The Usual Place

Gen Zs are out here skipping the alcohol, but not the party. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. In daytime or earlier-evening parties, a growing number of young people in Singapore are heading to raves, cafes and clubs to vibe to sick beats – with matchas and coffees in hand. I’m not a clubber by any means, but I’m curious why Gen Zs are embracing this sober partying movement wholeheartedly.Back in my day, pre-gaming with alcohol before the club, checking out different venues, and ending the night at a supper joint at 3am were the highlights of those nights out.What changed for Gen Zs and what does this mean for the nightlife scene here?In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with: Kavan Spruyt, co-founder of Rasa Space, who has worked with renowned venues like Berghain in Berlin, and Kyo in Singapore; and Shahan Shah Shawn, one of the Gen Z co-founders of Exposure Therapy, a company that organises events that redefine what a party can look like. Highlights (click/tap above):  1:42 What does partying sober mean? 3:56 How high costs kill the party 12:20 What’s driving the rise of day time parties? 15:50 Is this trend mirrored in the nightlife scene overseas? 19:20 The Gen Z flex: going to the gym at 5am 25:25 Do Gen Zs find alcohol uncool? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Follow STFood Online on IG: https://www.instagram.com/straitstimesfood Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a nation of foodies, we watch the food and beverage (F&B) scene closely to see who comes and goes. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. In recent months, the headlines have been dominated by farewells as home-grown restaurants, bakeries, bars and even dining chains have called it a day. This week’s casualty: Prive Group, which operated cafes and the Empress restaurant at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Its restaurants closed on Aug 31. It has been a difficult year for the industry, which has seen other big names such as Eggslut and Burger & Lobster exit, modern European restaurants Imbue and one-Michelin-starred Poise shutter, and popular chains like Haidilao close outlets. Is it just about rent hikes, and could it be that we, as diners, are part of the problem - always chasing the next hot concept? In this episode of The Usual Place, I spoke with two veterans who are in the F&B scene in different ways: Mr Bjorn Shen, a consultant and chef-owner of Artichoke and Small’s in New Bahru with “22 years of cooking” STFood Online editor Eunice Quek, who has been reporting on the industry for about 15 years Highlights (click/tap above):  6:08 Bjorn explains why F&B owners have no choice at times but to pay higher rents 9:10 Are landlords the problem or are manpower costs a bigger issue? 12:53 “It’s always about chasing something new,” says Eunice on food trends; Crazy about Chinese and Korean cuisine now? 17:45 Singaporeans are not as adventurous as we think we are, says Bjorn about our foodie nation status 27:49 Should the Government step in with measures to help F&B business owners? 36:50 Singapore vs other countries: Bjorn breaks down what works and what doesn’t Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Follow STFood Online on IG: https://www.instagram.com/straitstimesfood Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh, Teo Tong Kai & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Danson Cheong, Elizabeth Khor & Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Headlines about the job prospects of fresh graduates haven’t been reassuring lately. And reports over the last year indicate that more graduates are struggling to land full-time roles, with more taking on freelance, part-time or temporary work. Some young people document their job hunting processes on social media, lamenting that they send out as many as 100 resumes over a few months and go for multiple interviews, but nothing lands.  On Aug 22, the Government announced a new traineeship scheme to help new graduates gain industry-relevant experience and skills that will help them transition into full-time employment. Under the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) and GRIT@Gov programmes, up to 800 positions for a period of three to six months across various private and public sectors will be available.Graduates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics and universities can start applying from October. Trainees will receive a monthly allowance ranging from $1,800 to $2,400 for the duration of their stint. How will this programme make a difference for graduates worried about their career prospects? And what does the current landscape mean for young people trying to get their first full-time job? In this episode of The Usual Place, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng addressed feedback about Grit and shared his thoughts about how graduates can navigate an uncertain and challenging job market.Also on the podcast were two university graduates: Dave Peter Ho, a business administration graduate who turned to selling products by livestreaming on TikTok after a futile nine-month job search. He graduated in Dec 2024. Muhammad Syakir Moharum, who graduated in 2025 with a degree in public policy and global affairs and is about to start looking for a job Highlights (click/tap above):  7:38 GRIT scheme is about addressing anxieties ahead of a slowdown: Dr Tan 16:30 Keep open mind, be flexible: Dr Tan’s tips for fresh grads on what an ideal career is 20:35 Getting rejected frequently pushed Dave to apply for random jobs in a rage 27:59 How Syakir feels about putting himself out in a gloomy job market; Dave on becoming a TikTok livestreamer 47:03 Will the lower salary offered in the GRIT programme cause companies to low-ball new staff? 