SGExplained: Recent Episodes
Rovik Robert, Elliot Tan and Charmian Tan
SGExplained follows Rovik, Elliot and Charmian, three regular Singaporeans trying to understand how Singapore is what it is. We explore institutions, histories, events and phenomena in Singapore and get into the details of it all. You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We can't believe we're finally here but 21 episodes later and it's time to wrap up Season 5 of SGExplained. This is a full banter episode as Charmian, Elliot and Rovik look back on their favourite episodes of the season and discuss some of the fresher elements in the show, including our new co-host Mian. We also look forward to what the series' future could look like and when we will be returning. Tune in now, and send in your feedback to let us know your thoughts as well!
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
You can't talk about Singapore without talking about the Peranakans - a sub-community with a heritage associated with being Straits-born amidst a time of heavy immigration. Elliot, a Peranakan himself, shares his stories of growing up with some exposure to the culture and how he stays in touch with it. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about the first Peranakans and how their ancestors came to Singapore (note: there are some traces of slavery as well)
- Exploring the various aspects of Peranakan culture including food, arts and marriage customs
- Adding to your list of Peranakan restaurants to check out in Singapore
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community
- Wikipedia
- GREAT PERANAKANS
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Honestly, this episode could do with more innuendo, but you can get it up with the SGExplainers for the next 40 minutes as we explore Singapore's relationship with the wild world of pornography. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Diving deep into the regulations on exactly what you can and cannot do with regards to porn in Singapore
- Getting clarity on whether you have a future creating OnlyFans content from Singapore
- Learning more about some of the prominent adult video actors and actresses that have roots in Singapore
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Watching porn, getting addicted: Experts tell of cases they’ve seen and the risks linked to sexual offenders
- IMDA Internet Code of Practice
- Is Watching, Downloading or Filming Porn Illegal in Singapore?
- Alvin Tan (blogger) - Wikipedia
- Annabel Chong - Wikipedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
In partnership with MINDS MYG, this episode introduces the important People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) community in Singapore. We hear from Jessica (not her real name), a caregiver and volunteer about her experience directly, and as you can imagine from previous SGExplained episodes, this gets inspirational very quickly. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Getting a more specific definition of what Intellectual Disabilities entail
- Debunk myths about PWIDs e.g. whether autism and intellectual disability are the same
- Learn about how caregivers can also practice self-care as they support PWIDs
You can volunteer by signing up on the MINDS MYG homepage here.
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Images used in Cover Image and Marketing Collateral are provided courtesy of MINDS MYG.
Sources:
- Developmental Disabilities – Myths vs. Facts
- What is Intellectual Disability?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
In partnership with MINDS MYG, this episode introduces the important People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) community in Singapore. We hear from Jessica (not her real name), a caregiver and volunteer about her experience directly, and as you can imagine from previous SGExplained episodes, this gets inspirational very quickly. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Getting a more specific definition of what Intellectual Disabilities entail
- Debunk myths about PWIDs e.g. whether autism and intellectual disability are the same
- Learn about how caregivers can also practice self-care as they support PWIDs
You can volunteer by signing up on the MINDS MYG homepage here.
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Images used in Cover Image and Marketing Collateral are provided courtesy of MINDS MYG.
Sources:
- Developmental Disabilities – Myths vs. Facts
- What is Intellectual Disability?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
It is impossible to look back at Singapore's history without dealing with its confrontation with the Communist threat. In this episode, we take an objective look at this decisive chapter in our national narrative and how it has come to shape our sense of nationhood. Specifically, look forward to:
- Understanding why the Chinese population in Singapore were so vulnerable to Communist influence
- Learning about the political infighting within the PAP that eventually caused the schism to form Barisan Socialis
- Getting the play-by-play on Operation Coldstore, one of the most controversial episodes in our past
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Malayan Communism Party
- Wikipedia: Chinese Middle School Riots
- Wikipedia: Barisan Socialis
- Communalism and Communism at Singaporean Independence
- The communist threat in perspective
- Communist Party of Malaya
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
There has been a slew of news announcements lately on Singapore's stance on drugs, especially as some of our neighbours choose to liberalise their policies on substances such as marijuana. We take a look at why Singapore has been insistent on its position on drugs and how we have enacted laws to dissuade offenders. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning more about Singapore's Opium and Heroin epidemics and how we clamped down against them
- Getting familiar with the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Discovering preventative campaigns, including some controversial ones, that have helped to keep Singapore drug-free
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- 10 Things You May Not Know About the Misuse of Drugs in Singapore Law
- Singapore’s Drug Laws: Possession, Consumption and Trafficking
- History of SANA
- Sale of Drugs Act 1914
- Singapore’s War on Drugs: A Historical Overview
- Malay/Muslim community leaders call on community to fight drug scourge
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
There has been a slew of news announcements lately on Singapore's stance on drugs, especially as some of our neighbours choose to liberalise their policies on substances such as marijuana. We take a look at why Singapore has been insistent on its position on drugs and how we have enacted laws to dissuade offenders. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning more about Singapore's Opium and Heroin epidemics and how we clamped down against them
- Getting familiar with the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Discovering preventative campaigns, including some controversial ones, that have helped to keep Singapore drug-free
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- 10 Things You May Not Know About the Misuse of Drugs in Singapore Law
- Singapore’s Drug Laws: Possession, Consumption and Trafficking
- History of SANA
- Sale of Drugs Act 1914
- Singapore’s War on Drugs: A Historical Overview
- Malay/Muslim community leaders call on community to fight drug scourge
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
As a spiritual sequel to our Section 377A episode, and in recognition of the announced repeal of the section in the penal code, the SGExplained team chats with Gabriel Yeong of Young Out Here, a youth support group for the LGBTQIA+ community in Singapore! We discuss what the upcoming repeal means for the community as well as broader societal issues that continue to be top-of-mind for fellow Singaporeans. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about the evolution of spaces for those in the LGBTQIA+ community to come together
- Hearing about the impact of the upcoming repeal on various generations in the community
- Setting sights on what could come next after the "re-norming"
If you would like to get in touch with Young Out Here, you can do so at young.out.here@gmail.com
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Cover Photo from Jnzl's Photos
Sources:
- For Singapore’s LGBTQ+ Activists, Repealing Section 377A Is Only the First Step
- Section 377A: repeal of Singapore’s gay sex law no guarantee of LGBTQ rights progress
- NDR 2022: Singapore to repeal Section 377A, amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage
- LGBTQ community unlikely to 'seek same-sex marriage or to redefine families', should 377A be repealed
- Dear Singapore, The ‘Family VS LGBT’ Narrative Needs To Stop
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
As a spiritual sequel to our Section 377A episode, and in recognition of the announced repeal of the section in the penal code, the SGExplained team chats with Gabriel Yeong of Young Out Here, a youth support group for the LGBTQIA+ community in Singapore! We discuss what the upcoming repeal means for the community as well as broader societal issues that continue to be top-of-mind for fellow Singaporeans. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about the evolution of spaces for those in the LGBTQIA+ community to come together
- Hearing about the impact of the upcoming repeal on various generations in the community
- Setting sights on what could come next after the "re-norming"
If you would like to get in touch with Young Out Here, you can do so at young.out.here@gmail.com
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Cover Photo from Jnzl's Photos
Sources:
- For Singapore’s LGBTQ+ Activists, Repealing Section 377A Is Only the First Step
- Section 377A: repeal of Singapore’s gay sex law no guarantee of LGBTQ rights progress
- NDR 2022: Singapore to repeal Section 377A, amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage
- LGBTQ community unlikely to 'seek same-sex marriage or to redefine families', should 377A be repealed
- Dear Singapore, The ‘Family VS LGBT’ Narrative Needs To Stop
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Thank you for being on this amazing journey with us to reach 100 episodes on SGExplained!! It's a big deal for us, and if you are a Day One listener, please let us know so that we can reach out to you and invite you to our show for a chat! For this episode, we go back to the origins of why the show was even started: to explore the Singapore identity and what defines us. Foundational to this is Our Shared Values, a series of five values that have played an outsized role in defining a lot of our institutions. In this episode, we:
- Trace the origins of the shared values and interrogate their intentions
- Unpack each of the values and ponder their relevance to today's society
- Compare the series of values with current polling and sentiments on what makes us Singaporean
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- HistorySG
- IPSOS
- MCCY
- "Shared Values" & their role in Singapore’s evolving ideological framework
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
If you love mooncakes as much as we do, you will love this episode. The SGExplainers trace the origins of the Mid-Autumn festival and the practices we repeat every year in Singapore. Join us as we discover:
- What our neighbours in the region celebrate during the same season
- Why the Mid-Autumn festival makes reference to a rabbit frequently
- What are some of the upcoming mooncake flavours to pre-order
Also, tune into the new Rice & Rise podcast produced by 1UPMedia now!
