Plan B

He served in the US Marines, became a CIA case officer, and later ran for the US House of Representatives. Now, Adam Dunigan joins us to unpack the geopolitical tensions reshaping the world, from China’s rise as a global power to the growing rivalry between major nations. While Dunigan says a full-scale World War 3 may not be here yet, he argues that proxy wars are already being fought, and that recognising this is not fearmongering, as some have claimed. So how close are we to a wider global conflict, especially as we’re in the Trump era, where the rules-based order no longer seems to be adhered to?

At a time when companies are freezing hiring and wage growth remains a concern, news that ministers are getting a pay increase is bound to raise eyebrows. But is it necessarily unjustified? It’s the first adjustment in 15 years, and Singapore has long been transparent about how political salaries are determined. PM Lawrence Wong has also raised concerns about getting more Singaporeans, including those from the private sector, to enter politics. So while the pay hike may be hard to swallow, perhaps the bigger question is: do we get what we pay for, especially if higher salaries can indeed attract more capable people into government?

What exactly makes someone Singaporean? It’s a question that has resurfaced in recent years, but came sharply into focus after news broke of Singaporeans missing in the Nepal-Tibet floods. While many expressed concern, some were quick to question whether the victims were “really Singaporean”, particularly those with Indian-sounding names. Against a backdrop of several viral incidents and online debates surrounding CECA and the Indian community in Singapore, the hostility has raised questions about how nationality itself becomes something people feel entitled to question. So, what can actually be done? We might have a solution, but it could be controversial.

With Malaysia’s elections on the horizon, we’re bringing back a guest (and a requested one) who knows Malaysian politics inside out: Dr Nawab. From the rise of the conservative “green wave” to the resurgence of Barisan Nasional, Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting. And with Singapore-Malaysia ties more important than ever, what could these changes mean for us across the Causeway? With the Johor-Singapore RTS Link and growing cross-border business activity bringing the two countries even closer, should Singapore businesses be paying closer attention to what happens next?

The biggest takeaway from this year’s National Day Rally? The Government appears to have hit the panic button on Singapore’s declining total fertility rate (TFR), rolling out more measures to support families. While parents may welcome perks such as more childcare leave and lower childcare costs, singles may wonder where they fit in. If colleagues with children get more leave, for instance, will their single colleagues be expected to pick up the slack, even when they have commitments of their own? So, if you’re single, do you feel left out by this year’s NDR measures?