53:23 Advice & tips to peers: Syakir & Dave Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh  Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Singapore can truly be a ‘we first’ society. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place every Thursday as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. “It’s not ‘I’ or ‘me’. It’s ‘we’. To keep Singapore going, we must be a ‘we first’ society.”  This was Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s rallying call to strengthen the Singaporean Spirit – to put the welfare of the community ahead of individual interest.   It came towards the end of his National Day Rally address on Aug 17,  perhaps as a reminder that the way forward is not only paved by policies meant to fix problems. PM Wong’s first NDR speech after the 2025 General Election emphasised that “when the whole is strong, each of us becomes stronger too”. This message built on what was put forth during the Forward Singapore exercise – launched by the country’s fourth-generation team of political leaders – to refresh Singapore’s social compact and build a shared future. But how does this rallying call resonate with Singaporeans? In this episode of The Usual Place, Natasha hosts Dr Rebecca Grace Tan, a political science lecturer at the National University of Singapore, and Mr Jeremy Tan, who ran as an independent candidate for Mountbatten SMC at GE2025. They chat about PM Wong’s style of governance, and why he emphasised that Singapore needs to be a “we first” society to keep going. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:34 Why Jeremy wanted PM Wong to give Singaporeans the “bitter medicine” 7:45 Were the expectations of big announcements warranted? 9:18 “The disconnect is something that needs to be addressed”: Jeremy 16:15 Does PM Wong’s style of delegating announcements to his colleagues work? 21:00 PM Wong’s rally call dichotomy: Empowering Singaporeans, yet slightly paternalistic? 28:06 The big question about PM Wong’s We First message: What can be the new approach? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh  Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The clock is ticking on the leases for older Housing Board flats, and an answer on what the Government plans to do about lease decay dropped earlier this week. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat updated on the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) in an interview that was published on Aug 10, outlining in broad strokes the plans for flats nearing the end of their 99-year leases. The gist: Vers will let home owners of selected precincts that are aged about 70 and up choose if they want their homes to be acquired by the Government for redevelopment before their leases run out. The scheme will start in the 2030s, and will likely begin “with a few selected sites”, said Mr Chee. For many homeowners living in old flats, this announcement provides them with some direction on what happens should they choose Vers – or not. In this episode of The Usual Place, ST land use reporter Ng Keng Gene and Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, join me to discuss how this announcement will affect housing prices and considerations for buying an old flat. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:12 How Vers differs from Sers, and why isn’t Vers compulsory 16:02 The update on Vers might spur more transactions of older flats based on previous trends, said Christine 18:10 How will the prices of resale flats be affected, and will newer flats be more attractive? 24:51 Location and amenities might be a key factor that affects votes 33:27 Should home owners worry about not being able to pay for a new Vers flat replacement? Read ST’s article on courses in yapping: https://str.sg/d82q Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh  Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong, Danson Cheong & Elizabeth Khor Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out why some young people are taking social skills classes. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Some young adults are struggling with everyday conversations and other basic forms of social interaction.Whether it’s making small talk with strangers, holding eye contact, or just answering a phone call (just text me please!), Gen Zs and millennials are declaring that dealing with other people isn’t always their vibe. They need help to fix their awkwardness. That’s where the School of Yapping by social impact organisation Friendzone comes in, reported The Straits Times in July. Over four workshops, participants aged 20 to 35 practise how to be “confident, connected, and comfortable” talking to others. In this episode of The Usual Place, I will chat with Tham Jun Han, the 32-year-old co-founder of Friendzone; Nur Haziqah Mohd Yazib, a 25-year-old case worker who took part in the workshop recently; and Savanna Tai, a 22-year-old university student who has had to change the way she communicates as she wants to become a journalist. We discuss why social interactions are harder now for young adults than ever before, whether the Covid-19 pandemic made things worse, and what we stand to lose if we don’t find a way to connect again. Highlights (click/tap above): 4:46 Understanding group dynamics and how to start conversations 15:02 Haziqah and Savanna on their experiences in changing their skill sets and approaches so far 19:41 On personality tests 24:10 Could the Covid-19 pandemic have affected the way a generation communicates? 