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Join us every Friday as we recap the week in news in hard conversations. Follow us on facebook, instagram, twitter and telegram. Read us on www.planb.sg
659 Episodes
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Singapore’s Parliament has just opened with President Tharman pushing a bold “We First” agenda. But what does this mean for a society already known for its competitive edge? On this episode, we question whether systems like PSLE and university admissions clash with the spirit of collective progress, to debating viral flashpoints like the GoJek driver blasting music. We dive deep into the tensions between locals and migrants, the struggles of service workers trying to keep their dignity, and what it all says about where Singapore is headed.[0:40] Opening of 15th Parliament with a "Expats need to respect singaporean culture before living here" mindset[7:50] Gojek driver blasting music[9:58] Understanding Singaporean culture[13:06] Struggles of service industry workers
Shocking recordings of Primary 3 students threatening “I might dissect her into pieces” and “kill you and your husband” have rattled Singapore, raising fears about bullying among children. We get to the heart of the problem with Senior Clinical Psychologist Muhammad Haikal, who says bullying can affect anyone, but a child’s home environment is often the biggest contributor to such behaviour.(01:50) Say hello to Muhammad Haikal, Senior Clinical Psychologist! (05:10) Why do children become bullies?(08:20) Do certain household environments contribute to bullying?(12:15) Gentle parenting(14:28) Ways schools should deal with bullying
Syed Saddiq has closer ties to Singapore than many realise. A brief stint at NUS’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy gave him a deep respect for Singapore’s founding father - especially regarding Malaysia-Singapore relations. With the RTS line set to strengthen connections, Saddiq sees plenty of ways the two countries can complement each other… but what exactly are they?(02:00) Say hello to Syed Saddiq!(04:44) Grit to continue being a politician(14:25) Saddiq’s plan to change Malaysia’s system(19:45) Young people not loyal to a single party?(26:40) Modern politics turning off older voters(30:25) The future of Malaysia(40:40) Sentiment of JohoriansWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/446GgVlu0fE
Many found this year’s National Day Rally a little boring — but two announcements stood out: the new Singapore College of Islamic Studies and the looming threat of AI on jobs. PM Lawrence Wong insists Singaporeans will remain the priority. But can they really, when it seems AI might even replace our asatizah in the future?(00:30) National Day Rally 2025(08:18) Treat of AI for jobs(09:55) Vaping crackdown(14:30) Plans for Northern Singapore(20:20) ‘We First’ mindset
Mr Liang Siah went viral after complaining about being wrongly charged by GetGo for car damage he didn’t cause. While GetGo eventually settled the case and offered compensation, the question lingers: Was it only because the video went viral? In today’s ep, we put Deyao Ang, GetGo’s Chief Community Officer, in the hot seat alongside Liang Siah to discuss the controversy—and most importantly, will Mr Liang continue using GetGo?(02:10) The viral GetGo video by Mr Liang Siah(05:00) GetGo’s response(12:11) Should the driver be held responsible for failing to check properly?(17:23) The problems with car-sharing companies these days(21:00) Dealing with large number of cases(26:00) A small scratch can cost $1000?!
