-Changi13:05 The SDA Team & Proposed Programs17:05 SDA’s Message to Young Voters19:25 On Facing PAP Heavyweights21:03 Stance on the Party Whip: People Over Party22:22 Election Sentiments22:56 Community Work & Sincerity Over Branding24:05 Debating the Importance of Branding26:26 Chiam See Tong School of Thought27:39 Addressing Mr. Desmond Lim’s Eloquence Concerns30:08 Is Voting Opposition a Risk?31:01 Addressing Concerns of Voting for Someone New33:18 What SDA Brings to Parliament34:50 Why Should Young Voters Consider the SDA?35:42 Closing Remarks36:18 End of Episode

This episode, we're getting to know the PAR, People's Alliance for Reform. PAR's leader, Mr. Lim Tean, joins us this episode to share about the alliance. This episode is part of our GE2025 special, spotlighting various political parties. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode01:14 Introducing the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) & Mr. Lim Tean01:43 Welcoming Mr. Lim Tean02:08 What is the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR)?05:32 Benefits of an Alliance vs. Building a Single Party Brand06:46 Are Two-Party Systems Outdated? Proportional Representation10:15 How PAR Differentiates Itself from Other Opposition Parties12:17 Effects of Migration 16:49 National Service for New Citizens18:29 Who Does PAR Resonate With?20:21 Rising HDB Prices23:22 PAR's Key Policy Proposals for GE202524:48 TFR and Tackling Singapore's Low Fertility Rate29:25 Cutting Political Salaries & Abolishing Mayors37:41 Who Are PAR's Candidates?38:48 PAR: Slogan, Online Presence, Media Critique40:23 PAR’s Election Rally Plans41:23 Candidates to Watch from PAR43:18 Singapore’s Gains with PAR in Parliament46:21 Lim Tean Clarifies Controversy Over Non-Singaporean Girl on National Day Banner49:00 Final Pitch: Why Young Voters Should Support PAR51:09 Wrapping Up & Thank You51:26 Closing Remarks51:58 End of Episode

In this party-centric episode of our GE2025 Special, Mr. Steve Chia from the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) joins us to introduce the party to our community. He also unpacks SPP’s plans to fight for Singapore's future, including their proposals to support young families, make public transport work for people over profit, and ensure every voice counts in Singapore’s future.Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode01:54 About the SPP and What It Stands For02:41 How the SPP Differs from Other Political Parties in Singapore03:39 Electoral Strategy: Targeting the Undecided Voter05:44 Core Values, Key Concerns & Accountability Focus07:07 Chiam See Tong's Legacy & Balancing with Current Appeal08:56 Key Manifesto Proposals: Economy, Fertility & Housing13:24 Party Slogan Explained: "It Is Time"13:57 SPP Candidates: Ground Representation vs. The Elite Argument14:51 What Do SPP Candidates Bring To the Table?18:08 SPP's Approach: Listening, Experience & Engagement20:01 SPP’s GE2025 Strategy20:57 Key Issues SPP is Focusing On22:32 Engaging Voters: Rallies and Youth Appeal23:30 SPP Candidates Voters Should Look Out For24:29 Constituency Strategy: Potong Pasir & Bishan-Toa Payoh Significance28:31 Where to Find Information on SPP28:53 SPP in Parliament: Past Contributions & Vision for Multi-Party Democracy30:22 Addressing Voter "Risk" Concerns & Defining Success31:46 What Would Singapore Stand to Gain if SPP is Elected?33:48 What Does Success Look Like to SPP?34:18 Final Pitch to Young Voters35:39 Closing Remarks36:15 End of Episode