27:09 What will young people lose if they don’t know how to communicate well or are not socially confident? Read ST’s article on courses in yapping: https://str.sg/d82q Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, is now available in Singapore more than two years after it was approved by the Health Sciences Authority.Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Wegovy's arrival here sparks a deeper conversation about who should take it, how it makes us rethink obesity and weight loss, and whether weight-loss drugs are a magic bullet. Earlier in July, pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy, announced in a statement that the injectable drug is now available with prescription from any licensed physician at hospitals and clinics across Singapore. The global hype around Wegovy, which is made for weight loss, stemmed from Ozempic, which was created as an anti-diabetic drug. The latter garnered a lot of attention on social media a few years ago after its users, who weren’t all diabetics, showed off their considerable weight loss. What connects Wegovy and Ozempic – besides both being made by Novo Nordisk – is that they contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Mimicking the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, semaglutide regulates blood sugar levels, curbs the appetite and induces the sensation of fullness. One of the differences? Wegovy has a maximum dosage of 2.4mg, while Ozempic has a maximum dosage of either 1mg or 2mg depending on the country. In Singapore, Ozempic's maximum dosage is capped at 1mg based on HSA's approved label.  While the benefits have been laid out, what should those considering Wegovy look out for? To answer these questions on this episode of The Usual Place, I have: Senior consultant endocrinologist Dr Sue-Anne Toh from Novi Health, a specialist medical clinic and health-tech company. She has more than 20 years of experience in internal medicine, diabetes, and metabolic health. Her patient Farhan Hanis, a 26-year-old university student and a former plus-sized model. He started on Wegovy about two months ago. General practitioner Dr Bosty Chan, who co-founded health telemedicine providers Sire and Dame, which offers weight management as part of a suite of services. Highlights (click/tap above):4:13 Gamechanger to the weight  loss market in Singapore? How do these options compare with surgically invasive options? 16:15 Dr Toh on why some cannot lose weight easily; how GLP-1 hormones work39:50 Managing costs of such GLP-1 medication45:00 Dr Chan on whether weight-loss drugs are supposed to be for the long term1:00:17 Should Singapore redefine obesity markers for the population?  Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If combining the words “kiss cam”, “Coldplay”, “Astronomer” and “affair” means nothing to you, you have managed to be blissfully unaware of the internet’s weekend meltdown over a very public spectacle. Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Here’s the TL;DR recap: A couple, who were in a tight embrace, created a buzz among concertgoers – and later, the world – when they pulled a duck/hide move after they were featured on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston. Their reaction was so suspicious that the band’s frontman Chris Martin quipped: “Either they are having an affair or they’re just very shy.” It turned out that Martin was right, and the cheating pair were colleagues at US tech firm Astronomer.Internet sleuths uncovered their names and job titles – he’s Andy Byron the now-former chief executive at the company; she’s Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s chief people officer – as well as information about their other relationships.People also found out who Mr Byron’s wife was, with some even sending her messages about what they thought of her husband. Beyond the illicit affair being publicly exposed, the incident led to much introspection about what happens when private moments become public, and leadership credibility.Also, what is our obsession with public shaming? To answer those questions on this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I spoke with: Stephanie Phua, founder of marketing and branding collective Duo Studio and co-founder of The Trampoline Club, a platform which pushes for compassion, understanding and mutual respect in conversations; Pan Huiyan, a millennial leadership coach; and Dr Sunny Johar, managing director for South-east Asia at digital experience agency KRDS. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:48 Initial thoughts about Coldplay-gate - would the moment have gone viral if the couple did not overreact? 13:07 What this incident tells us about filming and sharing content about strangers 19:41 Would anyone have cared if it weren’t the CEO and the head of HR? 22:46 Will a private mistake affect a person’s work ethics? 33:14 Post-viral moment, can the couple recover professionally? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kpods, a street term for drug-laced e-vaporisers, has been much-talked about this week.  Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Videos of vape users taken by the public have been surfacing online – in particular, of younger people – turning into “zombies” and behaving erratically after using etomidate-laced vapes. An anaesthetic used in hospitals during medical procedures, etomidate is classified as a poison, which can only be used by licensed medical professionals.  