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- Visit Singapore
- What to do during the Mid-Autumn Festival
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We may have memories of the Singapore Zoo when we were children, but did you know that the overall Mandai Wildlife Group has been staying relevant through its sustainability and conservation efforts? Join us this episode as we:
- Explore the history of the Zoo, including some of its unfortunate accidents
- Trace the various unique exhibits in the main zoo
- Forecast some of the key upcoming developments in the Zoo that we can enjoy
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Singapore Zoo - Infopedia
- About Singapore Zoo
- Mandai Rejuvenation Project
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You may have read about him during your Social Studies class, but as with most historical characters, you may have just scratched the surface of the legend Lim Bo Seng. Join us as we do a character deep-dive into the war hero and learn about some of the critical episodes in his life. In this episode, look forward to:
- Learning about Lim Bo Seng's early childhood and adult life before the war, and how he pivoted to his wartime role
- Hearing about Lim Bo Seng's wife and children and the sacrifices they too had to make
- Understanding the impact Lim Bo Seng has had on generations after him, especially with his memorial in place
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Lim Bo Seng - Singapore’s indefatigable war hero
- Singapore Heroes - Lim Bo Seng
- The Traitor Within
- Lim Bo Seng Infopedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Getting from place to place in Singapore is convenient only because of our great public transportation, including our beloved MRT system! In this episode, the crew share laughs and develop an appreciation for our subway system, with tons of factoids in between. Look forward to:
- Tracing the story of the subway-that-almost-never-was
- Learning about some of our MRT's mascots, including Captain SMRT
- Getting excited for new MRT stations that may open up in your neighbourhood!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- SGTrains.com
- HistorySG
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Charmian and Rovik revisit the topic of dating in Singapore, tracking what's changed four years after the first part was published. We invite Zhi Qun Liu from Kopi Dates, an experience-focused dating platform, to share some of the trends he sees running the platform. Rovik also contributes perspectives from The Hidden Good's Dating for Good programme. In this episode, look forward to:
- Learn why dating apps are no longer working for many Singaporean singles
- Appreciate what Singaporean youth are looking for in partners these days
- Get an exclusive promo code for 30% off your first Kopi Date experience when you use the promo code SGEXPLAINED as you register online! The offer ends on 31 July and is valid for first-time members only. Promo code must be entered prior to completing the registration form. Offer is non-transferable. Offer cannot be used alongside other discounts or promotions.
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Now that borders have reopened, Singaporeans have been flocking to Malaysia, specifically to Johor Bahru across the border. In this episode, we reflect on the relationship these two cities share! Look forward to:
- Learning how many people cross the border each day
- Unpacking the economic features of the Singapore-Johor Bahru relationship
- Adding to your list of places to visit in Singapore
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Relations between Singapore and Malaysia continue to thrive
- Commentary: The former Malaysian workers in Singapore caught in limbo in Johor
- 'I don't want to commute anymore': Some Malaysian workers settle in Singapore even as land border reopens
- Major projects in Iskandar Malaysia
- Malaysia's relations with Singapore
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
These skinny ice creams on a stick may be slowly dying out but we keep them alive in our latest podcast episode! From pulut hitam to durian to red bean, we go on a journey of flavours to honour one of our favourite desserts in Singapore. In this episode, you can:
- Learn about the inspiration behind the Potong Ice Cream
- Follow the manufacturing process for the iconic skinny treat
- Discover the reasons behind the potential loss of this heritage delicacy
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- 5 Facts About Potong Ice-cream You Probably Didn’t Know Of
- Remembering Potong Ice Cream
- Bittersweet end for ice cream uncles?
- Life of an ice-cream uncle: “Working under the sun and rain is not easy, but I take it one day at a time”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We're looking at the full life cycle this season, and so it only makes sense that we look at what happens in Singapore when you die! Zach Leung, Associate Director at PFPA, comes onto our show to shine some light on what happens after we pass on, especially to our assets and our loved ones. In this episode, you will:
- Learn about the difference between "estate", "trust", and "will", especially in a Singapore context
- Hear about the different ways your estate can be broken up if you do not plan ahead
- Get advice on how to overcome some of the common stigmas your loved ones may have about estate planning
Contact Zach at zachary-leung@pfp-fa.com if you want to discuss your own estate planning needs with him.
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Death and Dying in the Chinese Culture: Implications for Health Care Practice
- Intestate Succession Act
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You've probably heard the phrase "It's Tiger Time" while you were growing up in Singapore. Tiger Beer is one of Singapore's most valuable brands and a globally recognised beverage, renowned for its bold campaigns and its reliable flavours. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learn about the history of Tiger Beer, including its involvement in World War Two
- Follow some of Tiger Beer's major brand campaigns and its influence on society
- Compare the iconic brand with other emerging local beer producers such as Sunbird Brewing and Archipelago Brewery
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- About Tiger Beer
- Singapore's Tiger Beer uncaps cheeky 'Unofficial History'
- Making history by making history up.
- Success Stories: How Tiger Beer Turned A Homebrew Into A Globally Recognised Brand
- Tiger Beer Wiki
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Who can deny that taxi drivers are Singapore's master storytellers? We get the extremely cool opportunity to talk to Uncle Ben, the father of a close friend of Rovik's, who also happens to be a night-shift taxi driver about his storied life on the roads. In this episode, you will:
- Learn about how many taxi and private hire drivers there are actually in Singapore
- Hear Uncle Ben's take on the necessary ingredients to be a good taxi driver (and it doesn't include a large bladder)
- Feel for some of the stories shared, whether it's hilarious encounters or his unfortunate mishaps
We also bumble up our quiz this episode - so apologies to listeners for that! We're human too!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Taxis of Singapore
- Taxi Statistics 2021
- 6 surprising facts about driving a taxi in Singapore as told by a taxi driver himself
- How To Become A Taxi Driver In Singapore?
- Rent with Us - STRIDES
- Vocational Driving Licenses for Taxi Drivers
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
How far would Singaporeans go to look "beautiful"? We speak to Dr Matthew Yap of Myeongdong Medical & Aesthetics about the trends he witnesses in his clinic and his own experience as an aesthetician! In this episode, you will:
- Learn about beauty standards past and present in Singapore
- Get familiar with the different types of treatments Singaporeans are going for
- Contemplate whether cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments truly deserve the stigma they have
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Korean beauty ideals have changed the Asian “standard”
- We need to stop chasing unrealistic beauty standards in Asia and start feeling beautiful
- Korean Beauty Standards – Most Complete Guide In 2022
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
The Orang Laut are thought to be one of the first inhabitants of the islands that now make up Singapore, but why do so few people know about them? We chat with Firdaus Sani, founder of Orang Laut SG which is a community sustaining the stories of this lineage, to get the real scoop. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about how the Orang Laut were politically significant in pre-colonial times
- Hearing directly from Firdaus about how life was like on Pulau Semakau, the island where most of the Orang Laut lived
- Understanding what is at stake for the Orang Laut community in fighting to protect their island traditions
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Pictures courtesy of Orang Laut SG
Sources:
- Orang Laut SG
- A taste of what life was like on Pulau Semakau captured through photographs and food
- Meet the family spearheading the culinary revival of Orang Laut cuisine
- Orang Laut Infopedia
- The Orang Laut of Singapore
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We are back with Season 5 and as always, we keep it spicy with a whole episode on giving birth in Singapore. But first, we introduce our new co-host, Charmian Tan - media personality and highly sought after spin instructor who is joining the crew to explore the Singapore Identity!
In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about cultural superstitions on birthing practices
- Tracing the evolution of KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore (there's a buffalo shed involved)
- Calculating the current day costs of giving birth in Singapore
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- An exploratory study of traditional birthing practices of Chinese, Malay and Indian women in Singapore
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital History
- SingStat Total Fertility Rate
- MOH Fee Benchmarks
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
This episode is brought to you by National Library Board’s One Story, which is a National Reading Movement initiative to make Singapore short stories – originally written in Tamil, Malay, Chinese, or English – available in other languages. The project aims to bring these stories to more readers beyond the language communities that they were originally written for.