Who is the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and what sets them apart this GE2025? In this episode of our GE2025 special, we sit down with SDP Chairman and infectious diseases expert Dr. Paul Tambyah to unpack the party’s identity, vision, and strategy. From healthcare to housing and education, we explore the SDP’s core beliefs, its evolution since 1980, and how it positions itself within Singapore’s political landscape. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!This podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode02:35 Welcoming Dr. Paul Tambyah03:32 About the SDP and What It Stands For05:37 The Left and Right of Politics06:37 The SDP’s Values08:51 How the SDP Differs from Other Political Parties in Singapore11:34 Reevaluating Who to Vote for in GE202514:37 Defining ‘Parachuting’ in Singapore Politics15:47 Qualities the SDP Looks for When Fielding Candidates17:02 Key Issues the SDP Will Focus on If Elected to Parliament18:20 The SDP’s Northern Strategy20:50 On Announcing Where the SDP Intends to Contest in GE202522:37 Key Messages for Young Voters25:24 The SDP’s Strategy for GE202527:12 Why Young Voters Should Attend Election Rallies28:47 What to Expect from an Election Rally30:30 Understanding the SDP’s Manifesto35:06 Reaching Out to Young Voters: The SDP’s Approach36:22 Addressing the "Mad Man" Perception of Chee Soon Juan38:07 Why Paul Tambyah Chose to Join Politics Through the SDP40:48 Being in the Public Eye and Facing Public Scrutiny45:41 The Future of the SDP: Target Demographics47:27 What Success Looks Like for the SDP in GE202548:29 How Having the SDP in Government Could Benefit Singaporeans49:28 Why Young Voters Should Vote for the SDP51:58 Closing Remarks52:53 End of Episode

15 minutes to get to know the PAP's Shawn Loh, who will be contesting in Jalan Besar GRC.

Look, the truth is that many of our peers find politics boring. So we thought, why not reframe learning about politics through a lens that, well, excites?We love a good tarot card reading, so this episode takes a unique detour from our usual format, and we have tarot reader Elaine Mok (Tarot on the Moon) joining us to explore what possibilities lie ahead. More importantly, this episode is meant to be a little refresher of what the major parties have faced and are facing entering this election season. We're using tarot as a tool to discuss potential challenges, opportunities, and the general ~vibe surrounding the key players in the upcoming election. Think of it as a different kind of sense-making exercise, a new way to engage with politics.Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Political Prude – @politicalprudeJoel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠

In the final episode of our crash course to get us prepared for GE2025, we're learning about Singapore's political landscape. It might sound like a huge undertaking, but hey, if we can be so familiar with all the Great Houses of the Game of Thrones universe, Singapore politics won't be all that complicated.Joining us is Dr. Elvin Ong, an Asst Professor at NUS teaching political science who also specialises in Southeast Asian politics.We will trace the key developments in Singapore's party history, map out the current political landscape, and discuss the functions expected of different parties. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Political Prude – @politicalprudeJoel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode02:53 How Did Party Politics Start?05:54 The Political Parties of Singapore09:36 Left Wing vs Right Wing in Singapore13:06 Dynamics of the Ruling & Opposition Party15:22 What is Horsetrading in General Elections?19:49 Why is it Harder to Compete in GRCs?24:51 The Goal of an Opposition Party27:27 How DoeChecks & Balances Work?30:22 Tabling A Motion32:10 One Thing to Get Ready This General Elections33:52 Opposing Power: Building Opposition Alliances in Electoral Autocracies34:47 Closing Remarks35:32 End of Episode

Think of yourself as a HR manager. Before you can even award someone a job, you need to first understand what the job even entails. Similarly, when casting our votes this GE, we are essentially giving someone a job.In the second episode of our GE2025 Special, it's another crash course where we break down the fundamentals: What is Parliament, really? What does a Member of Parliament (MP) actually do? And how do we, as voters assess if someone is fit for the role?Joining us for this episode is Dr. Rebecca Grace Tan, a Political Science lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Her topics of expertise centres on contemporary Singapore politics, particularly focusing on the interplay between migration, citizenship, multiculturalism, and national identity. Before receiving her PhD in Politics from the University of Bristol in 2021, Dr. Tan also received her MA in Law, Development & Globalisation from the School of Oriental and African Studies, and a BSocSci (Hons) in Political Science from the National University of Singapore. If you’ve ever felt a little lost about how our system works or what you should be looking for in a candidate, this one’s for you. Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Political Prude – @politicalprudeJoel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters:00:00 Start of Episode 00:07 Episode Overview 00:29 Guest Introduction 00:42 Parliament, Government & Cabinet: What’s the Difference? 03:36 How Singapore’s Parliamentary Democracy Works 05:15 Ministers vs Members of Parliament 06:59 What are MPs? 07:26 What are NCMPs? 08:08 What are NMPs? 09:24 Criticisms of the NCMP Scheme 13:17 What Happens in a Typical Parliament Sitting? 17:53 What is the Party Whip? 23:04 Opposition’s Role in Holding the Government Accountable 27:09 How to Assess an Incumbent MP 28:19 Evaluating MP Performance29:40 Why Representation Can Be More Than Just Policy Outcomes 33:04 Assessing MPs Beyond Parliament 33:26 One Thing to Get Ready35:28 Closing Remark 36:02 End of Episode