In this episode of The Usual Place podcast, I spoke with my colleague and crime reporter Nadine Chua; Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Yip Hon Weng, who has raised multiple questions in Parliament on vaping over the past few years; and executive director of youth mental health charity Impart, Narasimman Tivasiha Mani, who has encountered teens using Kpods. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:37 You don’t need to tell sellers your age, you just need money, notes Mr Narasimman 6:37 Vape sellers market the devices to look trendy or innocuous 14:01 “If he continues down this path, it’s like he’s gone anyway.”: Ms Chua on how a mother shared about her struggle with her son who is hooked on Kpods 14:54 The roles – and limitations – of different government agencies such as the Central Narcotics Bureau and Health Sciences Authority 27:36 What could happen in the long run if we fail to act on Kpods today? Read ST's coverage on the invisible vaping crisis: https://str.sg/JpFev Read Nadine Chua's articles: https://str.sg/3z8M3 Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Helplines: Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg tinklefriend.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) shanyou.org.sg Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah at The Usual Place as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Two months after its dismal showing at the 2025 General Election, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has shaken up its leadership team. On July 5, it announced that its founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock, and vice-chair Hazel Poa had stepped down from their roles in the central executive committee (CEC), the party’s highest decision-making body. Party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan also relinquished his position. All three will remain members of the party. Dr Tan has been designated party adviser. Ms Poa was a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) in the last term of Parliament, along with party chief Leong Mun Wai. At a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre on July 5, Mr Leong announced a renewal plan, and introduced three new members who were co-opted into the CEC. The first is Ms Stephanie Tan, a full-time homemaker and former lawyer, who was the PSP candidate for Pioneer SMC. The other two are Mr Sani Ismail, an in-house legal counsel who contested West Coast-Jurong West GRC, and Mr Lawrence Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, who contested Chua Chu Kang GRC. Ms Tan joins me in this podcast to talk about being part of PSP’s refreshed leadership team, the insights she gleaned from walking the ground as a first-time candidate, and the challenges of a political party without a presence in Parliament. The Usual Place podcast is livestreamed at noon on YouTube on Thursdays. Subscribe to the YouTube channel to catch the podcast when it airs on July 10. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:54 Taking feedback from voters during the election 6:08 How PSP will aim to change public perception going forward 13:08 With no presence in Parliament, how will PSP stand out online? 17:10 Rejigging the game plan after being hit hard from the GE2025 results 24:16 “It’s about your heart to serve.” - Lessons Ms Tan learnt from Dr Tan Cheng Bock about longevity in politics 29:37 What is one thing Ms Tan would change if she were to become an MP? 34:15 Her take on young, middle-income couples who face financial barriers when having children Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda HongFollow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should schools, educators and students adapt accordingly? Synopsis: Join Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday, as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. In June, three students at the Nanyang Technological University received zero marks for an assignment after they were found to have used generative artificial intelligence tools, or Gen AI, in their work. They were penalised for academic misconduct as the assignments contained non-existent academic references and statistics or broken web links, the university said. The case drew wider attention after one of the students posted about it on online forum Reddit, sparking debate about the impact of AI on academic integrity. All six universities here generally allow students to use Gen AI to varying degrees, depending on the module or coursework. Students are required to declare when and how they use such tools to maintain academic integrity. With Gen AI creeping into everyday life and gaining popularity among students, when is it wrong or right to turn to AI for help with your studies?  Given its likely prevalence in schoolwork, how should schools, educators and students adapt for the future?  In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, my three guests - Singapore Management University’s Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Michelle Lee, final-year university student Zildjian Garcia and The Straits Times education correspondent Elisha Tushara, who is a former teacher - weighed in on the debate around AI tools for schoolwork and the future of learning. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:37 Was the initial punishment the three students received warranted? 5:36 How rampant is the use of Gen AI tools among faculty members and students? 7:54 Do educators have a love-hate relationship with Gen AI tools? 