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We're taking a break from our break to share with you a special episode on Singapore Literature! Following up on our Poetry and Theatre episodes, this time we look at the world of Fiction in Singapore! Specifically, you can:
- Learn about Singapore's first modern English novel
- Hear about some of our more controversial writers and how they found a place in Singapore culture
- Get familiar with the One Story initiative and how it uses literature to bridge across cultures
Stay tuned for Season 5, coming very soon with lots of exciting new features planned, including a new co-host!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Singapore Literature - Wikipedia
- If We Dream Too Long - Wikipedia
- Gopal Baratham - NLB Infopedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Another 20 episodes down and we've reached the end of Season 4! Elliot and Rovik reflect on the journey, covering the edgier theme of the season, starting from our Channel News Asia feature on Secret Societies and ending full circle with our episode on Ah Bengs and Ah Lians, bolstered by episodes on Prostitution, Snakes and Prison (among others) along the way. We chat about our favourite episodes, our recommendations on under-rated topics and we give a sneak peek into Season 5 (we are recruiting!). Tune in to end off Season 4 with us.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
The Australians have their bogans, the British have their chavs and here in Singapore, we have the Ah Bengs and Ah Lians. What makes up this oft caricatured subculture? We chat with content creator Jeremiah Chen from Tropic Monsters TV about what inspires his hilarious sketches on these characters and learn more about how it adds to our Singaporean identity. In the spirit of the content, some expletives are used. Get listening to:
- Understand the evolution of the Ah Beng/Ah Lian caricature over the years
- Hear from the experts (yes there's an actual scholarly paper written) on how Ah Bengs and Ah Lians tell us more about society
- Join Jeremiah, Elliot and Rovik as they explore how there is an Ah Beng and Ah Lian in every one of us
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Ah Beng and Ah Lian - KunKun
- The Ah Beng subculture as a case study of Malaysian Chinese Identity Formation (Kay, Edo, 2015)
- Ah Beng - Wikipeda
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Our first Ghosts in Singapore episode all the way back in Season 1 was a hit with you so we've come back with Part 2 of the Ghost Story collection - hopefully your Halloween is enriched by Elliot and Rovik narrating some of the spookiest tales on the web. In this episode, we look at the stories of:
- The Bukit Timah Monkey Man and the trail he has left behind
- The wailing lady of Spooner Road Estate
- The ghosts and ghouls of the various schools in Singapore
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Some people in S'pore believe they've seen the Bukit Timah Monkey Man - Mothership
- The Most Haunted Estate in Singapore - Spooner Road
- Haunted Nee Soon Camp - Hungzai
- 11 Singapore Girls’ School Ghost Stories Told By Former Students and Teachers - Zula
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Pamelia Chia from Singapore Noodles comes onto our show this episode to discuss Heritage Food with us. It is a topic that is novel and complicated only because Singapore is an immigrant nation and we are starting to see a new wave of food evolution with influences from Japanese and European styles. In this lively conversation, we:
- Discuss what exactly constitutes heritage food in a rapidly changing food environment
- Go through iconic heritage ingredients such as Pangi and the Roselle Leaf, and get hungry over heritage dishes such as Nasi Ulam and Gulai Nenas
- Envision what it will take to preserve heritage food in the future
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Pangi - NParks
- The heritage foods at risk of disappearing in Singapore - Jetstar
- A recipe for nasi ulam, a Malay herb rice salad - The Straits Times
- Meet the family spearheading the culinary revival of Orang Laut cuisine - Prestige Online
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Keeping to our season's theme of focusing on the edgier sides of Singapore, we look at our prison system where those who have fallen through the cracks or gone astray have to serve their time. It is also an opportunity for them to be rehabilitated and to get a chance to reintegrate back into society as contributing members. Of course, these are easier said than done and we look at the structures and processes in place that govern how inmates make their way back to the Singaporean core. Join us this episode as we:
- Trace the roots of our prison system back to the British days
- Hear about an actual prisoner's experience in Changi Prison
- Unpack the Rehabilitation Framework to see how we can all play a role in the effort
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Singapore Prison Service - NLB infopedia
- My life experience in Changi Prison (Cluster B) - Sammyboy Forum
- Rehabilitation Process - Singapore Prison Services
- Yellow Ribbon Singapore
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Sikhs are known as a minority within a minority in Singapore, and yet they have an outsized influence on our identity in Singapore. Join us as we chat with Shaun Sarabjeet Singh, President of the Young Sikh Association, to learn about the history of the Sikh community in Singapore as well as how it integrates into the wider community. In this episode, we:
- Trace the story of Maharaj Singh, the alleged first Sikh in Singapore who was also a political prisoner
- Explore the institutions and practices of modern-day Sikhs, including why Tahu Sambal has a special place in their hearts
- Learn about what life is like balancing staying true to one's culture while adapting as a minority culture in Singapore
We're very grateful for Shaun's personal stories in this episode as well. You can find out more about the Young Sikh Association, which aims to empower young Sikhs and enhance mutual understanding among people of different ethnic groups, at this link.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Celebrating the journey of Sikhs in Singapore - The Tribune
- Sikhism in Singapore - Wikipedia
- Sikh - Wikipedia
- Bhai Maharaj Singh: The man, the legend - The Tribune
- Sikhs.org.sg
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Katong is to Elliot what Holland Village is to Rovik - a comfortable yet exciting neighbourhood where there are lifestyle options and great food. Join us for our next neighbourhood deep dive as we explore the peculiarities of this part of Singapore including:
- Debating whether the town is named Holland Village because of random-man Hugh Holland or because there was a notable Dutch population there
- Understanding the dynamics between Chip Bee Gardens and its tenants since all the properties are actually owned by the Singapore Land Authority
- Hypothesising what the impact of the upcoming One Holland Village will have on the charm of the area
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Visit Singapore
- Chip Bee residents unhappy with cap on lease periods - The Straits Times
- Holland Village Singapore
- Mixed-use development One Holland Village to include homes, retail, offices and community spaces - The Straits Times
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Singaporeans have a mixed set of feelings when it comes to the Merlion - on one hand, it is an increasingly globally recognised icon and a major tourist attraction, and on the other hand, it is a reminder that one of Singapore's biggest symbols comes not from a mythos but from a logo design. Join us this episode as Elliot and Rovik spend this short episode exploring the tale of the Merlion including:
- Learning about the history of the Merlion as a logo for a government body
- Following the Merlion's courageous move to its current location at Merlion Park
- Tracking the other Merlions around the world, including a guardian deity version in Hokkaido
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- STB-owned Assets - Merlion Symbol - Singapore Tourism Board
- The Monstrous Merlion: In the Original Sense - Public Art
- 5 things about the Merlion that you probably did not know - Goody Feed
- Sentosa Merlion to make way for new $90m themed linkway as part of Sentosa-Brani masterplan - The Straits Times
- Merlion - Wikipedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Here's another fringe culture you don't really think about when you consider Singapore but Skate Culture has endured its own challenges to find its place in our cultural tapestry. Hear Elliot reminisce his days picking up the skill and get a peek into a strong community-driven sport. In this episode, we
- Learn about the skateboarding ban of 1978 and the impact on the culture in Singapore
- Explore some of the prominent skateparks in Singapore
- Take a look at how community is a foundation for the sport in Singapore.
Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping with promo code SGEXPLAINED at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Skateboard ban: Minister defends decision - New Nation, 1978
- 11 Best Skateparks In Singapore To Land Your Skateboarding & Inline Skating Tricks, With Pro Tips - The Smart Local
- Lion City Skaters
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
What's going on at Marina Bay Financial Centre and why is Singapore home to so many "Finance Bros and Brodettes"? In this episode, we're excited to have Reggie Koh from The Financial Coconut Podcast as a guest to chat with us about what really makes Singapore a Finance Hub! We make the jargon simplified so you don't have to wonder what asset management or currency internationalisation means! Tune in to:
- Learn about how Singapore had the right ingredients for being a finance hub from its pre-colonial days
- Explore the key pillars of our financial system here in Singapore
- Get a sneak peek at what Family Offices and Fintech mean for the future of our financial scene
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- The World's Leading Financial Cities - Investopedia
- Singapore’s Transformation into a Global Financial Hub - LKYSPP
- Singapore’s policy of non-internationalisation of the Singapore dollar and the Asian dollar market - Ong Chong Tee
- Is Singapore nudging ahead of Hong Kong as Asia’s preferred financial hub? - Vistra
- Forum: Singapore must protect its reputation as top global financial hub - The Straits Times
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
What's going on in Yishun? As part of our neighbourhood exploration series, SGExplained takes a deeper look at why Yishun has gotten a reputation as the place where "weird things happen" in Singapore. We find out there may be more hype than substance going on here. Join us in this short episode as we look at:
- Funny adventures that have occurred in Yishun including the rise of Lord Voldermort
- Heartwarming developments including Singapore's first dementia-friendly town
- Perspectives and analysis on how Yishun got its reputation.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Yishun New Town - NLB infopedia
- Yishun Thug Life: 2 men playing with stun gun outside Northpoint arrested - Mothership.sg
- Yishun residents getting harassed for money through letters from "Lord Voldemort" - Mothership.sg
- Hundreds of 'mystery bugs' swarmed into Yishun unit, samples now catalogued in natural history museum - Mothership.sg
- People in Yishun Park seen waiting for durians to fall from trees - Mothership.sg
- Yishun hair salon allegedly charged 'half-balding' elderly man S$4,799 for treatment package - Mothership.sg
- Why do some people make fun of Yishun? - The Straits Times
- Yishun residents to get new integrated development with swimming pools, hawker centre; to be completed in 2027 - The Straits Times
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You can identify the iconic Nasi Lemak, both by its aromatic coconut scent as well as its unique pyramid-shaped banana leaf packaging. Just coconut rice, sambal chilli and ikan bilis in a parcel, this delightful dish is a big part of Singapore food culture! Join us in this episode as we:
- Learn about the hilarious alleged origin story of the name Nasi Le, Mak
- Compare Singaporean and Malaysian versions of the dish
- Go through some of the main competitors in the Singapore scene!
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Nasi Lemak - NLB Infopedia
- Nasi Lemak - Wikipedia
- Nasi Lemak - Roots.gov.sg
- Is nasi lemak from Malaysia or Singapore – and how did it get its name? - SCMP
- History of Nasi Lemak - Johor Kaki
- 15 Nasi Lemak Stalls In Singapore To Try When You Need Comfort Food - SethLui.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Plays, musicals and immersive theatre can all be powerful ways to engage audiences, tell stories and change narratives, and in Singapore, we've strived to build such cultural capital through our theatre scene. Join us and THREE special guests from the scene to discuss various aspects of Singapore theatre, including its evolution from traditional forms, its interaction with the Singapore identity and its resilience despite censorship, capital constraints and COVID-19. Our three guests today include:
- Euginia Tan, who is a Singaporean writer who writes poetry, creative non-fiction and plays. Her play-writing credits include Tuition (Twenty Something Theatre Festival), Modest Travels (produced by Tan Kheng Hua for Uniqlo) and Fortunes (The Necessary Stage, Playwrights’ Cove).
- A Yagnya is a collaborative theatre-maker and Japanese translator. Yagnya’s playwrighting credits include Between 5 Cows and the Deep Blue Sea...(read at Esplanade’s Raga 2020), The Oven Storyஅவன் கதை (3Pumpkins, 2020), Hi, Can You Hear Me? (Playwrights’ Cove 2020), and subTITLED 1.0 (Bridging the Gap Collective, 2021).
- Isaac Lim is a wheelchair-using, bilingual writer and performer. He writes plays, reviews and ad copies. His recent works include Between Consciousness (2016), Understudy (2016) and I am Mei (2019).
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources and References:
- Bangsawan - Roots.sg
- Teater Ekamatra
- Click through the history of Singapore theatre with digital archive The Repository - The Straits Times
- Singapore Theatre in the 1970s - Centre42
- Kuo Pao Kun - NLB infopedia
- Elangovan - NLB infopedia
- National Theatre - NLB infopedia
- The Necessary Stage
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay; Img: Pangdemonium/FB
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
World War 2 was a dark chapter in Singapore's history and so when the Japanese eventually surrendered, spirits were high amongst the residents. But did you know that there was a probability that the Japanese in Singapore would refuse to surrender despite the Emperor's announcement? Operation Tiderace was the Allied Forces' plan to secure Singapore and claim it back for the British. Check out this action-packed episode to learn about:
- the original Operation Zipper that was meant to execute an airstrike on the Japanese in Singapore
- the variety of ways the Japanese tried to escape humiliation in defeat, including a depressing sake party
- the pompous official ceremony that the Allied Forces conducted for the Japanese to sign their instruments of surrender
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources:
- Operation Tiderace - Wikipedia
- The real Japanese surrender - The Sunday Times
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalsis Singapore's first registered animal welfare organisation and an institution for animal rights advocacy in Singapore. We were privileged to have Dr Jaipal, Executive Director of the SPCA, on our show to explore the evolution of the organisation and some of the major issues it's made a stand for. In this episode, we
- appreciated the grounds-up origins and heritage of the SPCA
- discussed the nuances of animal rights advocacy, especially when it has to do with legislation
- discovered the lesser-known dark secrets of purchasing bred animals and why adoption is preferable
If you're interested to learn more about the SPCA, check out their Youth Animal Welfare Symposium 2021 on 31 July 2021 (Saturday) from 09:00 – 16:00.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Sources:
- History - SPCA
- Don't call me animal lover: SPCA's executive director Jaipal Singh Gill - The Straits Times
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - NLB Infopedia
- There’s No Better Friend. Adopt A Dog - SPCA
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Did you know that there's a community of foster parents in Singapore who contribute as a labour of love to provide safe and nurturing homes for vulnerable children? Frankly, Elliot and Rovik were not very aware before this recording of this incredibly coordinated and involved ecosystem of social workers, policy planners, and families who go the distance to ensure no children are disadvantaged because of unfortunate circumstances. We're especially privileged to have Hannah from TSA Gracehaven Fostering, and Shikin, a foster mother, as guests to share their experiences as well!. In this episode, we:
- Understand who is eligible to be Foster Parents
- Follow the journey it takes for a child to be placed in a foster parents' home
- Discuss the ways regular Singaporeans can support the Foster System
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or would like to find out more about fostering, The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Fostering will be conducting their next tea session on 18 Sep 2021, Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. Please feel free to call 8833 8173 or email them at Eugene.Chan@smm.salvationarmy.org to sign up for the tea session.
Sources:
- Foster Care: How Do I Become a Foster Parent in Singapore? - Singapore Legal Advice
- About the Children in Care Service - MSF
- Epworth Foster Care - Epworth Community Services
- 'He deserves a lot of love from us': Fostering a child with special needs - CNA
- 'Many other kids need a home': Son's words spur couple on to foster 10 children in 15 years - The Straits Times
- “Every Child Deserves To Be Loved”: Fostering A Child With Mild Autism - PSD Challenge
- Foster parenting is very different from adopting, and this foster care officer wants you to know it - Mothership
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Nothing can match an experience through Singapore's wet markets - the washed floors allowing you to slide through the corridors between your fresh vegetable grocer and your mutton butcher. It's an authentic market experience where communities gather and where you build relationships with the people who handle your food. Join Elliot and Rovik as they reflect on what makes wet markets great, including:
- What distinguishes wet markets from supermarkets
- How some of our more iconic wet markets (like Tekka and Geylang Serai) have stood the test of time
- Why we can't take wet markets for granted
Sources:
- Community Heritage Series: Wet Markets - NHB
- The best wet markets in Singapore - TimeOut
- Pasar: What makes Singapore’s wet markets unique? - The Kontinentalist
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Biodiversity is important to any country, and in Singapore, we need to talk about our snakes. We're not talking about those folks who gossip behind our backs - this is about the reptiles that are hidden in our parks and wetlands, and are surprisingly not out to harm you! In this episode, we're privileged to have Sankar from the Herpetological Society of Singapore to share his own snake-spotting stories and to bust some myths about these creatures. He calls them cute a couple of times so you know he loves snakes. In this episode, we
- Learn about the main types of snakes in Singapore
- Hear some fascinating stories on snake fights
- Discuss what to do if you do encounter a snake in Singapore (Pro-tip: don't call pest control)
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources:
- World Snake Day Special – #AskHSS - HerpSoc SG
- 7 Most Common Types of Snakes in Singapore - GreenCare
- Animal Advisories: Snakes - NParks
- Slithering in plain sight: Recent snake sightings in Singapore - The Straits Times
- Epidemiology of snakebites from a general hospital in Singapore: a 5-year retrospective review (2004-2008) (Hock, 2010)
- Snake Bites: Symptoms and Treatments - HealthxChange.sg
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
The durian, native to Singapore and Southeast Asia, is known as the King of Fruits. Yet, it has a mixed reputation in Singapore, with some chasing down the best harvests while others abstain from it religiously. Elliot and Rovik explore the complexity of the Durian, including:
- how the British, with the exception of an influential Sir Stamford Raffles, actually celebrated the durian
- what the Durio Singaporensis (or Singapore Durian) is and why it's not in the same bucket as the Mao Shan Wang type
- whether you can actually have durians and alcohol together.