It's time to enter your informed voter era. We're kicking off our GE2025 Special series with a power-packed episode featuring a panel of political analysts and academics: Dr. Felix Tan, Dr. Gillian Koh, Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin and Dr. Elvin Ong. We tackle the practical questions many voters face: Where do we even start? How do we think about our vote? What do we prioritise in our decision-making process? We specially designed this episode to offer a spectrum of viewpoints to empower our community, the young adult voters, to develop informed approaches to casting our ballots.Make sure to FOLLOW us on Spotify to show your support, and to avoid missing out on new episodes!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Political Prude – @politicalprudeJoel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters: 00:00 Start of Episode00:07 Episode Overview & Guest Introductions01:35 Where to Begin? Practical First Steps05:22 Why is Our Vote Important?06:31 Can One Vote Make a Difference?07:29 What Happens If You Don't Vote?08:32 Key Considerations Before Voting11:00 Beyond Promises: Judging Candidate Conviction14:00 What Does Being ‘Informed’ Mean?17:19 How to Decide What Matters Most to You24:04 Weighing It All Up: Balancing Voting Factors26:08 How to Critically Assess Election Manifestos27:14 Party vs. Candidate: Navigating Voting Complexities29:04 Debunking Myths About Voting30:10 One Simple Thing to Get Ready for GE202532:26 Closing Remarks33:28 End of Episode

What happens when the world throws you a crisis — or three — and you’re one of the people in charge of keeping the ship steady? In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to unpack how Singapore responds to global turbulence, from pandemics to the most recent Geopolitical news.DPM Gan co-chaired Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic — a defining period that tested not just our public health system, but our entire governance model. We dig into what it was like behind the scenes during those critical months: how decisions were made, what trade-offs had to be balanced, and what leadership under pressure really looks like. But we don’t stop at COVID-19. We zoom out to the big picture — how does Singapore govern in an increasingly unstable world? This conversation explores how Singapore’s crisis management DNA is evolving — and why the choices our leaders make today will shape our place in the world tomorrow.Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!This podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim YongFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GANKIMYONGPAGEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gankimyong/PMO: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/The-Cabinet/Mr-GAN-Kim-YongChapters: 00:00 Opening03:13 Welcoming DPM Gan Kim Yong04:01 How Singapore Leaders Handle Crises06:43 Learning from SARS08:19 The Multi-Ministry Task Force "War Room"09:59 Framework for Decision-Making11:28 Biggest Challenges: Lack of Information & Communication13:42 New Challenge: Navigating Social Media & Misinformation16:19 Making Decisions with Trade-offs20:16 COVID Response: Looking Back at What Went Right 24:17 COVID Response: Looking Back at What Could Be Better26:12 Convincing the Private Sector to Work with the Government27:58 Experience Working Under Four Prime Ministers34:32 Personal Leadership Style38:16 Listening to Two Sides During Crises41:22 Managing Differences Within the Team43:47 International Playing Field During COVID46:30 Risk Assessment During Crises50:28 Key Lessons Learned: Expect the Unexpected53:10 Can AI Aid In Crisis Response in the Future?55:41 How to Approach Crisis Preparedness?58:37 Are the Next Leaders Ready to Handle Any Crisis?01:00:36 Gan Kim Yong Takeaways as a Leader01:04:21 End of Episode