17:05 Why Elisha and Michelle are worried about their children losing resilience in learning 19:55 Zildjian points out that AI tool users “always forget” that they might not be accurate 22:13 Are Gen AI tools just a new way students are gaming the system to get their certificates? 27:02 Should AI literacy be made a compulsory module for Institutes of Higher Learning? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://www.instagram.com/theusualplacepodcast Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda HongFollow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcastFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some see them as dating opportunities, while for others, it's a chance to learn more about themselves.Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.Becoming a runner has always lingered in Natasha's mind, especially now that it’s a 'thing' with young people. She sees others joining run clubs and signing up for marathons and triathlons, and even flying overseas to run in events or various locations.In this episode, she invites two runners to help her understand why they do it, and what keeps them coming back for more.Meliani Lee is a budding enthusiast who just decided one day to buy a nice pair of running shoes, while being deskbound in her job as a client lifecycle management specialist. She started long-distance running in 2023, and last year, completed one full marathon and three half-marathons.Arthur Tong is the founder and head coach of Elevate Performance Coaching. As an Ironman-certified coach, his philosophy isn’t just about crossing finish lines, but about creating meaningful, lasting transformation.Highlights (click/tap above):5:22 Advantages of running: Can you start at any age? 9:26 Is running the new 'dating trend'? Importance of community too, to support running newbies14:19 How do you get better or faster at running in marathons?16:08 When do you know you are ready?18:00 What they learn about themselves when it comes to running23:07 Helping people discover their own 'whys' in discovering running27:47 Calling couch potatoes: How to get out of the door and show up?Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXmFollow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8WavFollow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DNFilmed by ST Video: Joel Chng and T KumarEdited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Natasha Liew & Rebekah ChiaST Podcasts’ executive producer: Ernest LuisFollow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops:Channel: https://str.sg/5nfmApple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijXSpotify: https://str.sg/cd2PYouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7uFeedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves? Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. A recent viral post on LinkedIn has cast the spotlight on how some users have pushed content about their jobs and professional endeavours into something more self-serving and performative. Just a couple of weeks ago, Ms Janney Hujic shared about what she claimed was a “chance encounter” with former DBS CEO Piyush Gupta in a cafe in Bali, where she praised his “quiet conviction” and how he had shared wise words for her upcoming all-women’s expedition in Mongolia. The whole thing turned out to be a fake interaction. But it sparked a conversation about humble bragging, toxic positivity or exaggerating professional interactions in the quest to stand out on LinkedIn. In this episode of The Usual Place, Ms Crystal Lim-Lange - co-founder of Forest Wolf, a leadership consultancy that specialises in leadership transformation and personal growth - dropped by to talk about how we can be real when it comes to celebrating professional milestones and branding ourselves. Our conversation also turned to the importance of career visibility, how this incident highlights about the temptation to appear connected or successful, and how to avoid being performative. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:12 Many reasons why people show up differently on social media 4:05 The casual racism behind the viral LinkedIn post, and why we need to be conscious of what we say 8:16 Career visibility is important, but when does it become self-serving or a humblebrag? 13:59 Crystal’s checklist for her LinkedIn posts: Is it educational, entertaining or inspirational? 20:20 What does building career visibility entail? 30:39 Record and share insights from your work, avoid being performative to sell yourself 36:07 How do we recover from a professional gaffe? Ms Lim-Lange’s Comfort and Growth podcast is available on: Spotify: https://str.sg/bTzR YouTube: https://str.sg/9Bhh Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng and T Kumar Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew ST Podcasts’ executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those running businesses in the food and beverage (F&B) scene, 2024 hit a record that wasn’t quite comforting. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The F&B industry saw 3,047 closures – an almost-20-year record high.  In spite of rising rental rates and food costs, many still want to give the F&B business a shot, as demonstrated by over 3,790 new eateries being opened in the same period last year.  In an industry that is increasingly tougher to run, young business owners taking over their family business also have a challenge of future-proofing their business.  