They sting and look scary so it’s no wonder bees get labelled as pests in Singapore. But according to Clarence and Eugene from Sundowner Bee Rescue, the real problem isn’t the bees — it’s how we deal with them. Shockingly, only 3 Town Councils had taken active steps to protect them. With most Singaporeans still unsure of how to handle bee encounters, the question is: where can we do better, and what does responsible bee care really look like?(02:37) Say hello to Clarence and Eugene from Sundowner Bee Rescue!(03:53) How they avoid bee stings(10:30) Exploring the bee’s nest(16:45) Dealing with bees as a HDB dweller(20:00) Are wasps dangerous?(25:45) How we can improve care for beesFull video now on Youtube: https://youtu.be/QrJd1L2KoH8
As Singapore turns 60, national pride seems to be fading. It looks like fewer households are flying the flag, and many younger Singaporeans seem to feel little connection to the idea of patriotism. Is it just apathy or is something deeper at play? With rising costs of living, a tough job market, and growing uncertainty about the future, this generation is grappling with issues that may be reshaping what pride in one’s country even means.(01:35) Are Singaporeans less patriotic these days?(07:50) The challenges facing today’s generation(14:10) Social cohesion weakening?(18:41) Happy birthday Singapore!(19:20) Hanging the flagFull video now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ecTkVxCDqs0
You might remember him as the brooding heartthrob from Channel 5’s hit show Growing Up — or more recently, as the former actor who made headlines for becoming an auxiliary police officer. Andrew Seow once stole hearts on screen but these days, he cringes watching his old scenes. We sit down with him to find out how he stays this effortlessly sharp in his 50s — and the real reason behind his dramatic career switch.(02:00) Say hello to Andrew Seow!(06:15) Seow’s journey from showbiz to the force(13:00) Emotions about returning to the workforce(19:10) Does Seow cringe when he sees himself on screen?(26:35) Challenges of a career change
ou’ve probably seen those viral clips — teens wobbling around like zombies on the streets. That’s what happens when vapes get mixed with the drug etomidate — aka “K-pod.” To be fair, the government’s been quick to act. But we can’t help but wonder: should we just regulate vapes in Singapore or ban them completely? What do you think?(00:28) Let’s talk about “K-pods”(03:40) Reclassification to a Class C drug(08:30) What’s stopping the government from regulating vapes?(14:15) Case of Jane Lee, owner of Sumo Salad(21:15) Anti-foreigner sentiment on the rise
When a father is critically ill and his children can’t agree on what decisions to make, conflict, confusion, and heartbreak often follow - but it doesn’t have to be this way. Advance Care Planning (ACP) and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can help ensure that someone trusted and specifically chosen is empowered to make decisions on their behalf. As Dr Sanjeev shares from experience, these conversations matter - and having them early can make all the difference. If you are generally healthy and well, you can now conveniently make your ACP online using the myACP tool, without needing to meet an ACP facilitator in person! Plus, the LPA Form 1 application fee is waived for Singaporeans until the end of Mar 2026, so don’t wait until it’s too late! To learn more and get started with Legacy Planning, which covers ACP, LPA, CPF nominations, and Wills,Visit go.gov.sg/mylegacyplan, or follow @mylegacysg on IG and FB.(02:30) Are ACP and LPA the same as wills, CPF nominations etc?(05:57) Common questions doctors may ask when discussing ACP and LPA(10:00) When should the conversation on decision-making take place?(15:08) Considerations when applying ACP and LPA(19:17) Isn't this the same as euthanasia?(24:52) What to consider when planning for your personal welfare
Today, we come face to face with Singapore’s legendary snake charmer — Yusof Ular. Known as the snake king, Yusof opens up about why he’s considering hanging up his pythons for good — thanks to unpaid gigs and the all-too-familiar ‘kiasi’ mindset of Singaporeans. And yes, meeting him means we have to handle snakes. The real question is… will we get bitten?(00:32) New content on Plan B?(02:10) Welcome Yusof Ular!(05:50) Motivation to pursue this career path(12:20) Where do the snakes go after retirement?(15:00) Say hello to a yellow albino python!(21:55) Getting ready to hold the snake
Today, we’re stepping out of our usual studio and into Temasek Launchpad to meet the dynamic duo behind Rebirth Ensemble — Singapore’s first disability-led fine arts studio. Shalom and Amanda aren’t just business partners; they’re a “differently abled power couple” redefining love, art, and resilience. In a time when relationships often feel fragile, we sat down to ask: how did they find each other, and what keeps them strong.(01:03) Welcome Shalom and Amanda!(07:08) How did their paths first cross?(10:50) Process of creating art together(14:55) Difficulties of maintaining a relationship(16:00) Is “differently abled” a sensitive term?(20:20) Temasek Poly as the foundation for their business
When Mr Song’s father was diagnosed with end-stage cancer, he faced tough decisions about treatment and costs. Now, he encourages others to make plans early - with Advance Care Planning (ACP) and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) - to ease the burden of loved ones when it matters most. To learn more about ACP, LPA, and other legacy tools including CPF Nominations and Wills, Head down to Heartbeat @ Bedok this 19–20 July, 10am-6pm or check out go.gov.sg/mylegacyplan and follow @mylegacysg on IG & FB!(03:15) Welcome Mr Song!(04:37) Are Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) the same?(06:50) Talking through his father’s cancer care(09:10) Would Mr Song have chosen ACP and LPA if he knew earlier?