How does a small country like Singapore navigate its international relations at home and abroad? When global conflicts erupt, does a diverse country like Singapore have a say? To give us a broader perspective of what really goes into these decisions, we’re speaking with our very own Minister for Law and Home Affairs, K. Shamugam. Previously serving as Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Shanmugam was instrumental in shaping Singapore’s foreign policies, engaging with global counterparts to address regional and international issues. To enlighten us more about Singapore’s Geopolitical relations, we discussed the inner workings of Singapore’s political stance on global topics, the trade-offs being made, and how the government approaches various public sentiments at home. What is the significance of our voice as citizens? Well, Minister Shanmugam extends his candid thoughts on what it means to engage responsibly in a complex geopolitical climate.Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!This podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠!Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Minister K. ShanmugamFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.shanmugam.pageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kshanmugam_/PMO: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/The-Cabinet/Mr-K-ShanmugamChapters: 00:00 Opening02:35 Welcoming Minister K. Shanmugam03:25 The Current Geopolitical Climate & Why It Matters05:19 Historical Context: The Post-WWII World Order09:10 Examining The Shift In US Administration And The Potential Impacts13:35 How Does Singapore Navigate Survival in Geopolitics18:01 Clarifying Singapore's Stance On International Issues22:33 Addressing The Risks Of Taking A Stand24:41 The Principles Behind Diplomatic Relations27:34 Online Discourse And Youth Expression33:10 Managing Domestic Sentiments34:07 Foreign Interference and Singapore’s Countermeasures38:30 Why Foreign Policy Can Be Misunderstood41:51 Final Takeaway: Navigating An Uncertain World43:17 End of Episode

In this episode, we explore a fundamental question: How do problems in Singapore evolve into policy? Minister of State Sun Xueling joins us this episode to take us behind the scenes of policymaking in Singapore. From identifying complex challenges to formulating responses and adapting strategies over time, this episode charts the journey of policymaking, from big-picture thinking to real-world case studies. But it’s not just about the processes and frameworks. We also delve into her headspace as a policymaker, exploring her personal approach to leadership and decision-making, and how she balances trade-offs in a system that demands both speed and sensitivity.This episode is designed to give listeners a fresh perspective on how Singapore works, offering a rare peek into the mindset of a policymaker and the human considerations behind national strategies.Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!This podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsg⁠Chapters: (00:00) Opening(01:46) Welcoming Ms. Sun Xueling(05:20) Where Does Policymaking Begin?(08:22) How Does the Government Identify Urgent Needs?(10:33) How Are Urgent vs. Long-Term Issues Addressed?(19:29) Who Is Involved in Policymaking?(22:15) Key Metrics to Assess Policy Effectivity(30:00) Balancing Policy Implementation and Inclusivity(35:32) Channels for Policy Feedback(37:45) How Feedback Drives Changes or Policy Implementation(44:18) How Are Policies Effectively Operationalised?(49:46) Criteria of Legislating Policies (52:42) How Policymaking Evolved Over the Years(56:17) Key Principle that Guides Sun Xueling's Decision-Making(56:50) Closing