To find out more about what’s it like to take over their family businesses, I speak with Mr Ernest Ting, 34, director at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, and Ms Maria Didih, 37, head of operations at Hjh Maimunah.  For Ernest, a third-generation owner of a handmade dim sum business that was opened by his grandparents in 1962, that means taking a fresh approach to menu offerings and expanding the business. Maria, a second-generation owner who runs the restaurant that makes kampung-style Malay dishes, sauces, and pastes business with her sisters, said that it’s about “being creative and keeping up with the times”, instead of solely banking on an established name. As Ernest puts it: “It’s not the easiest to do. I think it’s getting even harder. I always tell new people who want to start F&B to ‘think twice’.”  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:34 What these next-generation of F&B owners think about the high number of business closures 4:36 “Singaporeans really know how to eat, so our food better be of decent quality,” says Ernest 5:21 Social media may misrepresent the life – and stresses – of an F&B owner 8:22 Why did Maria and Ernest agree to join the family business? 11:27 Reservations about joining a business with strong legacy and reputation 16:03 How to get the older generation of owners and staff excited about their creative ideas 21:10 “We’re all custodians of Singapore’s food heritage,” says Ernest 34:30 A “compulsory thing”: Maria on how social media changed the way they do business 36:00 What if the next generation doesn’t want to take over the business? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65  ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The votes are in, the general election is over, and a new Parliament is taking shape. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The last piece of the GE2025 chapter was unveiled on May 21: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet line-up, which had a few surprises including just one deputy prime minister (DPM) position and a bumper crop of seven newly-elected MPs taking on political office. In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I unpack the post-GE2025 Cabinet line-up with Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and Ms Nydia Ngiow, the managing director of strategic advisory firm BowerGroupAsia. For Prof Tan, not having a second DPM was a surprise move, and he noted that PM Wong is “breaking that particular trend”. Going into the next term of government, Ms Ngiow said the much-talked about 4G leadership renewal is in place. Given the publicity and talk around the new faces during the general election, she added: “We can expect that the public will definitely scrutinise this Parliament and Cabinet a bit more closely. All eyes will be on how the 4G leaders will then be helping to lead and guide the younger generations moving forward.” Highlights (click/tap above): 7:51 Are Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing the front runners for the other DPM spot? 10:16 On moving National Development Minister Desmond Lee to the Ministry of Education11:25 A “bigger canvas” at the Ministry of National Development: Prof Tan on Mr Chee Hong Tat’s move17:56 What does the post of Acting Minister mean? 22:53 A bumper crop of people with “political office holder potential” sets the scene for leadership renewal: Prof Tan 29:01 On Dr Faishal Ibrahim’s appointment as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs 31:27 Will we see labour chief Ng Chee Meng back in government at a later time? 40:55 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s role in this Government Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng, Marc Justin De Souza and Rubeen Raj Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to hard conversations, are we quick to shame, label others or lash out?  Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. In this episode, we explore why it’s so hard to unpack difficult topics without getting angry, rude, or shutting down. Whether it’s inconsiderate commuters, vaccine debates, or matters about race, we now have to navigate more difficult conversations. And more people seem on edge – both online and offline. So how can we have a discussion about issues that matter without blowing up or checking out? Natasha sits down with Ms Audrey Low, founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust, and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, to unpack Singaporeans’ seemingly short fuses, public shaming and mob justice, and explore how we can respond more constructively. They also talk about why labelling people as “woke” or “social justice warriors” can shut down discussions even before they start. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:14 Are Singaporeans an angry bunch? 6:50 The psyche of trolls and why people drop rude comments 10:09 What do cavalier, unkind comments say those who post them? 18:33 Why discussions about racial issues get heated? 