Who would’ve guessed Dzar was once a choir kid? Safe to say he’s got some pipes. But Rahman and Darren? That’s a different story. Today, all three take a shot at opera - guided by the viral SG French Tutor from TikTok, whose videos have caught the eye of stars like Laufey and even YouTube. Let the vocal chaos begin!(03:05) Welcome SG French Tutor!(09:37) Learning opera techniques(15:35) We sing opera!(20:40) Secrets to aging gracefully(24:25) Our thoughts on SG French Tutor(26:10) Pritam Singh’s interview with Malaysian podcast
An accident and sudden loss of mental capacity might feel far off, until it isn't. If you lose the ability to decide for yourself, who will? Many assume family can step in, but without legal authority, even your closest loved ones may be powerless. That’s why LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) and ACP (Advance Care Planning) matter. In this episode, lawyer Nureliza Syahidain Binte Effendy breaks down how these legacy planning tools protect your wishes when it counts. Want to take control of your future? Catch us at Heartbeat @ Bedok on 19–20 July, visit go.gov.sg/mylegacyplan, or follow @mylegacysg on IG and FB.(01:15) What is Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?(04:18) Various forms of LPA and role of a Donee(07:15) Reasons why everyone should have an LPA(10:45) Difference between LPA and Faraid(12:55) How LPA helped a family(16:29) LPA and Advance Care Planning (ACP)
With global conflicts flaring—from Israel’s actions in Gaza and Iran to Russia’s war on Ukraine—the word “illegal” seems to have vanished from the headlines. Why does international law get ignored by mainstream media? It’s been a whirlwind week, so we’re breaking down what’s really happening: the shaky Iran-Israel truce, and how Singapore may finally be back in China’s good graces. (02:00) The whole Iran-Israel conflict(12:18) Algorithm vary across countries?(13:22) Mainstream media’s coverage on international law(17:07) Singapore PM in China(21:00) The reawakening of Iran(30:00) Indonesia is a ‘sleeping giant’
“Be a man, do the right thing.” It’s a phrase many men hear when struggling with depression or emotional pain—often pushing them to stay silent. But with June marking Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Dean Ideris is breaking that silence. He opens up about how the collapse of his marriage impacted his mental health—and how he’s now helping other men speak up and heal.(04:23) Welcome Dean!(10:35) Why the breakdown of a marriage can lead to depression?(16:40) Financial abuse(22:38) Loneliness and the lack of a support system(25:00) Dean’ plans for the future
Fadzri Rashid — better known to most as Fakkah Fuzz — is a pioneer in Singapore’s stand-up comedy scene. But for his latest show, Still Got Jokes, he’s dropping the stage name and going by his real one. So what’s behind the rebrand — and more importantly, are Plan B listeners getting a discount?(02:05) Why the name changed?(07:25) How the woke movement shaped Rashid’s career(10:00) What’s making people laugh these days?(17:00) Representing Singapore in the international comedy scene(23:11) More about Rashid’s new show!(41:25) Does Plan B listeners have a discount?!
When Fahima Farha from interfaith group Roses of Peace was invited to a dinner, she was served non-halal food — a small moment that revealed how even good intentions can fall short of true inclusion. She joins Venerable Dr Chuan Sheng from the Buddhist College of Singapore as we ask: What does real inclusion look like in our multicultural society? It's not just about "stepping out of your comfort zone" or empty gestures. Catch them at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (24–26 June 2025), streaming live on YouTube.(02:22) Welcome Venerable Doctor Chuan Sheng and Fahima Darha!(06:05) Why Singapore to study Buddhism?(10:20) Rethinking how we approach multiculturalism and diversity(20:20) What conversations occur during ICCS?(25:09) Multiculturalism then vs now(31:00) How to start embracing multiculturalism todayContinue this conversation @iccssg and catch the livestream here 👉 https://go.gov.sg/iccs-livestream
Everyone knows him for "look left, look right" and he was one of the most-memed candidates of GE2025, but what did all that virality do to Samuel Lee? Now a food delivery rider, he shares with us his life after politics - and why he quit it in the first place(01:15) Welcome Samuel Lee!(03:40) Which policies does Samuel oppose most?(09:40) Why Samuel resign from the PPP(19:20) Samuel’s work as a food delivery driver(24:15) Who is Samuel’s favourite PAP politican?
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