Sources:
- Durian - NLB infopedia
- The Stinky King: A social and cultural history of the durian, Andrea Montanari (2011)
- Fruit: Why is Durian always sold from roadside stalls? - Quora
- Malaysian durian traders turn to online sales to overcome coronavirus curbs - The Straits Times
- Durians, are they good for me? - Mt Alvernia Hospital
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Singapore is known internationally for a couple of things and the Chewing Gum ban is high on the list. In this short episode, Elliot and Rovik follow the rather hilarious journey of how chewing gum got banned in Singapore as well as how a certain US company managed to get some gum back on the books. You may get stuck on this one (pun intended!)
This episode covers:
- why chewing gum was actually tolerated for a while before the iconic ban
- how our MRT system triggered our country's leaders enough to outlaw the gum
- what it took to bring dental and therapeutic gum back on the table
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources:
- Singapore - Chewing Gum Facts
- Why Singapore banned chewing gum - BBC
- At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings - WSJ
- HDB asks shops to stop selling gum - Singapore Monitor
- Problems of social behaviour must be tackled by community - Singapore Monitor
- Imagining Life Before Chewing Gum Ban In Singapore - CNA
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Clean, green, and safe don't seem to match with the presence of a prostitution scene in Singapore but you'll be surprised to find out that prostitution has been around in Singapore since its early days. Check out our season premiere to learn about:
- the Ah Kus, Karayuki-sans, and Pipa girls who were different types of sex workers
- the various strategies employed by the governments to stamp out or control prostitution
- how sex work has evolved in Singapore and why there is a "hierarchy" of sex workers
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
This episode does touch on topics of sexual exploitation, trafficking and drug abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, do check out the following resources:
- Hagar
- AWARE Women's Helpline
- MSF
Sources:
- Prostitution in Singapore - Facts and Details
- The Brothels of Colonial Singapore - Newzzit
- Laws on Prostitution in Singapore - IRB Law
- Selling Sex in Singapore: The Development, Expansion, and Policing of Prostitution in an International Entrepôt (Herzog, 2017)
- Ah Ku and Karayuki-San: Prostitution in Singapore 1870–1940 (James Francis Warren, 2003)
- The Sex Sector: the Economic and Social Bases of Prostitution in Southeast Asia (Nagaraj and Yahya, 1998)
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We're known as a crime-free country but have you heard about the history of Secret Societies in Singapore, one of the lesser-known phenomenon of our country's dark underbelly. Hear stories and facts about gangsters and thugs that you'd be surprised about including:
- the fact that secret societies were actually multi-racial (in proper Singaporean fashion)
- how coolies became part of the "pig trade", getting caught in vicious cycles of opium and prostitution
- the tale of Pulau Senang, a penal settlement similar to Alcatraz, where the Singapore government tried to reform secret society members through hard work
This special episode is an accompaniment to the Channel News Asia production "Into The Vault" where you find more content on this topic, including interviews with former secret society members and experts on related topics.
Sources:
- The Murder of Inspector Popejoy by Little Cockroach - Newspaper SG
- How Secret Societies formed in Singapore - Mothership
- Central Police Station (demolished) - Roots.gov.sg
- A Forgotten Past – ‘Prison on Fire’ at Pulau Senang - Remember Singapore
- Chinese Secret Societies - Facebook Page
- Secret Societies in Singapore - Wikipedia
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay
Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Once again, for both our loyal listeners as well as those looking to navigate the season, join Elliot and Rovik as they reminisce on all 20 episodes for this season. We pick our favorite episodes, the most underrated one to recommend, and start to tease both future episodes in Season 4 as well as an upcoming Channel News Asia documentary! Keep in touch during this break and DM us if you have ideas for future ideas, guests, or partnership opportunities! We love our community!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We always enjoy the episodes where we look at the "fringe" of Singapore culture, but are tattoos too mainstream here to even be fringe anymore? We chat with Tattoo Artist Beverly Ann Koh (bev.bot on IG) about her experience in the industry and how Singapore has moved to be more inclusive of tattoos. We explore the history of tattoos with gangs, recent trends in tattoos (have you heard of hyper-realism?) as well as some of the industry dynamics here. These are some of our favourite types of conversations so we hope you enjoy it them too!
Sources:
- History of Tattoo Culture in Singapore - Dina Jitendra
- Singapore Ink Show
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
If you've shopped in Singapore, you've probably been to Tangs - but did you know that the mall was one of the first retail shopping outlets in Orchard? Back when the area near Tangs was mostly cemetery grounds, CK Tang had the vision to convert the area to a shopping destination. Discover why he had such courage and learn about how he evolved his brand from being the Tin Truck Man to being the Curio King. We don't shy away from controversy so you'll get to hear stories of kidnapping and organ trading in the Tang family as well - just to help us remember that everyone is human.
We're also coming up to the end of our season so if you have feedback, ideas, or suggestions for Season 4, do reach out to our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you!
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- About TANGS - Tangs Website
- Singapore Retail Tycoon Dies - BBC
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Ageing is a scary topic but it has shaped much of Singapore's landscape in the last few decades. We're privileged to have an advocate and opinion leader, Dr Farhan Alami, come into the virtual studio to share her insights on how ageing and dementia affect not just the elderly but also their families and loved ones. Learn about the statistics surrounding ageing and some of the issues specific to Singapore we try to tackle. We also learn about our uniquely Singaporean approach to ageing and dementia, covering buzzwords such as "Ageing in Place" and "Kampung for all Ages" which we try to unpack. Elliot and Rovik finish the show with a much richer perspective than when they started and they invite you on that same journey.
This episode was produced in partnership with @Geriatrician.Sg, Dr Farhan Alami's platform to engage people of all ages on the topics surrounding ageing as well as tips and strategies for families and loved ones to help promote active and healthy ageing. You can find her on both Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/geriatrican.sg/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/geriatrician.sg/).
Sources:
- Statista Data on Ageing
- Commentary: It is high time for a Ministry on Ageing Issues - CNA
- Common health conditions associated with ageing - WHO
- Dementia in Singapore - ADA
- Successful Ageing in Singapore: Urban Implications in a High-density City - Debbie Loo, 2017
- Care Where You Are - Lien Foundation
- Dementia Friendly Communities - Agency for Integrated Care
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
Picking back up on our food series, we look at the fabled past of Roti Prata, the dish that was gifted to us by the Indian immigrants back in the day. Find out what goes into preparing the dish, including the artistic form needed to stretch the dough, and then get into the debate on whether roti canai (from Malaysia) or roti prata is better. We also look at the numerous variations of prata (including roti milo??) and of course, Elliot and Rovik leave you with some recommendations of where to look for some of the best prata in Singapore. If you want to add a recommendation to the list, send us a message on our socials!
Sources:
- Infopedia
- Culturally.co
- Roots.gov.sg
- What is roti canai, and why can’t people in Southeast Asia get enough of it? - SCMP
- TheSpurceEats
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
If you're reading this, you're probably doing so on the internet and maybe even on your phone. The fact that we have access to telecom and mobile services in Singapore has a lot to owe to Singtel's past, as once our national telecom provider and the largest contributor of infrastructure. Journey with us as we trace how Singtel survived the removal of its monopoly and how it evolved to be one of Singapore's best-known brands. We even explore major controversies such as the Bukit Panjang Fire and even the Xiaxue scandal. All this and more in our latest episode!
Sources:
- Infopedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
In a spiritual sequel to our Singlish episode, we look at The Speak Good English Movement, the national campaign to get people in Singapore to speak "standard English". But the campaign has not been without controversy - it was initially seen as a campaign against a core part of the Singapore identity, Singlish. We talk to Melissa Low, Committee Member on the Movement, who shares candidly how the Movement has evolved to embrace Singapore's multi-faceted identity while still continuing to encourage those in the country to strive to be understood and connect with one another. In this episode, we look at the beginning of the movement, some of the themes and programs it has explored as well as the controversies it has ridden to get to today. Will the movement still have relevance with the rise of Gen-Z speak and internet English - we talk about that too, all in this episode!