Singapore has a new British High Commissioner – but what exactly does the High Commissioner do? Sitting in the hot seat this episode is His Excellency Nik Mehta, who has taken over the role in July 2024. He has had a distinguished diplomatic career, including roles such as Political Counsellor in Malaysia, Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in South Korea, and Co-Champion for Race in the UK’s National Security Community. Among his notable achievements is his role in orchestrating the iconic meeting between Blackpink and the King.In our conversation, we’ll explore how Singapore is navigating its colonial legacy today and the evolving discourse around colonialism. We’ll also delve into the role of the British High Commission and Mr. Mehta’s approach to his position. And, given the British High Commission’s links to the royals, we’ll see if he can share any behind-the-scenes stories about the British Royal Family.Hit the 👍 button and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes!This podcast is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠⁠@limxjoelZYRUP Media – ⁠⁠@zyrupmediaZodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠⁠@zodapopsgNik Mehta – @nikmehtafcdoBritish High Commission Singapore – @ukinsingaporeChapter Markers:(00:00) Opening(02:33) Welcoming Nik Mehta(02:40) Working with Blackpink to Tackle Climate Change(08:15) What a British High Commissioner Does(11:50) How UK-SG Partnerships Benefit Singaporeans(13:43) Transitioning from One Government to Another(16:01) British Soft Power Today(17:35) The Concept of Soft Power(20:15) Becoming the British High Commissioner(24:00) Rubbing Shoulders with the Royals(25:59) Planning the Royal Family's Itinerary(28:33) Stories from Past Royal Visits to Singapore(31:19) Managing Media Speculation(34:31) Navigating Singapore’s Colonial History(41:33) Upcoming UK-Singapore Initiatives(43:00) Leveraging Celebrity Platforms for Greater Reach(47:29) Unexpected Career Turns and Diplomatic Challenges(52:10) Importance of Diversity Advocacy(55:19) Lessons from 20 Years of Diplomatic Experience(56:34) Nik’s Closing Words(57:59) Closing

In a youth survey conducted recently, the rising cost of living is a significant issue for many young people in Singapore, with more than eight in 10 youths identifying it as a major concern. How should we understand and manage the rising cost of living, and what measures are Singapore taking?Earlier this year, the annual Budget was announced by Minister for Finance (and now Prime Minister) Lawrence Wong. Does Budget 2024 address the pressures of the rising cost of living? How can it help? What is the Budget, beyond the vouchers and cash payouts that we get excited about?We delve into these topics and more with esteemed economist Selena Ling, the Chief Economist and Head of Global Markets Research & Strategy at OCBC. Known for her insightful articles on policies and the economy, she offers logical, practical, and honest commentary.For more information on Budget 2024, visit go.gov.sg/budget-2024-4.If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – ⁠@limxjoel⁠ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zyrupmedia⁠Zodapop by ZYRUP Media – ⁠@zodapopsgChapter Markers:(00:00) Opening(02:31) Welcoming Selena Ling(02:46) Discussion on the Rising Cost Of Living(04:57) Measures in Budget 2024(11:17) Delaying Life Milestones(17:44) Optimism in a High-Cost Environment(22:02) What the Annual Budget Is(25:49) The Budgeting Process(30:26) Youth Participation In Budget Discussions(33:23) Selena’s Take on Budget 2024(37:43) Finance Tips for Young Adults(40:36) Selena Ling’s Final Words(42:26) Closing

We are capping this PE2023 series with a post-results analysis episode with someone we never expected to have on the show but are deeply honoured to host: Professor Tommy Koh. He is a Special Adviser at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore. He is also a diplomat, lawyer, professor and author who served as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations between 1968 and 1971.In this episode, we pick Prof Koh’s brain on Mr. Tharman’s landslide victory, including the various reasons that led to the unexpectedly wide victory margin. We will also discuss what the future of Singapore with Mr. Tharman as President can look like.If you're interested in partnerships, have general enquiries, or want to launch a podcast, reach out to us at ⁠zodapop@zyrupmedia.com⁠! Follow on Instagram:Joel Lim – @limxjoelZYRUP Media – @zyrupmediaZodapop by ZYRUP Media – @zodapopsgChapter Markers:(00:00) Opening(01:30) Welcoming Prof. Tommy Koh(01:44) Discussion on Tharman's Surprise Landslide Victory(05:48) Discussion on Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian(08:27) Discussion on Politicisation of the Presidential Election(10:40) Discussion on Whether The Results Show Support for PAP(12:00) Discussion on the Relevance of Race in Elections(14:37) Final Reflections on Results(15:25) Discussion on Tharman's Capabilities to Fulfil President Role(23:33) Discussion on Mrs. Tharman, Ms. Jane Ittogi(25:48) Discussion on Social Media and Election Campaigning(29:35) Discussion on Having an Optimistic Leader(31:33) Discussion on Future Challenges and Opportunities(35:00) Discussion on the President-Prime Minister Relationship(38:11) Prof Koh's Final Words(39:22) Closing