24:50 Using labels like “woke” and “social justice warrior” can shut down conversations 37:38 How to be open to perspectives that they don’t agree with Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65  ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's 2025 general election was held on May 3, and the ruling People's Action Party won 65.57 per cent of the national vote, a commanding swing up from its 61.24 per cent share in 2020. The ruling party won 87 seats out of the contested 97, securing a majority in Parliament. The opposition Workers' Party retained two GRCs in Aljunied and Sengkang, and one SMC in Hougang. This election gave Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the clear mandate that he had sought, in his first electoral contest as head of government and leader of the PAP. Narrated by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Amirul Karim Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #asianinsider #tuptrsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christie Chiu, Wong Yang and Isabelle Kumar - young journalists with The Straits Times -  reflect on their experiences and insights. Synopsis: Every noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - The Usual Place moves to a half-hour daily livestream - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter.  Joining her on the couch are young reporters Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar.  Beyond witnessing the election unfold up close through their work, Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar, are also experiencing it from a personal angle – as first-time voters. What have their own Gen Z friends been saying to them about similar experiences that helped shape their approach to content ideas? Highlights (click/tap above): 3:26 Christie and Yang’s response to being labelled the ‘Gen Z version’ of TV presenters Glenda Chong and Steven Chia 7:53 Did being reporters help them learn anything for themselves as young first-time voters? 8:54 Their rally experiences  13:50 “They are also human” - Isabelle on her observations while filming candidates like PAP’s Foo Cexiang and WP’s Alexis Dang 19:14 “Be kind” to one another - the trio’s key personal takeaways from GE2025 Today’s shirt worn by Natasha was sponsored by Good Addition. Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65  ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik joins his experienced teammates on the couch. Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.  Joining her on the couch are Ms He Ting Ru, 41; Associate Professor Jamus Lim, 49; and Mr Louis Chua, 37, who are contesting Sengkang GRC again – this time with newcomer Abdul Muhaimin, 36.  As first-term MPs, they had to navigate both constituency work and team dynamics after winning Sengkang GRC in GE2020 with 52.13 per cent of the vote – the biggest upset of the election then. The WP took 60,136 votes, while the PAP got 55,214 votes. Since then, have there been any growing pains, and how has their working relationship evolved? How do they split roles in the team? Natasha asks them how they feel about winning Sengkang in the last election, and what they’re learning so far during campaigning for GE2025.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:59 One theme from the ground that needs to be examined beyond GE2025 6:33 Being yourself - new candidate Mr Muhaimin on advice he gets from his teammates during campaigning 12:20 How they react to party leaders’ statements on WP fielding its strongest slate in many years13:40 Ms He on women in politics  19:20 The quartet on valuable advice coming from senior WP leaders that they still hold dear today 24:15 Prof Lim on advice given to new candidate Michael Thng for the recent national TV roundtable discussion?  33:34 “Such language was not used in volunteer chat groups or with residents”: Mr Chua on Mr Andre Low’s leaked Telegram messages from a private chat among his business school classmates 41:01 Game Time! What are some apps they wish they would use less on the phone Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65  ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RDU has the second-highest number of opposition candidates.  Synopsis: The Usual Place now moves to a half-hour daily livestream at noon from April 24 till May 1 - a day before Cooling-off Day - with Singapore's general election on May 3. Host and ST correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah invites candidates, analysts and hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.  Red Dot United (RDU) is a very young political party, formed only in 2020 when it contested just one constituency – Jurong GRC – with a team of five candidates.   Fast forward five years, and RDU is now fielding the second-highest number of opposition candidates in this election, behind the WP’s 26 candidates. RDU’s 15 candidates are contesting four constituencies, going head-to-head with the PAP. How did the party scale up from a one-GRC showing in 2020 to four constituencies today? Joining Natasha in this episode are Ms Liyana Dhamirah, 38, and her teammate Marcus Neo, 33 - part of the party’s team contesting Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC - and Ms Kala Manickam, 57, candidate for Jurong Central SMC.  Highlights (click/tap above):  2:35 How a relatively new party like RDU managed to field the second largest number of opposition candidates10:33 How Ms Liyana is able to dismiss a lot of insults; why file a police report over online harassment recently? 23:27 Ms Kala on switching from Jalan Kayu SMC to Jurong Central SMC28:17 Mr Neo on housing and job insecurity as top concerns for millennial voters his age 36:23 Game time! Kopi-O kosong, bubble tea, teh tarik - what’s your favourite drink? Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this episode: https://str.sg/8Wav Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65  ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai & Eden Soh Shorts edited by: ST Video Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Danson Cheong and Lynda Hong Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #tup #tuptrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.