Sources:
- NLB Infopedia
- Embarrassing Singlish — An Ugly Mixture of Classism, Orientalism, and Self-Hatred - The Octant
- Wikipedia
- A friendlier, more relatable Speak Good English Movement - The Straits Times
- At 47, I still struggle with spoken English. Yet I’m the Speak Good English Chairman. Why ah. - Mothership
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
What's the Post Office part of the POSB? Why is it in every neighborhood? And perhaps most importantly, is the Postmaster General really the Chief Mailman of Singapore? We answer all these questions and more in this lighthearted look at the institution of community banking in Singapore and where our habit of saving earnestly came from! Do let us know what topics you'd like to hear about next!
Sources:
- NLB Infopedia
- 5 things you probably didn’t know about POSB/DBS merger - Goodyfeed
- POSB Smart Buddy - POSB
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
When it comes to unique facts about Singapore, many people don't realise that the Constitution provides for the protection of Malay and Muslim culture and affairs. We unpack how that has shaped Singapore life, covering the history of Islam in Singapore, the key institutions including MUIS, madrasahs and the Syariah Court, and finally, we look at the sticky issues of extremism and religion in politics. It's a jam-packed episode with lots of new knowledge and we were grateful to have Imran Shah, one of Rovik's oldest friends and a practising Muslim, as a guest to provide his personal views and perspectives. Let us know your thoughts and be sure to support us through the Anchor link below or on our socials!
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- Islam and citizenship education in Singapore: Challenges and implications (Charlene Tan, 2007)
- Singapore investigates dozens for religious extremism ‘to pre-empt copycat attacks’ after France beheading - SCMP
- Parliament: K. Shanmugam, WP's Faisal face off over separation of religion from politics - The Straits Times
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
With the government's announcement that a review on women’s issues in Singapore will be conducted to look more closely at how gender equality can be more deeply ingrained in Singapore society, we thought to explore the evolution of gender issues in Singapore. The Women's Charter provides a central lens for such an exploration, tracing its origins to pre-independent Singapore and being the platform for debates such as whether men should be entitled to maintenance after divorce or whether NS should extend to women.
Join Margaret Thomas, President of AWARE, as she banters with Rovik on some of these sticky issues, and provide your own take by commenting on our FB Page or our Instagram. What else needs to be done for gender issues in Singapore?
Sources:
- A Singaporean Woman’s Rights under the Women’s Charter
- AWARE Saga Podcast
- Our Lives to Live - Singapore Women's Charter: Revolution or Evolution, Malathi Das
- Singapore Council of Women's Organisations
- Wikipedia
- MPs debate maintenance payouts for men - Straits Times
- Women's Charter should be Family Charter - Straits Times
- Ensure Women's Charter does not become tool for discrimination - Straits Times
- Proposed maintenance for ex-husbands to go ahead - Straits Times
- Is the Women’s Charter Unfair to Men? - AWARE
- First Reading of Women's Charter (Amendment) Bill 2019
- Fewer marriages, more divorces in Singapore last year (2020) - CNA
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
In our holiday episode for 2020, we keep it light and fun with an episode on Choping. Perhaps one of Singapore's more debated idiosyncracies, is choping efficient, or is it just a selfish act? We look at the psychology and impact of choping, and compare ourselves to the beach towel reservation culture in Europe. Find out our take on whether this is a good or bad part of our Singaporean identity!
Sources:
- Psychology behind Chope Culture- Wilfred Ling
- Is Choping practical or plain rude - The Straits Times
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We've heard of the spree of sexual misconduct and harassment cases in the news and the question must be asked, what does this say about who we are as a Singaporean society, and why are we having such a difficult time talking about this topic? Elliot and Rovik try their best, within their constraints, to have a conversation around the cases that have occurred, the broader statistics around sexual harassment and misconduct on campuses, and why it is important for us to look at policy, legislation, community, and culture in addressing the harm that is happening to our young people. If you have a view or response to what we have shared, please do reach out or comment on our socials as this is our effort to contribute to the much-needed conversation.
Sources:
- International Labour Organization - Sexual Harassment
- CNA - Jeremy Fernando Case
- The Straits Times - Sex and consent on campus
- The Straits Times - Parliament Session on Sexual Misconduct cases
- TodayOnline - Victim Blaming
- YouGov Survey
- NTU FAQ on Sexual Misconduct
- Singapore Legal Advice - Legal options for Sexual Misconduct
Resources if you need help:
- AWARE Sexual Assault Care Centre
- Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices
- Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence (PAVE)
- Samaritans of Singapore
- NUS Victim Care Unit
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
You've probably passed through the hallowed halls of Zouk at some point - it's a cultural institution of Singapore and a big reason why Singapore became known as a vibrant city for people to live in. In this episode, we record in an actual studio (after long last) with Andrew Ing, former Marketing Manager at Zouk, and Rennie Gomes, owner of Yellow Box Studios and a long-time patron of Zouk in its inception. Hear the story of Zouk's evolution, why it made an impact in Singapore and the world, how it overcame the dark chapter of its infamous drug bust, and the discussion on what the future holds with a new Zouk in tow.
Major thanks to Yellow Box Studios for their space and service, and Aaron Ing for being our spontaneous sound engineer!
Resources:
- Infopedia
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
We've all had our own personal stories with the Singapore library system before and I'm sure we can all attest it's one of the best of Singapore's public resources. Join us as we dive into the evolution of the library system including the digitalization of the library, the story of how it survived the Japanese Occupation (hint: there are some returning characters), and even a funny story of how books were passed between libraries in a HUMAN CHAIN!! This episode is our tribute to one of the reasons why we can do our episodes without much difficulty - the progressive and accessible National Library.
Sources:
- NLB Website
- Infopedia
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Within 30 years, Singapore has gone from a location that was mostly just known for the Singapore Sling to one of the world's iconic cocktail capitals. We talk to Din Hassan and Naz Arjuna, stalwarts of the cocktail scene in Singapore on their journeys in the industry. Hear how veteran Din went from barback in the early days of the scene to now one of Singapore's most well-known mixologists. Or connect with Naz's candid insights on what it takes to build a career in the sector here in Singapore! We fill in the gaps from what you can't find online on how the cocktail scene has evolved and what makes it uniquely Singaporean! Shoutouts within to Vivian Pei, Ryan Clift, Matthew Bax, Ken Loon, Indra Kantono, Michael Callahan, Singapore Tourism Board.
Sources:
- An Insider’s Look At Singapore’s Exploding Craft Cocktail Scene - Forbes
- How Singapore Grew Asia’s Most Sophisticated Cocktail Scene - Intercontinental
- The Unique Evolution of Singapore’s Cocktail Scene - SaltMag
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If you want to find old Peranakan houses or have some tasty kueh, you've probably made your way to Katong. Elliot himself is a proud homeboy of the area. But did you know that Katong pre-land reclamation was home to one of Singapore's better-known kampongs that made its living from the sea? Or maybe you're interested to find out why there's a Chinese Swimming Club that was exclusively for Chinese-access only? Elliot and I dig into what makes Katong so special, both in the past and the present. Tune in to find out about places like:
- Kim Choo Kueh Chang
- Janggut Laksa
- 328 Laksa
- Birds of Paradise
- Red House Bakery
Also, check out related episodes:
- Laksa
- Singlish
Finally, we're taking a short break but do reach out to us on our socials. DM us on Twitter @rovikthedreamer and @32chances or on our Instagram and Facebook!
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What a privilege we had to chat with Mr. Lim Eng Lam from Nanyang Old Coffee about the meaning of kopi to the Singaporean identity. Find out why Singapore style kopi uses sugar-glazed coffee beans, or how kopitiams used to be associated with gambling. A simple session of "lim kopi" connects you to decades of history and tradition. If you're still keen to learn more, do visit Nanyang Old Coffee's Coffee Museum at their Chinatown outlet. You can also sign up for their kopi making workshops directly with them!
Apologies for the change in audio quality. Due to recording constraints, we weren't able to preserve the same audio quality, but we hope the kopi-licious episode makes up for it!
Sources:
- TheCultureTrip
- SeriouslyTravel
- Epicure and Culture
- Kopi culture: consumption, conservatism and cosmopolitanism among Singapore’s millennials (Cheryl Chang & Ian McGonigle, 2020)
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They're all over Singapore - Ann Siang Hill, Fraser Street, Aljunied among others. Who were these people and why are there so important to the Singapore story? We take a look at the mercantile story of Singapore - the stalwarts of community and enterprise that shaped so much of our identity today. Hear under-told stories like how Ngee Ann Kongsi (behind Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Ngee Ann City) was formed or whether there were actually Buffalos on Buffalo road. This episode brings a blockbuster list of Singaporean merchants who have shaped the face of Singapore. Thanks to the National Library Board and Remember Singapore for being a great source of information.
This episode focuses on the following merchants:
- Chia Ann Siang
- Seah Eu Chin
- Naraina Pillai
- Lim Nee Soon
- Lim Chong Pang
- Syed Omar Aljunied
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If you've done Social Studies in Singapore, you've likely heard about Maria Hertogh. She was a lightning rod character for religious tensions in Singapore between the Catholic/ Christian community and the Muslim community as her birth family and adopted family tussled for custody over her. We spend some time unpacking the nuances of the custody case and we also look at how the riots unfolded, but perhaps the most interesting part of the episode begins where the textbooks end off - in the follow-up life of Maria. See how the trauma of broken relationships shaped Maria's eventual adulthood and how she finally managed to find some closure in the end. All this and more in our latest episode!
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One of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that is a garden and Singapore's sole representative on the list, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is simultaneously one of the most under-rated and yet culturally significant parts of Singapore. Hear about the history of the Gardens, including its lesser-known episode during the Japanese Occupation, as well as about the different features and research that are so well associated with it! We hope you're excited to go check it out yourself whenever you can!
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World Mental Health Day is on 10 October but we've wanted to do this episode for a long time now. This is an introductory episode to the structure and statistics of how mental health is approached in Singapore, greatly supported by our guest Dr. Pearlene Ng who is a Senior Clinical Psychologist!
Did you know that there are only 4.4 psychiatrists and 8.3 psychologists per 100k population in our country? You may also have wondered what's the average cost of treatment in Singapore! Also, do we fully appreciate the type of stigma we face here - locals will remember the unhelpful "You belong in Woodbridge" remarks. We have an open conversation in this episode where Elliot and Rovik share their own personal stories on mental health in the hope to encourage others to do the same in their own spaces. Take care and be kind!
Here are the resources we mentioned:
- MOH Jan 2020 Statement
- CNA: Challenges Young People Face in Seeking Mental Health
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
- Primary School Mental Health Hotline: TinkleFriend Helpline – 1800 274 4788
- My Mental Health Microsite
- Community Health Assessment Team
- Integrated Youth Services
- Family Services Centres
- Samaritans of Singapore
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Welcome back to Season 3 of SGExplained! We're so pumped to be back on this and we started off with a bang, bringing on Althea Lim from Gushcloud to talk about the Influencer Scene in Singapore. Not much is known about it but it shapes so much of Singapore's social media consumption as well as our pop culture. In this episode, we find out what drives the rise of influencer culture, whether there's a career to be made, what the future of it looks like and how all of that affects Singapore's story. We hope this finally provides some insights into a once-fuzzy field. For the links we've mentioned:
Aspireiq - Evolution of Influencer Marketing Partipost - Influencer Marketing Landscape Starngage - Influencer Marketing Gushcloud - COVID-19 White Paper
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This one is for the loyal listeners. Join Elliot and Rovik as they reminisce on all 20 episodes for this season and share some of the never heard before discussions behind the episodes. We also talk about why we miss Willie and what we plan to do for future episodes. We're also open to expanding the team producing our SGExplained episodes so if you're interested, make sure to reach out to our Twitter accounts below. See you in Season 3!
- Rovik
- Elliot
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We have to look beyond Joseph Schooling to bring back the Gold medals for Singapore, and we may have found hope in Esports! Naturally not as well known as the traditional sports, given that it's new and gaming has usually had an affiliation with low productivity, but Esports is actually creating a way for Singaporeans to thrive on the global scene. Join us as we follow some of the organizations that make up the Esports scene, trace the stories of major players such as iceiceice and nutz and talk about what the future of the scene could look like!
As always, do let us know your ideas for future topic!
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Join stand-in guest host Ben Wong and Rovik as they unearth the true story of Sir Stamford Raffles, the supposed founder of Modern-day Singapore. We ask the difficult questions of whether he deserves to be memorialized the way he currently is, and whether our history needs to be refreshed to incorporate broader perspectives. Learn about Raffles' exploits in Java, including his challenge against slavery, and his tenuous relationship with William Farqhuar, the potential real hero of Singapore. All this and more in this juicy episode!
If you're interested in mentorship in the digital age, check out Kinobi. Kinobi connects you to a wide array of people in the region to help you build the capabilities you need to thrive.
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With special guest Ajay Govinda, Slam Poetry Enthusiast, we explore the understated world of Singapore Poetry. From understanding our Poetic Roots to appreciating the Singapore-originating Twin Cinema format, we rhyme and vibe our way throughout the poems that have followed our narrative. Hear us actually recite some of the poems as well - our first time trying this!
Here are some of the links we mentioned:
- FMSR Poem by Teo Poh Leng
- SingPoWriMo
- Twin Cinema Poetry
- Fried Chicken by Jennifer Anne Champion
- old house at Ann Siang Hill by Arthur Yap
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The Laju incident is like right out of a Bond novel, only that our own hero SR Nathan is the suave personality navigating international diplomacy, terrorism and hostage negotiations all before he became President of Singapore. Join us as we delve into the epic tale and find out about the incident that started Police NS and Singapore's fight against international terrorism! This is an episode like no other.
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Bet you didn't know that Singapore has a long-held farming heritage! Not only that, we're about to double down on farming the Singaporean way, with the 30 by 30 initiative to secure Singapore's food safety by 2030. It's useful to get to know how our farming culture is evolving here, including a new breed of hipster and innovative farmers. Learn more about the produce we produce in Singapore! Here are some of the farmers we talked about:
Quan Fa Organic Farm Citizen Farm Comcrop
Also do check out the entertaining podcast "Living It Up in the Lion City" by our good friend Rindo!
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Join Rovik and Audrey Lim, local freelancer and multi-hyphenate, as they explore the fuzzy space of freelance work, gig economics and self-employment in Singapore. This was a tough one, but we made some progress in exploring who makes up the sector (surprise: they include all those private tuition teachers) and what are some of the areas that need to be worked on to truly accommodate this shift in the economy. Audrey was such a dear to have on and she did not hold back on her insider view of the sector. This is an episode you wouldn't want to miss!
Also, in my effort to cross-promote other Singaporean Podcasters, check out Screwed Up Moments by Danny Koordi!
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Let's be real - what's more Singaporean than our hawker centers? Who runs them, how did they start and what's the future looking like with the young hawker-preneurs waiting to take over the reins? Join us as we explore this delicious topic and when you reach the end, you get to hear our favorite hawkers also! Continue to provide suggestions for our future episodes - we love to hear from you! For the full list mentioned:
Tian Tian Chicken Rice Hawker Chan - Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles Fried Carrot Cake @ Clementi 448 Market Mizzy's Corner @ Changi Village Food Centre Hammee's Cheok Kee Duck Rice @ East Coast Lagoon Kok Kee Wanton Noodles Hao Lai Ke
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Our national carrier has been in the news before, but this time, the reasons aren't great. We look back at why Singapore Airlines is so intertwined with our national identity, revisiting its founding as well as its major episodes, including the A380 launch and the "Longest Flight in the World". Join us as we learn more about some of its subsidiaries too, including SilkAir and Scoot, and finally, we check out how the COVID-19 crisis has hit the company. There must be a reason why our country will fight to keep Singapore Airlines alive and we make the journey to find it out!
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McDonald's has reopened and the Circuit Breaker just got a bit more manageable. In fact, McDonald's and Singapore has had a very interesting relationship from the beginning. One of the more memorable episodes, of course, is the Hello Kitty Craze of 2000. If you're a Singaporean born before 1995, you'd likely remember the Hello Kitty fever where folks stood in lines that were hours long and even got into fights with one another. How about the fact that Hello Kitty plushies got flipped for more than 500 times the original cost? Just when we thought Singapore couldn't get more interesting, stories like these prove us wrong!
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As a modern cosmopolitan city, Singapore tries its best to avoid riots. Yet in 2013, out of nowhere and sparked by an unfortunate accident, a street in Little India erupts into flames as migrant workers mob up. This episode we dive into the timeline of events and analyze the aftermath, including the Liquor Control Act and the pushing of migrant workers to compact districts on the fringes of Singapore. Jump into this rather unfortunate but eventful episode of Singapore's history with us!
Resources:
- Wiki Page
- Singapore Infopedia
Donating to Community Kitchen and HomeforAll: Giving.SG Link here
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sg-explained/support
The Circuit Breaker has hit Singapore during this COVID-19 crisis and we're all likely stuck at home figuring out what to do. Luckily we've compiled some of Singapore's best movies released in the past decade, some of which can even be found on Netflix, for you to pass your time. Whether it's an authentic movie about Singaporean gangs or a heartfelt narrative on developing your identity during the Army, we've got options for you. Join us as we explore what some of these movies mean for our identity as Singaporeans and maybe you'll figure out which one you'll want to occupy your next evening.
Movies discussed include:
- Ilo Ilo
- 15
- Apprentice
- Sandcastle
- Long Long Time Ago
- A Land Imagined
- A Yellow Bird
- 2359
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If you're listening to this in 2020, you're likely just like us - overwhelmed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. You've also probably heard that it's not our first rodeo. Rather than try to explain a phenomenon still unraveling, Elliott and I take a journey back to 2003 to see how Singapore dealt with the SARS crisis and how things have changed since then. Advents such as social media up the stakes of today's situation when compared to SARS, but the novelty of it all really provided a difficult test for our country. Check out the evolution of Singapore's public health system with regards to mass outbreaks and how we've become a stronger nation.
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With climate change at the forefront of our minds, its pertinent that we ask ourselves what the future of Singapore looks like environmentally? Are we likely to be submerged by rising sea levels and are we going to be the next Atlantis? Questions like these are addressed today!
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How could a dish that looks so simple become one of Singapore's national dishes? Does Hainanese chicken rice even come from Hainan? And why can you get both a $2.50 and $27 version within the same 100m radius.
Chicken Rice is what this episode is all about as we explore the history and tradition of this iconic Singaporean dish. You'll be hungry by the end of it!
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Does Art have a future in Singapore? Together with Deborah Lim from Chan+Hori Contemporary, a leading gallery at Gilman Barracks, we explore Singapore's art scene and try to understand what makes us so unique. From censorship to in-between spaces, we discuss a wide range of topics that will get you excited about our art scene.
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Asking if Singaporeans are racist seems like a line not many are willing to cross. But maybe that's not the right question. When race is a salient topic in the country, racism is bound to be present and so we just need to be willing to talk about it - from events like the E-Pay Saga to institutions like SAP Schools. It's difficult but worth it in a classic episode of SG Explained
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The seemingly trivial Kallang Wave actually has mystery and history behind it and we take advantage of this National Day season to explore more about it!
Apologies for the technical difficulty early on in the episode - that's what happens when we use makeshift set-ups. If you want to contribute views and articles to our next episode on Racism - do drop us a message on our Facebook Page! We look forward to hearing from you!
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Our national sport could probably do a lot better but how do we reconcile the passion of our players with the lack of growth in the sport? We bring in special guest Justin Hui from Hougang United FC to talk to us about his journey and views on soccer in Singapore, including dealing with the difficult issues of career development and overseas teams.
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Get spooked early in July as we enter Season 2 in style with an episode about the ghosts and pontianaks of Singapore. What is culture without mythology, and Singapore has lots of that when it comes to tales of phantoms. From cemeteries to army camps, we explore them all in this episode!
In collaboration with Sudio: Get a 15% discount on some snazzy earphones at www.sudio.com/sg/earphones with the code "sgexplained"
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What happens when the explainers explain themselves? Rovik & Willie take a look back at the season past and some of their biggest learnings and highlights.
Also in collaboration with Sudio: Get a 15% discount on some snazzy earphones at www.sudio.com/sg/earphones with the code "sgexplained"
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Gifted vs Non-Gifted - what's the distinction? How is this controversial legacy of the hyper-meritocratic age functioning and what are its implications on the lives of citizens? All this and more in this episode!
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Did you know that the name Laksa has possible Persian origins? What about the turf wars between Katong laksa owners? We dive into the delicious story behind laksa in this short and sweet episode!
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Can you protest outside of Speaker's Corner? What does the Public Order Act actually aim to achieve? Will we get called up because we sat together and discussed the juicy material around protesting in Singapore? All of this and more in our latest episode!
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Have you always felt like public television had been too "nice"? Where was the risque and controversy? There's a reason for that - the Public Service Broadcast values, the IMDA's tool to encouraging certain forms of content in Singapore. We bring on special guest Janice Chiang, an online content creator to give us the juicy news!
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Watain, a black metal band, got banned in Singapore and the debate on the role of religion in Singapore re-emerged. We took a look at one of the foundations of religious harmony in Singapore - the Multi-Religious Harmony Act, and we found out some really interesting historical tidbits.
If you like what we do, please do leave us a review and share our content! We depend on loyal listeners like you to get more to be interested in uncovering layered narratives in Singapore.
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With special guest Martin Tan from The Majurity Trust, this week we explore hiring and recruitment in Singapore. Is it really fair and is it effective in finding the best person for the job? We tackle sacred cows such as meritocracy and we explore sticky issues like unconscious bias. Enjoy!
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You know those war stories your grandparents like to share? Most of them you won't believe, but Pukul Habis is an actual operation enacted by Malaysia and Indonesia not too far away from Singapore on our 26th National Day! NS Men of the day remember getting mobilized to defend their country. But what actually happened? We dive into it!
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If you grew up Singaporean, you're probably familiar with the adage cautioning you against wasting water. Water security is a big deal in Singapore and in our attempt to make sure we have it, we've also created one of our best innovations: NEWater. Join us as we dive into all the wet and wonderful knowledge in this episode!
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What does it mean to become a Singaporean? Are there pre-requisites such as being able to pass a Singlish test? On our larger quest to understand the heart of being Singaporean, we start with the citizenship application process - a good indicator of the mettle to be met to be one of us.
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If you've paid attention to the recent news, you would have noticed the commotion over Singapore and Malaysia's maritime borders! Sticking to our promise of slowing down the news, we took a step back and examined the history of our borders and where some of these ambiguities come from. There's a lot of new knowledge here, even for Rovik and Willie!
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You can't talk about being Singaporean without talking about Singlish. Did you know that there are different types of Singlish? Or that the government tried to wage a battle against it? We tackle all these and more in our special short episode of SG Explained!
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Is love lost in Singapore or is there a chance that dating is easier than it seems? We dig into the data and try to figure out what Singapore's dating scene is like - exploring everything from online dating to marriage rates. Who knows - you may learn how to maximize your chances from finding a partner as well.
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Did you know that the government operates the major gambling operations of Singapore? Or that more than half of Singaporeans have gambled at some point in their life? We dive into the stigmatized world of gambling in Singapore and discover how exactly 4D, TOTO and Horse Race Betting occurs. It was a risky bet, but it sure paid off!
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We have a new guest co-host today: Elliot Tan from Tree Potatoes! We speak about Parliamentary Elections, how you vote, what the GRC system is and why the opposition has a hard time getting into parliament. Real interesting stuff!
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Where does our money go?? The big questions on Singapore's mandatory savings plan and resultant controversial institution. What makes up the CPF, what options do we have with it and how are we so sure that we get good returns on it? These are the questions we answer in the episode.
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It seems like Section 377A has become a lightning rod for all kinds of issues of morality and inclusivity in Singapore. Yet, have we forgotten exactly what the letter of the law is and where it came from? We trace the story of 377A and how it made its way into our society, witnessing some of the developments along the way.
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Pirates, Kings and Empires. Sounds Singaporean? It should be because it's all part of our history! Join us as we dig into a rarely talked about part of our country's heritage and explore the pre-colonial story of Singapore!
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It's only Episode 2 and we thread into a territory close to every Singaporean's hearts: Salaries! What is the salary landscape in Singapore? How do Civil Servants get paid? And how does the Prime Minister get that $2.2 Million Salary? We delve into all these topics and more in this very juicy episode of SG Explained!
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Welcome to the pilot episode of SG Explained! In this episode, we discover the Public Housing environment in Singapore, tackling its interesting history (including an iconic fire), the quagmire of housing as an asset and the controversial stories surrounding living in public housing here.
The episode was recorded as an FB Live session so you may notice our conversation with our viewers. Join us in future recordings at our FB Page, especially if you have questions and thoughts on future topics.
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